By Tara Murray
Romsey won a last-over thriller against Woodend in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association McIntyre Cup Premier Firsts.
Romsey needed all of its 40 overs to overcome Woodend’s score of 158.
They finished 6-159.
Romsey captain-coach Ben Way said it was good to get back on the winners’ list after a poor match the week before.
He said they were confident they could chase down the runs.
“We were pretty confident going out there to bat,” he said.
“We batted pretty well and kept our composure. It got down to the last over.
“It makes it exciting playing in those sorts of games. Woodend is always up there around finals.”
Chris Burkett top scored with 41 at the top of the order and Way made 35.
Earlier, Brett Warner top scored for Woodend with 38. Josh Eastley, at the top of the order, was the only other player to pass 20.
The win is Romsey’s second of the season, after a big first round win against Wallan.
Romsey has kept the same playing group as last year in its campaign to go at least one step further after making last year’s finals.
Way said while they were taking it one week at a time, they were also working towards a top two finish for a home final.
“We’re a bunch of local players,” he said.
“We want to improve on what we did last year and what Chris [Burkett] did the six seasons before that.”
“Hopefully at the end of the season we’ll be around the mark.”
They have recruited talented youngster Matthew Milne to add another local player to the mix.
Milne, who was the pick of the bowlers on Saturday taking four wickets, returns to the club from premier cricket.
He previously represented Vic Country at the national championships.
Way said Milne fits in perfectly with the group.
“He’s a talented individual and he will get better and better with the bat and the ball.
“He wasn’t getting the opportunities he would have liked and wanted to spent some time in the middle with his batting.
“He’s looking to enjoy his cricket and make plenty of runs and take plenty of wickets.”
The win is a bonus for Romsey, with just two matches with results.
Bacchus Marsh was the other winner on Saturday in the McIntyre Cup, defeating Sunbury United.
The Bulls made 6-210 off their overs, with Milinda Sepala (91) and James Lidgett (71) leading the way.
Damien Edwards took 4-28 for United.
United put up a good run chase, but fell short, finishing 9-187.
Mark Koutroubas top scored with 54.
Wallan looked on track for its first win of the season against Sunbury, before rain ended play.
Wallan was 2-30 in reply to Sunbury’s 133 when play was halted and the two teams had to settle for a draw.
Diggers Rest Bulla and Gisborne also did not get on the field.
IN OTHER GDCA NEWS
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/st-anthonys-innings-rained-out-but-draw-is-a-fitting-outcome/
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/lancefield-on-the-front-foot-despite-setbacks/
