By Tara Murray
The top four sides in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association McIntyre Cup all recorded big wins on Saturday.
Gisborne, Diggers Rest Bulla, Bacchus Marsh and Sunbury United all continued to show good form.
Gisborne remains undefeated after easily accounting Romsey.
Romsey struggled with the bat and were bowled out for 107.
Skipper Ben Way was the best of the batters with 37.
Mick Allen continued his good late season form with 4-11, while skipper Jarryd Vernon took 2-13 as the slower bowlers had an impact.
The Dragons lost a few early wickets but were able to get the job done, making 4-111. Vernon continued his good game, finishing 47 not out.
Diggers Rest Bulla returned to the winners’ list against St Anthony’s, after a last-up loss to Gisborne.
The Burras made 8-232 at nearly a run a ball. Indika Massalage top scored with 62, as four players reached at least 30.
Wayne Turner took four wickets for the Saints.
The Saints, who are looking to avoid relegation, were bowled out for 83. The Burras shared the wickets around, with three players taking two wickets each.
The Burras have already secured second spot and a home semi-final.
The fight for third and fourth spot is one of the two battles alive heading into the final round.
Currently, Bacchus Marsh sits in third spot, 1.40 points clear of Sunbury United.
The Bulls fell just short of claiming an outright win against Riddell.
Having managed to get a day’s play in and claim first innings points last week, unlike the other three matches, it opened up an opportunity for the Bulls to claim outright victory.
Bacchus Marsh batted on and made 4-217 with skipper James Lidgett finishing 122 not out. Lidgett has had an outstanding season, with six scores of 50 and more.
It gave the Bulls a lead of 129 on the first innings. Riddell finished 7-99 in its second innings, Heath Wadden top scoring with 31.
While Bacchus Marsh and Sunbury United fight over finals positions, Riddell needs a win in the final round if it has any chance of avoiding relegation.
The Bombers sit bottom, 4.40 points behind St Anthony’s.
Sunbury United had a big win against Woodend.
Sunbury made 208 with Will Pomorin top scoring with 70. Woodend was then bowled out for 148. Aaron Johnstone top scored with 44, while Austin Young took three wickets for United.
