Tara Murray
Bacchus Marsh wasn’t able to produce with the bat when it counted, knocked out of the Gisborne and District Cricket Association McIntyre Cup finals on the weekend.
Facing Sunbury United, which has found form with the bat in the last few weeks, the Bulls were up against it in the semi final.
United batted well again on Saturday, making 9-320 from its 80 overs.
Thomas Wardell was the pick of the bowlers for the Bulls, taking four wickets.
Bulls coach Paul Baker said it was a tough day in the field.
“It was a tough day,” he said.
“It’s not the best playing at Langama at the best of times, but it was really hard to ball from one end with a strong wind.
“Something would work for two or three overs and then fourth or fifth would get hit around on the small round and we would have to change things.”
The Bulls needed to start well with the bat but were into the middle order after slipping to 3-50.
Opener Brenton Payne provided stability at the crease, but there was little support.
The Bulls were bowled out for 202 in the 75th over.
Baker said their batting had been one of their issues throughout the season.
“It was a little disappointing,” he said. “We had to get off to a good start to get the run rate up.
“We didn’t fire. We needed more than just one player to go one with it to make a good chase of it.”
Payne scored his second first XI century of the season, making 104. Just two other players reached double figures.
Baker said the performance of Payne was one of the highlights of the season.
“He was a fast bowler,” he said. “He’s turned into a nice opening bat and good off spinner and we’re really pleased with his season.
“He’s been our best player this season.”
Sunbury United will face Romsey in the grand final. Baker said United is the form team of the competition.
Baker said overall the first XI season had been hit and miss, with some really good performances and some poor ones.
He said from a club perspective it had been a good season.
“We had three sides win premierships in the lower grades,” he said.
“Our twos didn’t make the grand final, but that side has been a win for us. Most of the side apart from one player is under-20.
“We’re pushing to get the kids up to the next level. Our age bracket is in the right window now in the first XI, 25-29.
“We’re starting to get into that good period. It will come, it will just take a little bit of time.”
Meanwhile in the Johnstone Shield, Macedon claimed the premiership, while Hanging Rock completed the undefeated season in the Jensen Shield.
