By Tara Murray
Diggers Rest Bulla has delivered a strong batting performance in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association McIntyre Cup Premier Firsts.
Left to rue a poor match with the bat in the previous round against Sunbury United, the Burras are much more comfortable with the 200-plus total they amassed against Sunbury on Saturday.
Burras captain-coach Rasika Batepola said he was “very happy”.
The Burras made 9-222 off 70 overs with 10 overs lost due to the wet weather.
“It wasn’t the greatest start,” he said. “The middle order batted really well, which they hadn’t done the last couple of innings.
“It’s a big slow outfield and on a fast or medium ground, that’s about 280 runs.”
Upul Fernando top scored with 66, while Raveen Yasas (49), Sumanjan Fernando (42) and Kevin Barker (34) made solid contributions.
For Sunbury, Jason McGowan took four wickets for a second straight week.
Batepola said the Burras’ cause had been boosted by a focus on improving their teamwork.
He said that with so many new faces in the side, it had taken some time for them to gel.
“Red ball cricket is slightly different,” he said. “We’re tried to get the batting order settled down and we think we have a good order in this game.”
Batepola said the Burras were confident of being able to get the job done with the ball this Saturday.
Photo Gallery: Sunbury vs Diggers Rest Bulla
“Our bowling attack can defend that,” he said.
“We’ve got a good balance with the bowling attack. We’ve got lots of experience and they’ve been bowling well since day one.
“Hopefully, they will do it again this week.”
In other matches, Woodend has made hard work of its chase against Wallan.
After bowling Wallan out for 142, Woodend looked to be cruising at 0-60.
The Magpies then took 3-1 to get back into the game and Woodend was soon in further trouble at 8-109.
With Adam Johnstone having to leave early for work, Woodend would have conceded first innings points had it lost another wicket.
But it hung in there and will resume at
8-137.
Josh Eastley top scored for Woodend with 54 after Tom Robson took six wickets earlier in the day.
Romsey was bowled out with eight balls remaining in its innings against Bacchus Marsh.
There were a lot of contributions for Romsey, with seven players scoring 14 or better.
Captain-coach Ben Way was the pick of the batsmen with 57.
Bacchus Marsh will resume at 0-0 after facing two overs before stumps.
There was no play between Sunbury United and Gisborne.
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