Diggers Rest Bulla knows its finals hopes are in its own hands.
The Burras entered the current round of the Gisborne and District Cricket Association’s McIntyre Cup sitting fourth on the ladder and less than a point ahead of Bacchus Marsh.
And they are only a point and half behind third-placed Riddell.
After what was probably their most disappointing result of the season in the previous round, the Burras bounced back in a big way on Saturday.
Facing Rupertswood, the Burras bowled the opposition out for just 125.
Burras captain-coach Rhys Berry said the players knew they needed to regroup.
“The season was going down the drain if we didn’t win this round,” he said.
“It was nice day and Rupertswood’s ground is as quick as it’s ever been. They started well and were about 0-25.
“Once we got one wicket they kept rolling and couldn’t get any partnerships going. Darren [Quarrell] and Lindon [Dowsett] bowled really well.”
Quarrell and Dowsett took three wickets apiece.
Having bowled Rupertswood out for a low score, the bigger challenge for the Burras was to perform with the bat – something with which they have struggled at times this season.
They will resume at 2-61.
“Blake Robinson opened the batting and got a quick-fire 30 to get us going,” Berry said, “With such a low total, anything can happen.
“We’re pretty confident going into next week.”
Berry knows the Burras won’t be able take it easy next week, even if they get the runs early. Under the points system being used, every run and wicket is vital.
“The first aim is to get past their score,” he said. “Then we’ll look at what benefits us most – to keep batting all day or look at sending them back in to get wickets.
“If we keep winning we’ll play finals.”
As well as playing day two of their match against Rupertswood, the Burras will face Woodend in a one-dayer on Sunday.
In other matches, Bacchus Marsh put on 189 against second-placed Gisborne.
Alex Porter made 62.
In B grade, the Bulls are on track to knock off ladder leader Lancefield.
The Bulls’ 130 didn’t seem enough, but their bowlers did the job late on day one to have the Tigers in trouble at 5-27.
An unbeaten 145 to Paul Scott set up St Anthonys score of 272 against Macedon. Captain Cameron Clayton chipped in with 65.
