Burnside Springs United couldn’t have asked for much more on day one of its Victorian Turf Cricket Association Russell Pollock Shield clash. with Donnybrook on Saturday.
With top spot still on the line in the last two rounds, a win is important for both Burnside and Donnybrook in the top of the table clash.
It was Burnside that was on top after day one of the clash.
“Honestly, it was a really good day,” captain-coach Ashan Ranaweera said.
“It played out exactly had we wanted it to. We wanted to keep them to 140 and then see what the boys could do.
“I’m so proud of the boys and what we are doing.”
Burnside needed just 60 overs to bowl Donnybrook out for 140.
Shohan Rangika continued his good form with 5-32 off his overs.
Burnside will resume at 2-31 on day two of the match.
Ranaweera said while disappointed to lose two late wickets it was something that happened with pressure late on the day one with not many overs to face.
He said they backed their batters in on day two to get the job done this Saturday.
Ranaweera said they had seen this match as the big one heading into the final series.
A win against Donnybrook would put it 10 points ahead of Donnybrook and at least seven ahead Roxburgh Park, to go one step closer to sealing top spot.
He said things were going well across the whole club.
“The players are the difference,” he said.
“They are doing a lot of hard work and we are on top of the ladder in our firsts, seconds and thirds.
“We didn’t plan anything in particular.
“We started with a plan and stuck with the plan all the way through to the end
“They are all training hard.”
Burnside’s form has also transpired into the T20 competition.
Burnside will play in the semi finals on Tuesday night against Glenroy for a spot in the group B grand final.
Ranaweera said ti was exciting for the playing group as its the first time they’ve got to finals in the turf T20 competition.
“Who knows what we will happen,” he said. “You can’t tell how it will exactly go.
“We’re excited for it.”
Elsewhere in the Russell Pollock Shield, Melton Centrals are in trouble against St Andrew’s Footscray.
Centrals were bowled out for 119 in the 48th over.
Captain Warren Haffenden top scored with 31 not out.
The Saints will resume at 3-67.
In senior division, Sydenham-Hillside has already conceded first innings points against Deer Park while in the Roy Picone Shield, Caroline Springs made 7-304 against Melton South Royals.
