By Oliver Lees
Finding consistency is the focus for Woodend as they head into the second half of the season in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association McIntrye Cup.
After eight rounds, Woodend sat in eighth spot with two wins, three draws and three losses.
Round seven and round eight of the GDCA were cancelled due to player shortages, as thousands across the state were forced into isolation due to the most recent wave of COVID-19.
In a statement GDCA president Rob McIntyre said the decision had been made in collaboration with the clubs.
Speaking before the round nine fixture against Romsey at Gilbert Gordon Oval, Woodend playing coach Greg Matthews said his side was almost back to full strength.
“I’m not sure how other clubs fared, but we had a few players who were unavailable,” he said.
“We would have had to bring players up because we had a couple out of our ones sides, and so that It impacts you further down the order.
“We’re definitely excited to get back out there.”
Matthews admitted Woodend had experienced an up and down start to its campaign in the GDCA’s top flight competition.
“I’m certainly pleased so far, we had a couple wins before Christmas, however we really want to start the second half of the season off well,” he said.
Woodend put in a dominant performance in its last game before the break, rolling Rupertswood for just 80 runs.
They easily chased that target without a loss of wicket as openers Marcus Stewart (33) and Harry Lawson (39) proved too strong for Rupo’s bowling attack.
That performance marked a dramatic turn around from Woodend’s match the week prior, where its batting order collapsed under the sustained attack of Sunbury United.
United, who sat on top of the table undefeated after eight rounds, held Woodend to score of 10/81 from 37 overs.
In similar fashion to Woodend’s triumph over Rupo, Sunbury chased the total with ease in the second innings. Steven Fogarty, 55 off 38 and Damien Edwards, 27 off 38 got the job done in just 13 overs.
“We didn’t really turn up that day,” Matthews said.
“Our best is good enough, we have the talent, but with the young team that we’ve got, consistency is always a challenge.”
Matthews said he’s been impressed with Harry Lawson’s contribution to the team, playing as opener in the batting and bowling.
Finn Hanegraaf was another player Matthews mentioned had stood up in some big moments.
In round four, Hanegraaf put together a gutsy knock of 50 not out from 53 that was crucial in lifting Woodend over the Sunbury Kangaroos.
A second innings 55 from opener Corey Woolley wasn’t enough for the Kangaroos to chase down Woodend’s 10/181. They finished 10/153.
After eight rounds Woodend has already matched its tally of two wins from last season.
Despite that, Matthews said his side won’t be pleased with anything short of a finals finish.
