Tara Murray
Sunbury United’s unbeaten run has come to an end in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association McIntyre Cup.
The team to beat this season, United fell short in its qualifying final against Bacchus Marsh on Saturday.
The Bulls made 6-196 from their overs, with the fourth wicket partnership between Thomas Wardell and David Dickinson the key.
Wardell made 88 not out off 90 balls, with four fours and three sixes.
United shared the wickets around with Rajitha Mendis, Zach Forster and Cooper Boyes taking two wickets each.
At 5-61, United had a lot of work ahead of themselves. They were able to push the game deep, but fell short making 9-186.
Senura Perera top scored with 37. Josh Calvitto took four wickets for the Bulls.
It wasn’t all bad news for United, which has a double chance.
The Bulls will face Romsey and United will play Gisborne this Saturday, with grand final spots on the line.
Romsey and Gisborne won through to the preliminary finals with convincing wins against Wallan and Diggers Rest Bulla respectively.
Romsey bowled Wallan out for just 89. Only two batters for the Magpies reached double figures with Ryan Bonner top scoring with 24.
Taylor Stevenson was the pick of the bowlers with 3-14 off six overs.
Despite losing Stevenson for a duck, Romsey had no troubles in chasing down the needed runs.
Romsey finished 1-90 in the 24th over. Chris Burkett top scored with 57 not out.
It was a similar story in the Gisborne and Diggers Rest Bulla match.
The Burras were bowled out for just 98. Nalaka De Silva was the only batter to reach double figures, making 48.
The opening bowling partnership did most of the damage.
Joshua McDonald took 5-14 off 8.2 overs, while Jay King took 3-9 off nine overs.
The Dragons openers made light work on the chase, finishing 0-99 in 17.1 overs. Mick Allen finished 66 not out off 49 balls.
