By Tara Murray
Woodend is primed for a strong run at a finals spot in Gisborne and District Cricket Association McIntyre Cup Premier Firsts.
After a slow start to the season, Woodend has won three out of its past four games to sit less then one per cent outside the top four.
Woodend bowler Greg Matthews said the momentum was heartening.
“We’re a bit more consistent with both the batting and bowling,” he said.
“Our batters have started to work their way into the season and are starting to hit some good form.
“We still need to keep winning and that’s the main message.
“Games against the top sides like Gisborne and the teams we’re competing for a finals spot with, we need to win those games.”
Matthews said the players were happy with how they were placed after day one of their match against Gisborne.
Second-placed Gisborne made 221, bowled out with an over remaining.
Jason Wilson top-scored for the Dragons with 72.
Michael Nalesnyik was the pick of the bowlers for Woodend with 4-71.
“We were pretty consistent and bowled in the right areas and executed the plan we wanted to,” Matthews said.
Photo Gallery: Gisborne vs Woodend
Woodend faced two overs at the end of the day, emerging unscathed, and will resume at 0-0.
Matthews said the side was fielding one of its strongest batting line-ups and confidence was high the target would be reached.
Last time the two teams met, back in round one, Woodend was bowled out for 84.
But Matthews said the team was in much better form.
“If we make about three runs an over and bat our overs out, I think we should win,” he said. “We’ll back our batters to do it.
“We’ve still got the full list in the sheds, so we just need to bat sensibly and with a positive intent.”
In other matches, Sunbury United has the slight edge in the derby with Sunbury.
Sunbury was bowled out for 165, Dylan Landt top-scoring with 48.
Leif Louwen-Skovdam took 6-36 for Sunbury United.
United faced 11 overs before stumps and will resume at 2-38.
Romsey has already claimed first-innings points against Wallan.
Romsey bowled Wallan out for 117 in just over 30 overs.
Romsey finished the day at 4-196.
Ladder leader Bacchus Marsh is in a prime position to add another win to its tally.
The Bulls made 7-252 against Diggers Rest Bulla, with Milinda Sepala and Alex Porter both making 74.
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