Bacchus Marsh won’t have too many concerns leading up to day two of its Gisborne District Cricket Association clash against Wallan.
The Bulls have already secured first innings points, with a crushing performance on Saturday.
After being asked to bowl first, Bacchus Marsh blasted its way through the Wallan top order, leaving the home side in tatters at 6-45.
There was no letting up after the hot start, with Tom McColl taking apart the tail-enders and finalising the Wallan innings at just 76.
In reply, the Bulls had no trouble reaching the tiny target, bringing up their win for the loss of just one wicket.
But that didn’t stop the pain for Wallan.
Bacchus Marsh went on to smash 3-151 before stumps were called.
McColl was joined in the wickets by Rhys Watson, who claimed three scalps, and Mark Hooper, who finished with figures of 2-18.
Peter Lalor was the pick of the Bulls’ batsmen, with the opener making 85, while Cameron McKinley compiled 31.
When play resumes this weekend, Bacchus Marsh will continue its pursuit of outright victory.
The news wasn’t as good for the Bulls’ second XI, however. They’ll need to bat extremely well if they’re to topple St Anthony’s 275 from 70 overs at the weekend.
James Bailey, Tom Cotton and Thomas Wardell shared the wickets for the Bulls, finishing the innings with three each.
This result will have big implications for the B-grade ladder.
The second-placed St Anthonys is now looking to chase down top-of-the-table Rupertswood, while Bacchus Marsh could well overtake Macedon and move into fourth. Meanwhile, Diggers Rest Bulla is on the back foot after a poor batting performance at the weekend.
Diggers Rest Bulla was bowled out for 153 by Ashfield.
Nathan Anderson and John Donker proved to be the perfect combination for Ashfield’s bowlers.
Donker gave up just 18 runs from his 15 overs, while Anderson took five wickets.
In reply to the small target set by Diggers Rest Bulla, Ashfield got off to a positive start on Saturday and is 0-16 from seven overs.
That leaves Ashfield needing 138 runs to win, when play resumes this week.
