By Tara Murray
Sunbury United triumphed in the local derby against Sunbury in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association McIntyre Cup Premier Firsts.
In a must-win match for both sides, Sunbury United came back from a tough start with the bat to win the points.
Chasing Sunbury’s 165, United needed all of its batting depth to get the job done.
United finished 8-248, after being 6-74.
United coach Archie Dudderidge said they had confidence in their batsmen.
“We could turn our batting order upside down and I don’t think it would make much difference as everyone can bat,” he said.
“We just aimed to have wickets in hand at 5pm, being a hot day we thought that the runs would open up, which they did.”
Adam Billinghurst top-scored with 58, while Shaun Brown worked hard to get United in sight of the target, making 43.
Dudderidge said he was impressed by 14-year-old Brody Watts, who made 29 coming in at number 10.
“It was his second game for us, having played in the T20 and he took three wickets.
“He started the season in the thirds and bowled well and took wickets and it was the same in the seconds.
“He bowled well again [on Saturday] but we dropped a couple of catches off him.”
Jason McGann was the pick of the bowlers for the Roar, taking 5-73.
Dudderidge said they wanted to continue to bring through young players such as Watts.
The win keeps United in the running for a top-four spot. They sit just under 13 points behind fourth-placed Woodend.
The two sides meet each other over the next two weekends and Dudderidge said it would be a good test for them.
“They beat [second-placed] Gisborne on the weekend, which we didn’t want.
“It’s a must-win game for us and we need to beat them to have a shot at the top four.”
Woodend’s win against Gisborne was the side’s fifth in a row. Chasing 221, Woodend finished 8-222.
Skipper Warren Else top-scored with 74, while Brett Warner finished 60 not out. Jakson Knight took three wickets for the Dragons.
The Dragons had to play without skipper Jarryd Vernon, who needed hand surgery during the week after an incident at work.
Bacchus Marsh increased its lead at the top of the table, with a victory against Diggers Rest Bulla. After making 7-252, the Bulls bowled the Burras out for 100 in 38 overs.
Only two players reached 20 for the Burras, and Madushanka Ekanayaka took six wickets for the Bulls.
Meanwhile, Romsey and Wallan had the weekend free as they finished their game on last Sunday. Romsey stormed home with an outright win.
