By Tara Murray
A poor batting performance has Sunbury United on the back foot against Diggers Rest Bulla in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association McIntyre Cup premier firsts.
United has been one of the better batting teams in the one-day matches, but couldn’t recreate that form on Saturday.
United lost two early wickets and was soon in trouble at 5-49. The wickets continued to fall and United was soon out for 93.
Ryan Billinghurst top scored with 21.
United coach Archie Dudderidge said with a slow outfield, the runs were worth a few more than what it showed on the scoreboard.
“There weren’t too many boundaries hit.
“Adam [Dudderidge] our captain, was looking good and got run out,” Dudderidge said. “We couldn’t steady the ship after two early wickets.”
Kevin Barker and Anushka Thanthiri took two wickets apiece for the Burras.
United kept itself in the game, having the Burras in trouble at 4-34. The Burras were 4-45 at stumps. Raveen Yasas is unbeaten on 25 in his first game for the club.
Dudderidge said had they taken a catch on the second last ball of the day, things would have been even closer at stumps.
“It would have made things more interesting,” he said. “The game is still evenly poised, but it’s in their favour.
“You never know. Last week Diggers Rest were 1-90 and then all out for 130. Hopefully they have another big collapse.”
Photo Gallery: Diggers Rest Bulla vs Sunbury United
It was an emotional day for Gisborne in its match against Wallan.
Clare Waites, the wife of coach Glenn, died on Friday following a battle with stage four neuroendocrine small cell cancer.
Clare would have been proud of the performance of the Dragons, as they claimed first innings points. Wallan was bowled out for 100, with Recordo Gordon taking 6-42.
The Dragons finished day one at 6-124.
Jakson Knight top scored with 45.
Sunbury produced its best batting performance of the season against Romsey.
Dylan Landt made 81 as Sunbury put on 242, bowled out in the third last over.
Bacchus Marsh’s good form continued with another dominant performance with the bat, this time against Woodend.
Bacchus Marsh made 9-375 from its overs, with Milinda Sepala making 183.
It was a tough toil for the Woodend bowlers. Warren Else took 4-113 off 22 overs. Tom Robson took 3-83.
MORE GDCA NEWS
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/st-anthonys-puts-the-score-on-the-board/
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/tough-battle-for-riddell/
