By Tara Murray
Bacchus Marsh hasn’t hit its straps yet, but remains undefeated after two rounds of the Gisborne and District Cricket Association McIntyre Cup Premier Firsts competition.
The Bulls weren’t at their best on Saturday against Sunbury, but were able to get the job done.
After electing to bat, the Bulls made 156 from their overs in an up-and-down innings.
Bulls captain-coach James Lidgett said after the game he thought the score was below par on that pitch.
Youngster Daniel Lalor led the way for the Bulls, making 55 – his second 50 in as many matches.
Lidgett was full of praise for Lalor.
“He is incredible,” he said. “I’ve coached him through the pathways for a little bit. His improvement in the last few years has been insane.
“He’s a pretty smart cricketer … he can address the situation and play accordingly.”
While not 100 per cent happy with the batting performance, Lidgett was confident about his side’s chances with the ball.
He was right, with the Bulls bowling Sunbury out for 129.
Madushanka Ekanayaka, last season’s leading wicket taker, took 4-16, while Ian Spiteri snared three wickets.
Lidgett said that this season, the club had more bowling depth across the grades.
“It’s not something we focused on, but we’ve had players coming back to the club so we’ve had a bit of luck,” he said.
“The extra depth has added some more quality at the club and it improves everyone with competition for spots.”
Lidgett said the first XI wasn’t yet at full strength, hampered by a few injuries, but that the players were confident they could win any game as long as they played their own style of cricket.
The club’s off season inclusions include James Bailey and Milinda Sepala, who played at the club two seasons ago.
The Bulls entered the season as one of the favourites, having retained most of their premiership side, but Lidgett said they weren’t going to get ahead of themselves.
“We want to try and make finals,” he said. “We’re not quite hitting our straps yet, but if we keep putting in that effort … we don’t want to look too far ahead. There’s still a lot of cricket to be played.”
The Bulls will this week face Sunbury United, which lost to Woodend in a high-scoring game.
United made 2-227 from its overs, which Woodend made with ease, finishing 0-228.
Josh Eastley was unbeaten on 142.
Diggers Rest got its first win of the season, beating Wallan.
The Burras made 8-173 from their overs with Lindon Dowsett top scoring with 65 at the top of the order.
Wallan, in reply, made 126. Darren Quarrell took three wickets for the Burras.
Gisborne had no issues scoring a big win over Romsey. The Dragons bowled Romsey out for 93 before quickly getting to 2-96 to remain the other unbeaten team.
FOR MORE GDCA NEWS
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/on-the-road-to-rebuilding-for-eynesbury/
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/rupertswood-clips-eagles-wings/
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/still-plenty-to-roar-about-for-sunbury/
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/gisborne-now-two-for-two/
