Sunbury finally found some form with the bat in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association’s McIntyre Cup.
Despite sitting top of the ladder, Sunbury has struggled with the bat, failing to pass 180 in the first six rounds.
On Saturday, it was a different story against Rupertswood, with key batsmen finding the middle of the bat. Four players made at least 60, as Sunbury posted a massive total of 320.
Earlier, though, they were in trouble at 2-30.
Sunbury playing coach Justin Nelson said they had spoken about the batting issues plaguing the senior sides during the week.
“I put it on the boys during the week they need to bat out the whole 80 overs. It’s been our downfall across the whole club.
“We seemed to place a higher value on our wickets. We had a couple of blokes make 50s early in the season, but they hadn’t had much success. We had four blokes dig in on Saturday and make 50s.”
Skipper Jason McGann top-scored, making 80, while Paul Webber made 67, Max Scott 65 and Nelson chipped in with 60.
The match was Webber’s first top side match of the season. Nelson said his inclusion added much needed experience in the middle order.
David McDonald was the best of the bowlers for Rupertswood, taking four wickets.
The massive score puts Sunbury on track for its fifth win of the season and holds its top spot.
Nelson said he was hoping this batting performance would be a sign of things to come. There’s still improvement to be had, with only five players reaching double figures.
“Bowling has been our strength and the bowlers have got us over the line,” he said.
“You would like to think you don’t lose too many games when you make 320.
“It’s always important to get early wins, otherwise it can bite you on the bum before Christmas.”
The improved batting wasn’t just in the top side, with Sam Fisher carrying his bat for an unbeaten 116 in the C-grade competition.
In other McIntyre matches, Riddell is on track for victory against Bacchus Marsh after bowling the Bulls out for 112. Heath Wadden took 3-10 off 8.2 overs for the Bombers.
The Bombers resume at 2-36. Madushanka Ekanayaka has both wickets for the Bulls.
Gisborne made 9-256 against Romsey, Jason Wilson made 57 and Jakson Knight made 55.
Meanwhile, Diggers Rest Bulla made 9-197 in its crucial match against Woodend. Steven Fogarty top-scored with 48.
