Tara Murray
Romsey held its nerve again to claim a second straight win off the final ball of the game in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association McIntyre Cup.
After beating Gisborne by one run on Duckworth-Lewis Stern in the grand final rematch in round one, the Redbacks had another thriller against Sunbury United on Saturday.
The Redbacks needed two runs off the final ball of the game to claim the win.
It was finished with a Chris Burkett boundary.
Romsey captain-coach Ben Way said it had certainly been an interesting start to the season.
“It doesn’t happen that often,” he said of winning off the final ball. “Two in a row is pretty unbelievable.
“It’s a tough start to the season. Gisborne doesn’t get beaten too often and Sunbury has been in the top four every year the last few years.
“To get wins against these guys sets us up.”
The Bees won the toss and decided to bat, going on to make 5-232.
Captain Damien Edwards top scored with 108 at the top of the order.
Way said they slowly built their way into the game.
“In the beginning we weren’t at our best the first 30 overs,” he said. “It looked like they would get 270-280 midway through the innings.
“We did well the last 15 overs.”
Taylor Stevenson finished with three wickets for the Redbacks, while Way took the other two.
With a fast outfield, Way said they backed themselves in to chase down the runs.
He said they were in the game the whole time and it ultimately came down to the final ball, with Burkett and Way at the crease.
The Redbacks finished 4-235 to get the win.
“We needed two to win or one to draw,” Way said. “Chris scored a boundary to the off side to get the win.
“We were both knackered and were hoping we could hit a couple of fours. We were able to get a few runs to be able to hit the winning runs off the final ball.”
Way finished 71 not out off 52 balls and Burkett was 55 not out off 71 balls.
It was all single wicket takers for the Bees.
Romsey is one of two clubs to get two wins to start the season.
Way said wins like this could make a difference at the end of the season.
After two straight grand finals, the Redbacks have again got a similar side. Way said that everyone enjoys their cricket so they keep coming back.
In other results, Rupertswood overcame Broadford with Matt Twentyman scoring his second 100 in as many games, finishing 160 not out as they chased down 237.
Gisborne had a big win against Macedon. The Dragons made 7-210 before bowling the Cats out for 72.
Woodend is also on the board after being the Sunbury Kangaroos The Kangaroos were bowled out for 87 in reply to 160.
