Ladder positions mattered little on Saturday, as the top three teams suffered losses in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association’s McIntyre Cup.
Woodend remains in touch with the top three sides after Saturday’s results, which included Woodend defeating second-placed Gisborne.
It was a tough day for the batsmen with Woodend’s skipper Adam Johnstone the only player to get going in his side’s total of 129. He made 54.
After taking four wickets last round, Warren Else took 5-25 to help bowl Gisborne out for 108.
Bacchus Marsh knocked off top side Sunbury with the highest score of the round in the top division.
The Bulls managed to make 8-191 from their 40 overs, with openers Mili Sepala (40 runs) and Ian Spiteri (44 runs) the best of the batsmen. Sunbury gave the target a push and was ahead of the necessary run rate, but the loss of wickets proved costly.
Sunbury was bowled out for 173. A career high of 73 not out from Steven Jenkin and 49 from Kel McInnes weren’t enough, with little support from anyone else.
Riddell did it with ease against Diggers Rest Bulla. The Burras struggled with the bat making just 127. Daniel Fisk took 3-31 and Jack Baker took 2-21 for the Bombers.
Bomber skipper Mick Allen again showed why he’s the best batsman in the competition, making an unbeaten 78.
In six innings so far this season, Allen averages 99.25, having hit two centuries and two 50s. He also has two 50s in T20 matches.
Brendan Alger chipped in with an unbeaten 39 in the Bombers’ total of 0-131. The Bombers still had 16 overs in hand.
In the other match, it was another one-sided affair, with Romsey making light work of Rupertswood. Rupertswood batsmen struggled to get going with Joshua Smith the only batsman to make more than 16. He made 36 in the side’s total of 84. Romsey didn’t waste any time getting the runs, with nearly half the overs remaining. Romsey finished on 1-86.
Despite the results, the top three remain unchanged with Sunbury on top ahead of Gisborne and Diggers Rest. Woodend sits fourth ahead of Bacchus Marsh, Romsey, Riddell and then Rupertswood.
The B-grade competition couldn’t get much closer with three teams separated by 0.27 points heading into the Christmas break.
Sunbury United slipped from first to third with a loss to Lancefield.
The Tigers made 5-122 off their overs with skipper Luke Barker making 54 not out. United was bowled out for 108. Wallan went to the top of the ladder with victory against Ashfield.
Macedon defeated East Sunbury to keep the pressure on the top three sides. Macedon is less then four points off top spot.
All GDCA cricket resumes on January 7.
