Tara Murray
A few tweaks have worked well for Bacchus Marsh as it starts to make its mark in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association McIntyre Cup.
After a slow start to the season, the Bulls have won their last four games and are sitting third on the ladder.
Bulls coach Paul Baker said they were happy how things were playing out.
“It’s been pretty good,” he said.
“We had a slow start and with the weather everyone was a bit flat as we weren’t playing every week.
“We had a really bad game our first game and it kicked us into gear.
“We made a few changes and the team is coming together well and we’re getting contributions across the board.”
The changes have worked with the Bulls finding some form with the bat and the ball.
On Saturday, it was with the bat the Bulls showed what they could do against Wallan.
The Bulls made 8-266 from their 80 overs.
Brenton Payne made his second century for the season and his first in the McIntyre Cup.
“Brenton came back to us to play full time last year,” Baker said. “He was a fast bowler who could bat a bit.
“He can’t bowl first any more because of his bat, so he’s now a batter and bowls spin. He’s made two 100s and he’s batted beautifully.
“He’s a good all rounder sportsperson.”
Tom Dickinson also had a day out, finishing 84 not out, with Baker saying he batted beautifully.
The runs come as the batting group starts to find some form. Skipper James Lidgett has been a key, with two 100s this season.
Baker said when Lidgett bats well it lifts his teammates
“James, we missed him last year as he was out with an achilles injury,” he said. “James’ batting sets the tone for others around him.
“He’s been a great inclusion.”
Baker said they were still a little unsure how scores stack up in two-day cricket having not played much on that format in recent years.
He said they were happy with the score and they would be able to build on that.
After the Magpies match, the Bulls face three of the big sides, Romsey, Gisborne and Diggers Rest Bulla.
Baker said they would have a fair indication of where they sit after those matches.
In other matches, Diggers Rest Bulla made 353 against the Sunbury Kangaroos with Ras Batepola making 103.
Woodend made 235 against Sunbury United with Xavier Tadd making 110. United is 1-15 in reply.
Rupertswood made 9-285 against East Sunbury, while Gisborne is 3-33 in reply to Romsey’s 134.
