By Tara Murray
Malmsbury returned to the winners’ list in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association Jensen Shield Sub District Firsts.
Two straight losses knocked the side from the top of the ladder, but they bounced back on Saturday against Lancefield in a one-dayer.
It was the Malmsbury bowlers who set the win up, restricting Lancefield to 8-145 from 40 overs.
Just two Tiger batsmen, Jarryd McGill (55) and Mark Caton (34) reached double figures, with scoring made difficult.
Tom Nelson was the pick of the bowlers, taking three wickets.
Malmsbury president Garry Nicholls said they were happy to restrict them to that total.
In the chase, Malmsbury lost two early wickets but had little trouble getting the runs, finishing 4-148.
“We ran them down in 32 overs, so in the end we got the runs quite easily,” Nicholls said.
Skipper Matthew Cox top scored with 40.
Nicholls welcomed the win as the two teams played out a tie earlier in the season.
The win keeps Malmsbury in the top four. They sit fourth, nine points behind first.
Nicholls said they were more than happy with where they were sitting considering they went up a grade in the off season.
“We got to finals last season but choked, which we have a habit of doing recently,” he said.
“We want to play at the highest level possible. If we make finals this year, we might give it a crack about going up again.”
Photo Gallery: Malmsbury vs Lancefield
The move up comes as the club plays in the GDCA for the second season after moving across from the Castlemaine and District Cricket Association.
Nicholls said there were no regrets about making the move and they were happy with the standard of cricket.
“When we voted to go, only three people didn’t want us to go,” he said.
“It’s a good comp and we’re playing against some good sides. It also gives us the chance to show off our turf wicket [the only one in the GDCA].
“It’s good for us, as it helps get us extra players.”
In good news for the club, renovation work at the ground is expected to start in the coming weeks. The club’s nets and fence will be replaced and there will be work done on the club rooms as well.
In other Jensen Shield matches, Macedon was too good for Rupertswood, Kyneton keeps the pressure on the top four with a win against Blackwood and St Anthonys beat Sunbury United.
In the Johnstone Shield, 15 wickets fell on day one between Riddell and Gisborne. Riddell is 4-46 in reply to Gisborne’s 75. Ashfield is 2-30 in reply to St Anthonys 199, while East Sunbury is 0-15 against Eynesbury Eagles.
Bacchus Marsh made 9-238 against Rupertswood.
MORE GDCA NEWS
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/st-anthonys-rue-lost-chances/
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/woodend-hits-solid-form/
