By Tara Murray
Woodend finally got onto the pitch but it was a day to forget as it conceded first innings points to Bacchus Marsh in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association.
After a loss in round one, Woodend’s last four matches have ended in draws due to wet weather, leaving them without a win in the McIntyre Cup.
Facing Bacchus Marsh, which also doesn’t have a win on the board, this match is a must win for both sides.
It was the Bulls that came out on top, claiming first innings points to be in a good position at the end of day one in the first of the two-day matches.
Woodend playing coach Greg Matthews said it wasn’t an ideal performance to put in, after a number of weeks without a result.
“We have lost four games to weather which is a bit disappointing,“ he said. “We backed ourselves to be at least pretty close in all of those matches.
“We had several players out of our regular side on Saturday which didn’t help, particularly with the batting.
“We had a few younger players come in to see how they would go.”
Woodend was bowled out for just 82, with Nicholas Dugdale-Walker top scoring with 34.
Matthews said the lack of batting throughout the season so far had hurt them.
“Some of us haven’t batted all season, which leaves us a bit underdone,” he said.
“Bacchus Marsh bowled well, but our batting was not quite up to scratch.
“Our shot selection was not the best and it’s what got us.”
PHOTO GALLERY: Bacchus Marsh vs Woodend
Bacchus Marsh quickly made 3-99 before declaring and sending Woodend back in to face 12 overs at the end of the day.
They will resume at 0-34.
Matthews said they were focused on trying to get something out of the game.
“Both teams need to get as many points as they can,” he said.
“We’re trying to be positive and trying to get something out of it. We finished off getting a reasonable start [to the second innings]
“We want to bat some time and see where we get and you never know what will happen.
“We can hopefully get some time in the middle.”
With weather wrecking the first part of their season, Matthews said they need to step up for the rest of the season. They currently sit fifth, having got points in each of the four draws.
“It’s pretty important to get early wins in the one-dayers. Due to factors outside our control, every game is important from here on in.”
In other results, ladder leaders Gisborne are on track for an outright win against St Anthony’s.
Sitting undefeated, the Dragons bowled St Anthony’s out for 90. Mick Allen took 3-10 for the Dragons.
Gisborne was 1-173 in reply, with Jarryd Vernon and Tom Sanders both on 77 not out.
Star of the show on Saturday was Diggers Rest Bulla’s Indika Massalage against Sunbury United.
Massalage scored a club and competition record and 266 to help his side to 4-450 off their 80 overs.
Romsey is 1-46 in reply to Riddell’s 149 in the other match.
