Romsey was the big winner in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association’s McIntyre Cup on a rain-affected day on Saturday.
While most cricket competitions called off play before the weekend because of predicted wet weather, the GDCA decided the second day of the round five matches would go ahead.
However on the day, only one top grade game went ahead, the remainig games were declared draws.
Romsey benefited from the decision to play, claiming its first win of the season against Sunbury United.
Romsey captain-coach Ben Way said he, like many others, didn’t think they would get any play on Saturday.
“I was expecting it to be called off,” he said.
“Their [United’s] captain shot me a text and we went and had a look at the ground. It was quite clear and the pitch was dry and the outfield was pretty good.
“There was drizzle throughout the day, but it wasn’t heavy enough to have the game called off.”
Romsey entered day two in the box seat, having made 7-266 on day one.
That score proved to be more than enough with United bowled out for 124. Josh Wallace top-scored for United.
Taylor Stevenson was the pick of the bowlers for Romsey, taking four wickets.
Way said Stevenson came on first change and then bowled for the rest of the day.
Way said they were relieved to have that first McIntyre Cup win on the board.
“We have been playing some good cricket,” he said. “Just some things haven’t worked out.
“We knew if we kept making runs, things would turn our way. We were playing consistent cricket without getting wins.
“There’s been a few plans we’ve worked on and how we execute them.”
The win moves Romsey from last to second last and caps off a couple of good weeks for the club. Romsey is through to the T20 competition finals after two wins in the pool rounds.
Way, who is in his first year in charge at Romsey, said he was enjoying the role.
After playing just three games across all formats last season, Way has played every game this season and is averaging 118 with the bat across all formats.
“It’s something different and something I’m really enjoying,” he said.
“You’re just not out there fielding, but you’re always thinking and I love that part of the game.”
With a win now on the board, Way is hoping more will start to flow. “We aren’t here to make up the numbers,” he said.
There was a little bit more action in the B-grade competition, but all matches ended in draws. Wallan and Eynesbury and Bacchus Marsh and Gisborne played to tea of their matches, before the games were called off.
