Tara Murray
Sunbury will be hoping its bowling attack is at its best this Saturday as it tries to keep its finals hopes alive in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association division 3.
For a second straight round since the return of two-day cricket, the Roar has been bowled out on day one of the match, for a below par score.
On Saturday, it was against second-placed Grand United. The Gorillas, who made last season’s grand final series, have sat on top for most of the season.
The Roar started its inning solidly, getting to 27 without losing a wicket.
The wickets then started to fall. The side would go from 3-84 to 8-96 as the middle order collapsed.
The Roar was eventually bowled out for 125 in the 64th over. Paul Webber top scored with 20.
Roar president Brendan Doyle said they had expected a bit bigger total on the board.
“Obviously a few players got starts,” he said.
“I was told by the opposition president that it was a bit of a road, so I expected to get a few higher scores.
“It was a bit disappointing with the bat.”
Not for the first time in recent seasons, the Roar bowling attack has kept them in the game.
The Gorillas finished the day at 4-36 off 12 overs.
Doyle said obviously there was a bit in the pitch considering the amount of wickets that fell.
Jason McGann took 2-8 off his five overs to be the pick of the bowlers in that short stint.
Doyle said they expected nothing less of McGann who had won his side a number of matches over the years.
Doyle said they were still confident that they could come away with the points.
“It’s the first time we’ve met them this year and we have them four down,” he said. “They are top for a reason.
“We have faith in our bowling attack and are quite hopeful to get the six wickets we need.”
A win is important for the Roar and its finals hopes. The side sits in fifth spot, nine points outside the top four.
Doyle said they just have to keep winning.
“Our destiny is in our own hands,” he said. “We can not rely on other results. If Saturday’s game goes our way we have a favourable draw.
“We have to win our next three games to get into the finals.”
Doyle said things were going well across the club. The second XI has already claimed first innings points in their two-day match.
The club’s inaugural under-18 turf side sits second on the ladder, with plenty of interest to play in the side, not only from Sunbury.
