Diggers Rest Bulla will be needing its bowlers to step up on Saturday if it wants to pull off an upset against Sunbury in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association’s McIntyre Cup.
The Burras sit fifth, less than two points outside the top four, and know a win would go a long way to sealing a finals’ spot. They face bottom side Romsey in the final round.
On Saturday, the Burras put in a solid performance with the bat against Sunbury, leaving the match even after the first day’s play.
It was a less than ideal start to the innings, though, with Lindon Dowsett out without scoring.
The Burras were in a bit of trouble at 3-29.
Darren Quarrell, who opened the batting instead of his normal position at nine or 10, along with Blake Robinson, steadied the innings, putting on 84 in their fourth wicket partnership.
These two and Shannon O’Keefe then fell in quick succession, and a score below 150 was on the cards. The tail, though, continued to fight, pushing the score to 179.
Robinson top-scored with 58, while Quarrell made 32.
Sunbury coach Justin Nelson said good bowling at the end of the innings stopped the Burras from adding another 20 to 30 runs.
Meanwhile, Bacchus Marsh has set Woodend 237 for victory in their two-day match.
The Bulls, looking for a win to overtake Woodend in the finals race, elected to bat at home, but didn’t have the best start, finding themselves in trouble at 4-46.
But the lower order, along with opener Mili Sepala, responded, pushing the side’s total to 9-236.
Sepala top-scored with 63, while numbers seven, eight and nine – Shaun Taylor, James Bailey and Madushanka Ekanayaka – all posted useful scores in the 30s.
In B-grade, St Anthonys will need to bat well against Wallan to take the points next week.
Second-placed Wallan made 258 on day one as it looks to end St Anthonys’ slim finals chances.
The Saints started well, with the Magpies struggling at 5-61, but the middle order and tail responded to push the score well past 200.
Scott Gilchrist, batting at number eight, top-scored with 62.
Jason Orr was the best of the bowlers for the Saints, taking 3-41. Matthew Perry, Cameron Clayton and Corey Whiteoak took two wickets each.
The fifth-placed Bulls will also need a good day with the bat next week, as Sunbury United has set them 285 for victory.
Experienced duo Ryan Billinghurst (77) and Steve Grey (57) did most of the damage for United.
Thomas Wardell took four wickets for the Bulls.
