Sunbury United produced its best batting performance of the Gisborne and District Cricket Association’s McIntyre Cup season on Saturday against Gisborne.
Looking for its second win of the season, United found a groove with the bat and posted 9-304 off its overs.
The middle order did the damage for United, with Joshua Wallace leading the way making 94. He was well supported by Lance Watts (72) and Damien Edwards (61).
United president Chris Linton was thrilled to see a performance like that.
“It’s fantastic for the guys to get a score like that and especially against Gisborne, the reigning premiers,” he said.
“For Josh it would have been his first century in McIntyre Cup. He had a job to do, which he did and batted really well.
“We have to finish it off this week.”
Jay King battled hard for Gisborne, taking 5-91 off 23 overs.
Despite a good first day, Linton knows a win is anything but certain. The Dragons batsmen have been in good form in recent weeks.
“We definitely have to bowl really well,” he said.
“The ground was pretty quick yesterday so we have to make sure we bowl in the right areas.
“Leif [Louwen-Skovdam] has been bowling really well and we hope he can keep that up.”
Linton said they were slowly working into the season, after an interrupted pre-season.
He said they had managed to get several players back to the club, which had helped add extra depth.
United’s second XI made 400 plus at the weekend, with the average age of that side 25.
“We haven’t been consistent … We haven’t had the best start to the season and we’re a couple of games behind where we would like to be,” he said.
“We had a few guys retire the last couple of years and got a few other players back.
“David Edwards came back on board last year after two years in England. Steven Fogarty played at Diggers Rest last season and has returned.
“It’s great to have Paul Newton back and Peter Jaeger has returned after a couple of years out.”
Having returned to McIntyre Cup this season, with the division expanding from eight to 10 teams, United is focused on ensuring it stays in the top division.
“We just want to play the best cricket we can and maybe that will mean playing finals.”
In other matches, Riddell is well on its way to victory against Rupertswood. The Bombers are 1-66 needing 95 for the win. Daniel Fisk took 4-7 for the Bombers.
Bacchus Marsh has set Lancefield a big run chase, having made 8-345. Romsey made 9-275 against Sunbury with skipper Ben Way making an unbeaten 175. Woodend and Diggers Rest will play a one-dayer, after play was unable to get under way on Sunday.
