Woodend overcame a frustrating 10th- wicket partnership from Rupertswood to secure its third win in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association’s McIntyre Cup competition.
An easy Woodend win looked on the cards with Rupertswood in trouble at 9-146, still well behind Woodend’s 9-286. The last pairing of Lachlan McLean and Aaron Forward put up a fight to get Rupertswood to within striking distance.
But while still needing more than a run a ball, Forward was run out for 31, leaving Rupertswood at 251, still 36 short.
Woodend playing coach Michael Nalesnyik said that when bowling to the last-wicket pair the side stopped doing what it had done earlier in the innings.
“They put up a really good fight and it came pretty close. There probably was some luck; they were running out of overs so they needed to get runs. Their number nine [McLean] batted really well and we didn’t look like getting him out.”
McLean finished 75 not out for Rupertswood, while Nalesnyik, in his first season at Woodend, was best of its bowlers with five wickets.
Woodend is one of three teams with three wins, two losses and a draw in what’s turning out to be a close competition.
“I’m very proud with how they’ve been going about it,” Nalesnyik said. “We haven’t been bowled out this season and the last two weeks we’ve bowled really well except for the end on Saturday.”
The standout for Woodend so far this season has been Warren Else, who is averaging 63 with the bat. He has also taken four wickets.
“He has been brilliant the last few games,” Nalesnyik said.
“If we don’t lose to many wickets for tea, it’s really good for the team and Warren seems to get going them.
“We can’t rely on him every week, so our top order needs to make sure they’re supporting him.”
Elsewhere, Sunbury maintains top spot after a win against Romsey. Having already secured first innings points, Gisborne, led by Beau Valka with 124, batted on to make 9-320 against Riddell. Diggers Rest Bulla beat Bacchus Marsh in the other match.
