A clear divide has opened between the contenders and also-rans of McIntyre Cup after Sunbury United’s outright win on Saturday blew out the margin between fourth and fifth.
St Anthony’s was no match for United and fell to an innings defeat after starting the day 150 runs behind on first innings.
The 10 points for United (fourth, 28) means it is now 10 clear of fifth-placed Wallan and sixth-placed Woodend (both 18).
Woodend fought hard in its second innings to stave off outright defeat against Sunbury. Sunbury’s lead at the top of the ladder is now only four points, on 46, from Riddell on 42, with Bacchus Marsh third on 30.
Having been skittled for 43 in the first innings, St Anthony’s fought for 49 overs in its second dig, but only Michael Yates (28) could make it past 20.
Leif Louwen-Skovdam took 4-34 to finish with match figures of 8-39, while James Huges took 3-11.
At Riddell, Daniel Fisk’s 119 gave the Bombers a five-wicket win against Bacchus Marsh.
The Bulls had the Bombers 3-18 chasing 150, but Hayden Castle (48) and Fisk (119) shared a 126-run stand for the fourth wicket that took Riddell to the brink of victory.
Matt Darby then scored 51no batting with Fisk, as Riddell reached 6-240 before stumps was called.
At Clarke Oval, Woodend made 186 in its second dig to stave off outright defeat against Sunbury.
Sunbury had declared at 86 ahead on the first innings. When Woodend fell to 7-85 on Saturday Sunbury appeared to be heading to an outright win.
But Luke Barker (76) batted with the tail to help Woodend to 186, setting Sunbury 101 late in the day.
Sunbury lost wickets early and went on to finish 5-48 at stumps.
In the weekend’s other match, Wallan (5-136) beat Romsey (109 & 7-111).
In B-grade, Diggers Rest Bulla Village claimed top spot as it shocked Gisborne in a 113-run win. The Burras made 9-195 the previous week and rolled Gisborne for just 82 in reply.
