Diggers Rest Bulla has returned to the top two of Gisborne and District Cricket Association’s McIntyre Cup, posting a strong win over Bacchus Marsh on Saturday.
After a tough end to 2016, the Burras were positive with the bat, which got results on the scoreboard.
Blake Robinson was gone early, but Steven Fogarty went on the attack during a short stay for 17. At 2-24, it could have gone either way, with the Burras already struggling with the bat this season.
But a 131-run partnership between Lindon Dowsett and Ryan Peters put the Burras right, with a total of 6-178. For both men, it was their first half-century of the season. Dowsett made 81 and Peters made 51.
Madushanka Ekanayaka and Dennis O’Loughlin took two wickets each for the Bulls, but the batting line-up let the side down. The Bulls made it to 36, losing just one wicket, but all went downhill from there and they were bowled out for 118, the opening partnership the biggest of their match. O’Loughlin was the Bulls’ best batsman, making 23.
Burras’ bowlers Sean Morris and Matthew Bulluss took seven wickets. Morris bowled tightly for his 4-14 off eight overs.
The win puts last season’s grand finalists ahead of Gisborne in second spot, while the Bulls are sixth on the ladder, less than three points outside the top four.
In other results, ladder-leaders Sunbury defeated Romsey, Riddell won its third straight game, defeating Gisborne, while bottom side Rupertswood recorded its third win of the season with victory over Woodend.
In the B-grade competition, St Anthonys claimed the scalp of ladder-leaders Sunbury United.
United batted well, managing nearly a run a ball for their total of 2-221, captain-coach Steve Grey making 110 off 120 balls in an innings that included 11 fours and three sixes.
Jason Orr and John Jensen took the wickets for St Anthonys. The Saints found the same momentum with the bat as United and the run rate didn’t prove an issue.
The Saints ended at 6-222, making the runs with three overs to spare.
The win puts the Saints sixth on the ladder, nearly 16 points outside the top four, while Sunbury United fell to third.
In other results, Bacchus Marsh maintained fourth spot with an easy win against East Sunbury.
Wallan moved to the top of the ladder with its victory over Macedon, while Lancefield defeated Ashfield.
In C-grade, Blackwood lost to Woodend.
