Everything has gone to plan so far for St Anthonys in Gisborne and District Cricket Association B grade.
After setting themselves up with a big pre-season, the Saints are delivering in the season proper.
A strong first-up win against Gisborne has been backed up over the past two weekends against Riddell.
Needing 224 for the win after Riddell scored 7-223 the previous weekend, the Saints had one massive partnership on Saturday that proved to be the difference.
While most of the middle and top order struggled, Nathan Dantonio and Wayne Turner, along with the tailenders, ensured the Saints got the job done taking the total to 299.
Dantanio made 136, while Turner chipped in with 69.
Saints captain-coach Cameron Clayton said a partnership like that was something the side had lacked last season.
“When you are chasing 200-plus it’s a decent total,” he said. “If you bat your overs and have wickets in hand, you can chase most totals.
“Nathan has shown glimpses in the practice matches and everything fell into place.
“He batted really well with Wayne. Their partnership was really handy.”
The win means the Saints are one of three teams to have won both their matches.
Clayton said that so far everything was falling into place for the Saints.
“Getting early wins are important, to get ahead,” he said.
“The guys we have picked up – Justin Siedlecki and Nathan – have taken wickets and made runs.
“We’ve had a couple of younger players coming in, too. Everything we set out to achieve on August 7 [in pre-season] has fallen into place.”
One of the younger players, Shaun McAndrew, has made his senior debut at the age of 14. Clayton said McAndrew was enjoying his opportunity.
“He worked really hard during the pre-season and didn’t miss a session,” he said. “He’s handled it really well and always has a smile on his face.”
The Saints have the chance to make it three from three when they play Ashfield, which has split its opening two games.
“You never know what you’ll get from Ashfield,” Clayton said. “We need to make sure we keep doing the basics.”
Eynesbury made it two from two with a big win against Ashfield. Defending a massive 7-394, the Eagles never looked in trouble, bowling Ashfield out for 189.
Tristan Francis was the pick of the bowlers, taking 3-29, as eight Eagles got the chance to roll their arms over.
In McIntyre Cup, Diggers Rest Bulla prevented Bacchus Marsh from claiming outright victory.
With the Bulls having already claimed first-innings points on day one of the match, the Bulls resumed at 2-81. They went on to make 8-282 declared, with skipper Ben Robertson scoring 120.
The Burras were 5-52 in their second innings when the game ended.
