By Tara Murray
Romsey has the upper hand after a bizarre day in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association McIntyre Cup.
While rain prevented play in most matches, Romsey made the most of early dry conditions against Woodend at Romsey Park.
With enough overs bowled before the rain set in, the match will be considered a two-day match, meaning much needed bonus points will be on the line next week.
Romsey president Michael Richardson said it was a weird day for cricket
“It was really steamy and hot early on and it didn’t rain until about 3.30pm and then it was torrential rain after that,” he said.
“We had both ovals going until then, while our seconds were playing in the Melton area and it was raining right from the start.”
With both Romsey and Woodend sitting outside the top four and the top four sides facing each other, a win is important in the context of both team’s seasons.
Romsey is on top after day one, with Woodend 6-84 after 34 overs. Richardson said they were in a good position, but couldn’t take Woodend lightly.
“They still have Warren Else and Jack Thorsen at the crease and both can whack a ball.
“Both sides need a win and can’t afford a draw.”
Taylor Stevenson was the pick of the bowlers and has three wickets for Romsey.
Richardson said their focus was on winning their remaining three matches to sneak into the top four and play finals. He said they would be disappointed if they didn’t make them.
“We don’t have a choice, we have to win every Romsey in a strong position game,” he said.
“We’ve been a little bit disappointing this season, our bowling has been the issue. Our season was going okay until last week, when we were outplayed by Sunbury United.”
Richardson said their second XI and third XI sides were in a similar position to their top side, needing to win and hope results go their way to play finals. He said they were thrilled with how that side was going, with the majority of the team 17-year-olds.
“Hopefully they’ll be pushing for spots in the ones next year.” Just three other matches across all the grades had enough overs bowled to constitute a day’s play.
One of them involved Romsey’s third side, which was also playing at Romsey Park. Sixth placed Romsey is 5-114 against Kyneton.
In the McIntyre Cup, fourth placed Bacchus Marsh had a steady start against third placed Sunbury United. The Bulls made 1-43 as they had to come off the ground twice due to rain. The second time after 18.3 overs would result in them staying off for the rest of the day.
Kasun Suriaratchie is unbeaten on 32, with skipper James Lidgett yet to score.
There was no action in the top of the table clash between Gisborne and Diggers Rest Bulla.
Riddell had St Anthony’s 3-45 in the bottom of the table match, but with not enough overs bowled the match will be a one-dayer.
