Tara Murray
Just 267 runs stand between the Sunbury Kangaroos and their first ever Gisborne and District Cricket Association McIntyre Cup final series.
The Kangaroos entered the round on Saturday in fourth spot, with Woodend hot on their heels in the fight for the last finals spot.
The Kangaroos challenge in the final round isn’t any easy one, facing third placed Sunbury United in a two-day clash
After day one, Kangaroos coach Graeme Bennett was reasonably happy with the position the side finds themselves in.
“We did well to peg them back,” he said. “They were 1-150 at tea and boys dug deep and picked up.
“We found some extra wickets after tea. To keep them to 260 was good considering where they were.”
United finished its 80 overs at 9-266. Damien Edwards and Steve Fogarty top scored with 75-apiece.
Michael Fox picked up four wickets for the Kangaroos and Jas King got three, all after tea.
Bennett said they were confident in being able to chase down the runs this Saturday.
“Our batting has been our strength all season,” he said. “Corey [Woolley] got 100 in the last game and Jas King 100 in the game before that
“Dylan [Caruana] made 80 odd in the last game as well. The talent is there to make the runs, it’s about turning up and doing it.”
For the Kangaroos to even be in finals consideration is massive for the club, The Kangaroos are one of the smallest clubs in the competition.
Bennett says they’re aware of what it means to the club to be in this situation.
“The club has never played McIntyre Cup finals before,” he said. “To be on the cusp of playing finals is massive.
“We’ve got a few young kids in Corey and Dylan standing up and we’re having success on the field.
“It’s not just one or two people getting the job done.”
A win against United could result in the Kangaroos finishing in third spot which would be another plus for the club.
In other matches, Woodend made 9-268 against Gisborne as it tries to keep its finals hopes alive.
Harry Lawson top scored for Woodend with 83, while Riley Vernon was the pick of the bowlers for the Dragons with three.
Romsey is on top against Diggers Rest Bulla in their clash.
The Redbacks are still a chance to finish top, are 1-70 in reply to the Burras 222.
Jake Reid top scored with 76 for the Burras, who will be relegated no matter the result.
Jed Richardson (42 not out) and Matthew Milne (26 not out) will resume on day two.
Macedon is on top against Rupertswood as it aims to finish its season on a high.
Rupo was bowled out for just 134 with Max Sen Dryver and Tim Berzins taking three wickets each.
The Cats will resume at 1-76.
