By Tara Murray
Top spot is on the line for St Anthonys in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association Johnstone Shield District Firsts.
In a top-of-the-table clash, the winner between St Anthonys and Rupertswood will lead the ladder into the final round of the season.
With the only other game between the two sides ending in a washout earlier in the season, it should be the best indication of how the two sides match up.
Saints captain-coach Cam Clayton said it was an important match.
“We want to cement top spot,” he said.
“It was a shame we didn’t get to finish the one-day game before Christmas and it’s a pretty even competition.
“We want to play tough cricket heading into finals and prepare for bigger things.”
Clayton said they were happy with their situation after day one against Rupertswood.
The Saints bowled Rupo out for 199 in the 68th over.
“At drinks they had the upper hand at 2-70,” Clayton said.
“After tea we took four quick wickets to turn the momentum. We did really well to restrict them to that score.”
Jason Orr was the pick of the bowlers, with 3-25 off nine overs. Warren Haffenden and Robert Strugnell chipped in with two wickets each.
The Saints managed to get through four overs unscathed and were 0-10 at stumps.
John Jensen will resume at three not out, while Justin Craven is yet to score.
Photo Gallery: Rupertswood vs St Anthonys
Clayton said it wasn’t about getting runs on the board during those four overs.
“It didn’t matter how many runs that we had on the board, we just didn’t want to lose any wickets,” he said.
“We’re starting to click with the bat now. We’ve got a couple of guys down the order that we’d like to have a bit more of a bat and hit some form.”
Clayton is the division’s leading scorer and said he might move down the order to give those players an opportunity.
He said he knew he had to stand out this season.
It’s a big weekend all round for the Saints, with two other sides also playing in top-of-the-table matches with top spot on the line.
In other matches, Bacchus Marsh made 9-232 against Eynesbury Eagles.
Skipper Drew Closter top scored with 42 at the top of the order.
Brandon Shearson and Jason Tardrew took three wickets each for the Eagles.
Ashfield is in prime position to keep its finals hopes alive, after a strong day against Riddell. Ashfield will resume at 1-37 in reply to Riddell’s 168.
The East Sunbury and Gisborne game is evenly poised. The Thunder is 1-38 in reply to Gisborne’s 182.
MORE GDCA NEWS
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/bacchus-marsh-tunes-up-for-finals/
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/lancefield-keeps-hopes-alive/
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/bowlers-go-on-attack-for-sunbury-and-wallan/
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/rupertswood-st-anthonys-battle-for-top-spot/
