It was a day for the bowlers with the match between Sunbury and Bellbridge evenly poised after day one in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association division 5.
It was a day that was full of twists and turns as 15 wickets fell and both teams had their moments. Sunbury was happy early in the day after bowling Bellbridge out for just 84 in the 58th over.
Michael Treweek and Jason McGann did all the damage, taking five wickets each.
Sunbury coach Craig Ballinger said their bowling group, which has been a strength all season, again stood strong.
“We were happy with where we were at,” he said. “They chose to bat, but we thought there was something in the wicket.
The guys did what we had wanted them to do.
“We were happy with that position.”
The Roar had to face 19 overs at the end of the day and had hoped to get off to a good start in the run chase. It was less than ideal start, with the Roar struggling at 5-40 at stumps.
“There’s a bit of work to be done,” Ballinger said.
“We lost a few quick wickets and it put a bit of pressure on.
“The wicket was playing some tricks and some popped up in the later part of the day.
“It didn’t flatten out like we thought it would.”
Ballinger made 26 before being the fifth man out.
He said they were still confident they could get the runs. Jay King (four not out) and Jason McGowan (yet to score) will resume the chase next week. “Our strength is that we bat all the way through to number 11,” he said.
“While it might look like guys like Jason and Jay are a couple of night watchmen, but they could bat at six or seven quite easily.
“There’s plenty of talent in the shed. We need to get 47 runs and we’re confident that we can get the job done.”
A win would just about seal Sunbury’s finals spot with a round remaining. Ballinger said they weren’t seeing the game as a must win game, but one that they wanted to win.
“We have to win to take some winning form into finals,” he said.
“We’re not the only top side to struggle with the bat, so it’s important to hit some form.”
