Woodend is hoping its win on Saturday against Gisborne will kick start its Gisborne and District Cricket Association McIntyre Cup season.
Last season’s minor premiers have had an up and down start to the season, with rain impacting several of its two-day clashes.
Woodend’s one-day form has been strong which it showed again on Saturday, as it inflicted Gisborne’s first loss of the season.
Woodend captain-coach Josh Eastley said they felt they had shown some good form in patches in what is proving to be a close competition.
“We had a good win in the T20 before Christmas and now a good win on Saturday.
“We’ve been happy with how we’ve gone in the one-dayers, but we’ve had three no results in the two-dayers.
“We’ve fifth on the ladder but equal second on wins. Some wins against quality sides will help.”
Gisborne won the toss on their home deck and sent Woodend in.
At 6-79 it looked like it was the right decision. Woodend recovered to make 9-206.
“It was a good win in the end,” Eastley said. “We were in a little trouble early on.
“My brother Daniel and Warren Else were able to put on a good partnership.
“Harry {Sheahan] was able to get some handy runs and we were able to put on a more than defendable score.”
Else top scored with 49, while Sheahan finished 24 not out. Reegan Scott took three wickets for the Dragons.
Eastley said he would have taken a score of 200 at the start of the day if it was offered to him
“Our bowling is one of our strengths,” he said.
“We were more than in the game. We took a couple of big wickets and put Gisborne under pressure that they couldn’t get out of.”
Woodend was able to get the key wicket of Riley Vernon for a golden duck but his brother and Dragons captain-coach Jarryd Vernon looked set for a big day.
Eastley said he made one mistake and they were able to capitalise and get him out for 44.
From there the Dragons struggled and were bowled out for 119.
Woodend shared the wickets with Thomas Robson taking three wickets and three other players taking two.
While now fifth on the ladder, Woodend has moved to the top of the one-day ladder.
Eastley said they would love to defend the one-day title they won last year, their focus was on bigger things.
“Our eyes are on the end of the season,” he said. “We will take every win and getting a win against a side like Gisborne is good, but you don’t win it in the middle of the year.
“You have to play good cricket.”
Woodend faces Rupertswood in the next round.
Rupo sits in sixth spot but is only eight points off Gisborne, which remains on top.
Eastley said it would be another good challenge.
In other results, Romsey beat Broadford, Rupertswood snuck home against Macedon and Sunbury United had a big win against Wallan.
