St Anthonys’ up-and-down batting continued against East Sunbury in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association’s B-grade competition.
Having batted brilliantly against Sunbury United in the previous round at more than a run a ball, United looked to being cruising at drinks against the Thunder.
At 0-89 after 20 overs, a big total was on the cards.
But once one wicket fell, so followed another and another until the Saints were all out for 161.
Saints playing coach Cameron Clayton said the team struggled to form a partnership after drinks.
“We fell into a hole,” he said. “We had a really good win against Sunbury United and took that momentum into this game, and looked like we had the perfect start.
“The wickets started to fall and we couldn’t build a partnership … we didn’t bat to the situation.”
Opener John Jensen top scored with 47, but only four players reached double figures.
The Saints bowled well without reward late on day one. The Thunder will resume at 0-22.
The match is an important one in the context of the season for both sides.
Sitting sixth and seventh, only 0.17 of a point separates them. They are both about 16 points outside the top four.
Fifth-placed Macedon has already conceded first innings points to Lancefield, while fourth-placed Bacchus Marsh is locked in a tough battle with top side Wallan.
Clayton said the Saints remained confident about their chances of beating the Thunder.
“Their scores have been pretty low,” he said. “We’ve got the runs on the board.”
As for making finals, Clayton knows that if they play their best cricket they will be in the mix.
“After starting 2-0 we lost the next five games,” he said. “It’s not an ideal position – every game is like a final now. We’ve got to make sure we keep winning so we can sneak into the top four.
“When we put it together we are a good side and a good side to watch.”
Bacchus Marsh made 174 in its match with Wallan, Jack Powell top scoring with 29.
In the McIntyre Cup, Dennis O’Loughlin guided Bacchus Marsh to 9-271 against Romsey. O’Loughlin, batting at No.6, made 97 before being run out.
Diggers Rest Bulla is in trouble against Gisborne. Sitting second on the ladder, the Burras were bowled out for 101 by third placed GIsborne. Steven Fogarty top scored with 46.
The Dragons will resume at 2-37.
