Macedon’s batting woes continue as the side looks headed for defeat against St Anthonys in the Gisborne District Cricket Association B-grade competition.
Facing the top side, Macedon’s batsmen failed to stand up to the challenge with just three batsmen hitting double figures in the team’s 168-run total.
Opener Pat Trotta made 58, while Chris Axton (47) and Craig Pender (32 not out) could also hold their heads high.
Macedon’s Nick Dodd said the top order, with the exception of Trotta, failed to perform which set up a tough day.
Dodd said they needed at least 200 on the board at Arnolds Creek to set a competitive score against one of the in-form teams of the competition.
“The score wasn’t enough, but to get to even 168 was a good effort,” he said.
“Credit to St Anthonys and Cam Clayton, they were bowling in the right areas early on.
“Pat and Chris batted really well and got us to a somewhat competitive score, while Craig came in towards the end and did the best he could.
“The senior guys at the top of the order, including myself, didn’t put any pressure on at the start of the innings.”
St Anthonys faced 12 overs at the end of the day and made the most of them, making 1-73, going at a run a ball.
A loss on Saturday and a Kyneton win could mean Macedon falls to second bottom heading into the last round against finals hopeful Eynesbury.
Dodd said it had been a disappointing season, with the club’s T20 title the highlight.
He said one other positive was that some bowlers took advantage of their time in the top side to seal a spot.
“It’s the toughest season I’ve played in at my time at Macedon,” he said.
“We’ve been short on players and availability has hurt us. We haven’t had the players to put pressure on other guys for spots.
“The T20 win had one of our strongest teams … when players are available we can show we are more than competitive against anyone.
“We’re not out of the woods for relegation.”
In other games, there was some big scores put on the board.
Kyneton made 377 against Riddell on the back of a century from Andrew Ferres, while Wallan made 361 against finals hopeful East Sunbury. Scott O’Donnell made 150.
Ashfield made 187 against Bacchus Marsh, while Gisborne is 8-102 chasing Eynesbury’s 163.
