Tara Murray
James Lidgett’s second century of the Gisborne and District Cricket Association McIntyre Cup season helped guide Bacchus Marsh to victory on Saturday.
Looking to shore up their spot in the top six, the Bulls put in a solid performance against Woodend as teams returned after the Christmas break.
After being sent in, Woodend made 171, bowled out after 43 overs. Greg Matthews top scored with 44 at the top of the order.
Ian Spiteri and Ryan Brown took three wickets each for the Bulls.
In the run chase, the Bulls got off to a bad start with the loss of Nick Strangio for a duck.
The Bulls steadied and were ahead of the run rate throughout.
The Bulls hit the winning runs with nearly 15 overs remaining, finishing 3-175. Lidgett finished 100 not out off 73 balls.
Hamish McDonald took two wickets for Woodend. The Bulls sit third after 10 rounds, while Woodend is last.
Diggers Rest Bulla had its best win of the season, beating Romsey.
The Burras made 7-235 from their overs, with Milinda Sepala top scoring with 73 at nearly a run a ball.
Jamie Taylor took three wickets for the Redbacks.
After losing an early wicket, the Redbacks were able to put on a few partnerships as they looked to track down the Burras total.
The total would prove too much, with the Redbacks making 9-214.
Redbacks skipper Ben Way, who was out in the final overs, top scored with 80.
Rasika Batepola and Daniel Rodger took three wickets each for the Burras.
The Sunbury Kangaroos won a thriller against East Sunbury.
The Kangaroos were bowled out for 168 in the 43rd over with Michael Fox top scoring with 68. Brad Fleming made a handy 30 coming in at number 10.
Lachie Wilkins took 4-36 for the Thunder.
The Thunder started well, but started to lose wickets in clumps. They would fall short by five runs, bowled out for 164 with three overs remaining.
Liam Williams top scored with 62 at the top of the order. Mace Green took four wickets for the Kangaroos.
The top two sides, Gisborne and Sunbury United continued on their merry way.
The Dragons were too strong for Wallan.
The Magpies made 7-187 with Bryan Vance top scoring with 77 not out.
After losing some early wickets, the Dragons made the runs with more than six overs remaining/
They finished 4-191. Jarryd Vernon top scored with 85 not out.
Sunbury United beat Rupertswood in the other match.
Rupo was bowled out for 124 with Senura Perera taking 4-14.
It wasn’t an easy run chase for United, which finished 8-125.
Liam Sherlock finished with 34 at the top of the order.
Ned Crotty took four wickets for Rupo.
In the Johnstone Shield, Kilmore, Sunbury United, Bacchus Marsh, Kyneton and Romsey were the winners.
