Sunbury United produced one of the best performances coach Steve Grey has seen to defeat Wallan in Gisborne and District Cricket Association’s B-grade competition.
In the top of the table match against Wallan, the match was evenly placed at tea on day two.
Chasing 206, Wallan was 5-139 at tea with their best batsman Brenton Hanson at the crease and looking good.
United was without its best bowler, James Hughes,
What happened next showed Grey that the side is heading on the right track.
“It’s the best win I’ve seen in a long time,” he said. “Our bowling attack was very inexperienced and we had several younger players between 18 and 24 bowling.
“There’s things we’ve been working on like bowling in the right areas.
“To come out and take 5-20 after tea to get the win was excellent for the team.”
Wallan was all out for 159.
Kyle Fisher and Josh Wallace took four wickets each in the win.
Grey said the most pleasing thing this season for the side was a focus on having a more even contribution.
“In the past it’s been James getting the wickets and Ryan [Billinghurst] getting the runs. The next tier of players is stepping up. Everyone is playing their part.
“Lance Watts has stepped up as has Damien Edwards, Adam Billinghurst and Brett McDorman. We’ve not had a batsman score 200 runs this season, as it’s someone different each week.”
The win means United and Wallan switch positions, with United going to the top of the ladder, just under six points clear.
United plays Lancefield in a one-day clash on Saturday, the last game of the year before a break over Christmas.
Naturally, Grey is happy to be on the top of the ladder, but more importantly how they have got the wins.
“It’s always good to win early games,” he said. “We’re in a good position heading into Christmas.”
In other matches, it was disappointment for Ashfield on two fronts against East Sunbury.
Chasing the Thunder’s 301, Ashfield fell well short, finishing 8-212 off its overs.
Lancefield easily accounted for St Anthonys. Chasing 106, the Tigers made 276 with skipper Luke Barker making 102.
