By Tara Murray
Sunbury let slip the opportunity to claim an early scalp in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association McIntyre Cup Premier Firsts competition.
Facing reigning premiers Bacchus Marsh, the Roar took it up to the Bulls and had their chances, but in the end experience proved the difference and the Bulls won.
The Bulls made 156 before the Roar were bowled out for 129.
“We let one get away,” Roar captain-coach Brad Hunter said.
“The difference was the fielding and discipline in bowling extras. That was the only difference in the whole game.
“We had 12 extras and that’s 12 more balls and they win by 27. We should have got the runs and beaten them.”
Stephen Treweek had a solid all-round game, taking four wickets and making 23 runs.
Heath Boffey top scored for the Roar with 25 and also chipped in with three wickets.
Despite starting the season with two losses, Hunter said they were not concerned.
He said they were yet to field their strongest team and they would be better suited to the two-day format.
“While it’s been a tough start to the season, it’s where we wanted to be.
“We wanted to blood the young kids. We’ve got three blokes over 30, but the rest are still really young.
“We’ve put some of the older blokes back in the seconds and getting the younger ones in the firsts.”
Stephen and Lachlan Treweek and Dylan Landt are three of the younger players in Roar’s side.
And 17-year-old Mitchell Johnston, who has taken six wickets in the first two rounds, is pushing for a spot in the top side.
Hunter said that Johnston would likely come in at his expense.
“I haven’t taken a wicket, so there’s a fair chance I’m getting dropped,” Hunter said.
“Mitch is 17 and I’m 40-odd. It’s where we want to be with the youth and next generation.
“The younger blokes are more than capable of playing in McIntyre, we want them dominating in McIntyre in the coming years.”
Hunter said they would likely be close to their strongest side this season, with Craig Ballinger available in an added bonus.
In other results, Woodend responded to a poor round one batting performance with a dominant display against Sunbury United.
United made 4-227 off its overs with Adam Dudderidge scoring 91.
Woodend made 0-228 in reply, with seven overs remaining. Josh Eastley was 142 not out, Michael Nalesnyik was 81 not out.
Gisborne beat Romsey, while Diggers Rest Bulla was too good for Wallan.
FOR MORE GDCA NEWS
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/on-the-road-to-rebuilding-for-eynesbury/
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/unbeaten-bacchus-marsh-still-warming-up/
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/gisborne-now-two-for-two/
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/rupertswood-clips-eagles-wings/
