By Tara Murray
Woodend’s inability to bowl out a side has again hurt it in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association McIntyre Cup premier firsts.
Woodend is yet to bowl a side out this season and it was the case against Diggers Rest Bulla on Saturday.
The day started well for Woodend, as it made a more than respectable 7-192 against Diggers Rest Bulla.
Michael Nalesnyik top-scored with 62, while former captain Adam Johnstone made 50.
Woodend coach Greg Matthews said they had been happy with the score at the innings break.
But it didn’t prove anywhere near enough with the Burras reaching 4-194 with nearly nine overs remaining. Lindon Dowsett top-scored with 72.
Matthews said they weren’t able to back it up with the ball.
“We were lacking penetration with the ball,” he said.
“Diggers Rest were pretty consistent with the bat and batted really positively. They took advantage of the bad balls.”
Jamie Pettigrew and Warren Else took two wickets each for Woodend.
Matthews said they would work on their bowling during the week.
He said their opposition were proving to be more consistent across the whole game.
“In each of our games we haven’t been able to bowl them out,” he said.
“The ability to take 10 wickets is important. We’re not building partnerships and hitting the right spots consistently.
“We’re, myself included, not hitting the right spots for long enough.”
Woodend, which played in last season’s grand final, finds itself sitting sixth with a 1-3 record after four rounds.
Photo Gallery: Woodend vs Diggers Rest Bulla
This week it faces Sunbury, which is yet to win a match.
Matthews said they would have to keep working hard.
“We’ll continue to work hard at training. We play Sunbury this weekend and we’re hoping to get a win on the board and push forward and get a bit of momentum.”
Sunbury enters the match on the back of a big loss to Gisborne.
Gisborne made 5-227 with Sunbury falling well short, bowled out for 111.
Wallan also remains without a win, after losing to Bacchus Marsh.
The Magpies never looked likely, bowled out for just 64. Bacchus Marsh quickly made the runs, finishing 1-66.
Romsey won its third match of the season, beating Sunbury United. Chris Burkett continued his good form with 123, helping Romsey to 4-264.
Sunbury United was bowled out for 168.
In the B-grade competition, Riddell and Rupertswood remain the only undefeated teams.
Riddell easily defeated Eynesbury Eagles, while Rupertswood accounted for Gisborne.
Ashfield defeated East Sunbury in a well played game, while Bacchus Marsh upset St Anthonys.
FOR MORE GDCA NEWS
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/diggers-rest-bulla-cruises-to-victory/
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/ashfield-s-even-spread/
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/undermanned-riddell-no-match-for-golden-point/
