Diggers Rest Bulla’s hold on top spot on the Gisborne District Cricket Association ladder has been loosened following a loss to second-placed Riddell on Saturday.
After bowling first on day one, it appeared as though Diggers Rest’s winning ways would continue on the back of five wickets to Darren Quarrell. The opening bowler’s efforts helped remove Riddell for just 115.
But even that proved too much for Diggers, skittled for a disappointing 72 in the 50th over.
Riddell speedster Cameron Moran was the standout for the bowling side, taking 4-20 from 15 tight overs. Diggers Rest and Riddell are now both on 74 points with Bulla holding on to first place by just 0.24 points. The pressure will be on Diggers Rest to remain in top spot this week when it takes on third-placed Woodend.
In B-grade, St Anthonys is no longer perfect having suffered its first loss of the season on Saturday to fourth-placed Lancefield.
Lancefield was sent into bat on day one, and Luke Barker made the bowlers pay, the middle-order batsman hitting 109 to lift his side to 243. The target was too much for the Saints, bowled out for 168 in 66 overs. Glenn Caton had the best figures for Lancefield: 3-35.
Despite the loss, St Anthonys keeps a strong hold on top spot. The Saints are nine points clear of second-placed Rupertswood and all but assured of hosting a home final.
Lancefield’s win also dealt a blow to Bacchus Marsh’s finals aspirations. After losing to Macedon at the weekend, the Bulls saw Lancefield move six points ahead of them and take over fourth place on the table.
In what will be a huge clash this week, Bacchus Marsh and Lancefield will square off with a potential finals place on the line.
