Tara Murray
Romsey’s batters have enjoyed getting time in the middle in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association McIntyre Cup.
Outside of a poor performance against Wallan, the Redbacks have been in control of their games and sit third heading into the Christmas break.
Redbacks captain-coach Ben Way said it had been a good start to the season for the side.
“Firstly we were happy to just get out and play after the first few weeks meant we were washed out,” he said.
“We had one hiccup against Wallan, otherwise we are pretty happy with where we are sitting.”
On Saturday, the Redbacks openers put on a show against the Sunbury Kangaroos.
Taylor Stevenson and Tim Dale put on a massive 250 for the opening partnership.
Dale made 167 in an innings which included 24 fours and four sixes.
The Redbacks eventually made 9-320 from their 45 overs.
For Way, who is one of the leading bats this season, it was nice to sit back and watch the show.
“It was a big day with the bat,” he said. “There was a massive opening partnership.
“What Tim did, in a one-day game, doesn’t happen too often.”
Way said the batters were starting to get some confidence the last few weeks and as a result were putting on some good scores.
He said the spread of runs across the top six was a key to helping them get wins, with several players hitting 50s or 100s.
Michael Fox was the star with the ball for the Kangaroos with six wickets, including a double hat-trick.
The Kangaroos were quickly in trouble at 4-23. While the middle order showed some resistance, they were restricted to 116.
Fox top scored with 41 as just two players hit double figures.
Chris Marienfeld took four wickets for the Redbacks.
Way said the break would give them a good opportunity to regroup and get ready to come back for a strong second half of the season.
The Redbacks sit in third spot, less than a point behind the second placed Sunbury United.
Way said they were focused on a a top two finish,
“Top two, that is the aim for the home and away season,” he said. “We’ve made finals and made a grand final last year, but we haven’t finished in the top two.
“It’s something we want to do and get home finals the first couple of weeks of finals.”
In other results on Saturday, Bacchus Marsh continued its good run of late, upsetting Sunbury United.
United made 9-197 from its overs, with the Bulls finishing 3-198 in reply. Nick Strangio top scored with 86.
Rupertswood got its second win of the season, beating Wallan.
The Magpies were bowled out for just 138 with Kyle Corcoran taking three wickets.
Rupo finished 4-139 in reply with Daniel Kavanagh top scoring with 44 not out.
Gisborne remains unbeaten after beating East Sunbury with Mick Allen and Riley Vernon contributing with both the bat and ball.
Diggers Rest Bulla beat Woodend in the other match convincingly.
