By Tara Murray
St Anthonys captain-coach Cam Clayton was left disappointed with his side’s batting performance in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association Johnstone Shield District Firsts.
After a disastrous two rounds of T20 matches, the Saints were keen to get back to form in the longer format.
But they were left thinking what might have been after day one against Ashfield.
The Saints were sent in and failed to see out the day, bowled out for 199 in 52.1 overs.
While the score is more than competitive, Clayton said it wasn’t what they were after.
“It didn’t go to plan,” he said. “It was a good day to bat and we lost bunches of wickets.
“We couldn’t build partnerships and it cost us runs and we only batted for 50 overs.
“We could have made 300 plus.”
Andrew Finn top-scored with 60, while Blair Sole made 51.
Photo Gallery: St Anthonys vs Ashfield
After being bowled out early, it meant Ashfield had 10 overs to bat before stumps.
It was a good period for the Saints as they picked up two wickets.
Ashfield will resume at 2-30.
Clayton said he was happy with how they bowled.
“We’ve got the runs on the board and having them 2-30 is a good start.
“If we bowl well, we’re in with a shot.”
Despite sitting on top, Clayton said they couldn’t take any side for granted.
Just over five points separates the top four sides, while fifth-placed Ashfield is still in the finals mix.
“It’s an even season and really anyone’s game and if you lose a game you’re fighting for spots,” he said.
He said the aim for the remaining rounds was consistency.
The Saints will have an extra hit-out next week, as they play in the Cricket Willow division 2 T20 final against Colts Phelans.
The finals see the top teams from the region play off against each other.
This year, the GDCA selected the teams that were on top of the McIntyre and Johnstone Shield ladders after the one-day matches to represent the association.
Bacchus Marsh, which is in division 1, is also through to the final having beaten Barkers Creek in the semi-finals on Sunday.
It sets up a clash in the final with Darley. It’s been more than 15 years since the teams played each other.
In other GDCA matches, a late order fightback gave Eynesbury Eagles a competitive total against East Sunbury.
The Eagles were in trouble at 7-57, but fought back to make 150.
The Thunder will resume at 0-15.
In the McIntyre Cup, ladder-leader Bacchus Marsh is in a prime position to add another win to its tally.
The Bulls made 7-252 against Diggers Rest Bulla.
MORE GDCA NEWS
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/malmsbury-bowlers-back-on-top/
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/woodend-hits-solid-form/
