By Tara Murray
St Anthonys had to settle for a draw as rain brought an early end to its match against Rupertswood in Gisborne and District Cricket Association’s Johnstone Shield Districts firsts.
The only Johnstone Shield match to get underway on Saturday was hit by a heavy downpour in the fifth over of the Saints’ innings. The players left the field and did not return.
Earlier, Rupo had made 8-165.
Saints captain-coach Cam Clayton said the Rupertswood score was about par, although at one stage it was 7-55.
“They were in trouble really early on,” he said. “The two guys who had the runs last week for Rupo were out for ducks, so it looked good for us.
“Myself and Warren Haffenden opened the bowling before John Jensen came on and got three wickets and Jason Orr got a couple. We thought that target was about right.”
Jensen was the pick of the bowlers, taking 3-25.
The Saints were 1-18 in their fifth over when the umpires called off the game.
Clayton said they were happy to come away with the draw.
“We fielded the last 40 minutes in the rain – the umpires kept us out there,” he said.
“They called it off in our innings. We were disappointed we didn’t get the chance to chase it down, but it could have backfired.
“We could have been given an hour to get the runs and could have been bowled out. We’re happy to get the draw.”
Clayton said they had been keen to test themselves against Rupertswood, with both sides entering the match undefeated.
Clayton said there was a buzz around the club as it looked to go one better than last season, when it finished runners-up in the then B-grade competition.
At one stage, the Saints were going to be promoted during the off season, but a number of changes meant they stayed in the same competition.
“The boys are still positive even though we didn’t go up,” Clayton said.
“We have the chance to win a flag and go up now.
“The vibe is still good.”
Clayton said the club expected its top four sides to be thereabouts come finals.
He said it was exciting for the club to have a fifth side, a father-and-son team, while their women’s side had improved rapidly.
Bacchus Marsh has moved three points clear on top of the McIntyre Cup ladder with a win against Sunbury United.
The Bulls made 6-210 off their overs, with Milinda Sepala (91) and James Lidgett (71) leading the way.
Damien Edwards took 4-28 for United.
United put up a good run chase, but fell short by finishing 9-187.
Mark Koutroubas top-scored with 54.
In other games, Romsey defeated Woodend.
Woodend made 158 with Brett Warner top-scoring with 38.
Romsey made 6-159 in reply, with Chris Burkett making 41 at the top of the order.
Wallan and Sunbury had to settle for a draw after rain stopped play, while Diggers Rest Bulla and Gisborne didn’t get on the field.
FOR MORE GDCA NEWS
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/romsey-picks-win/
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/lancefield-grabs-the-points-on-a-day-awash-with-draws/
