It turned out to be a longer pre-season than most for Bacchus Marsh in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association women’s league A-grade competition.
Forfeits, byes, weekends off and rain meant it took the Bulls until round five to complete their first match of the season.
Bulls coach Scott Whiteway said it was a bit of a relief to finally get out on the field.
“It’s certainly been frustrating,” he said. “The weather isn’t uncommon these days but with everything else on top it’s been a different season so far.
“The girls have been really keen to get out there and play.
“They’ve been training really well and for a lot of them it’s been a really long pre-season.”
Whiteway said the group had been really determined at training as they again wanted to be in the mix come the pointy end of the season.
The Bulls won their first premiership last season after making the grand final the season before.
Just keen to get out on the field, the Bulls were also able to cap it off with a win against Gisborne which went into the match undefeated in round five.
“It was a good reward for the training,” he said. “The main thing was that we wanted to get the season started.
“I guess it’s really important to get the win, that was a really pleasing thing.
“We put a good score on the board. We’ve still got a bit of work to do with the bowling.”
The Bulls big off season signing Kim Bessell started strongly with 50, as did Sara Drew.
Bessell, who has previously won the competition’s best player medal, is one of the best batters in the competition.
Whiteway said he didn’t have to do much talking to get her to cross from Darley.
“Kim is pretty destructive with the bat and it’s really good to have her.
“She played so freely and was having fun.
“She has had a lot of friendships over the years from rep cricket. Kim was keen to come down and play with some of the girls she knows.
“I didn’t have to do much and the girls took care of that.”
Whiteway said after premiership success last season the girls were really keen to back it up from last year.
“We want to have another crack at it.”
Bacchus Marsh played Wallan on Sunday and made it two wins in a row.
The Magpies made 4-136 with Bessell taking three wickets for the Bulls.
The Bulls top order then got the job done, finishing 1-140. Sarah Bamford top scored with 52 not out.
Whiteway said with the changes to the competition, with it split in two, there were no easy matches.
