By Tara Murray
Rain halted Diggers Rest Bulla’s quest for three straight wins in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association McIntyre Cup.
Having started the season in fine form, the Burras were keen to continue that against Sunbury United on Saturday.
While the Burras played some good cricket, in the end they had to settle for a draw when the rain continued to fall.
Burras playing coach Rasika Batepola said it was set up to be a cracker of a game before it was called off.
“They had two of their best batters at the crease and we have a good bowling attack,” he said.
“The ground was pretty quick and they had the extra pressure on them batting second.
“We thought we had enough runs on the board.”
The Burras were bowled out for 174 with two balls remaining. Batepola said they could quite easily have had another 30 or 40 runs on the board.
The Burras lost a number of wickets in the last 10 overs as they were looking to push the run rate.
Upul Fernando top scored with 57, while Sumanjan Fernando made 44.
With the rain normally missing Diggers Rest, Batepola said he thought they would be able to finish the game but it wasn’t to be, with United finishing 2-36.
Despite the draw, Batepola said he was still happy with how they performed.
He said the work they had done over the past couple of years was starting to show through.
“To have won would have been good, but we’re still unbeaten,” he said.
“We’ve been playing well together as a team and not playing as individuals.
PHOTO GALLERY: Diggers Rest vs Sunbury United
“The last couple of years we’ve gained an understanding of each other and this year things have settled down. We’re going hard at it.”
Batepola said they were benefiting from the growth in Diggers Rest, with a number of new residents coming to the club.
“In five years’ time the club is going to be big.”
Meanwhile, if everything goes to plan, the Burras will have some big guests at training on October 31.
Batepola said he was hoping some members of the Sri Lankan T20 team will be in attendance at the club on that night.
He said the players themselves were keen to come down, but it would depend on other factors.
Anyone is welcome on the night and to talk to the club’s special guests.
It was a tough weekend across the grounds, with just one McIntyre Cup match being completed – Gisborne defeating St Anthony’s.
Gisborne made 7-231 before restricting St Anthony’s to 8-162. Cameron Clayton was 85 not out for the Saints.
Romsey was on track for victory against Riddell.
Romsey was 2-144 in reply to Riddell’s 192.
Woodend was 0-3 in reply to Bacchus Marsh’s 8-190.
