Bacchus Marsh continues on its merry way as it fine tunes for the Gisborne and District Cricket Association’s McIntyre Cup finals.
With top spot secured heading into the final round, the carrot of an undefeated regular season provided plenty of motivation for the Bulls, who continued their fine form against Romsey, which is fighting for a top-four
spot.
The Bulls made 324, bowled out in the 72nd over.
Bulls captain-coach Ben Robertson said the most pleasing thing was the contributions from across the board.
James Lidgett top-scored with 78, while four other batsmen passed 20.
“We tried to get the game going forward and batted aggressively,” Robertson said.
“We had quite a few batsmen get starts and it was an even contribution from the guys.”
Romsey, facing three overs at the end of the day, hoped to get through unscathed.
Enter Madushanka Ekanayaka, who took 2-1 in 1.2 overs to have Romsey in trouble at 2-4.
Robertson said any batman would have trouble facing Ekanayaka, who has taken his game to another level in recent weeks.
“He was unbelievable on Saturday,” he said. “No one would have wanted to face him for a couple of overs at the end of the day.
“He’s been consistent early in the season without starring. I’m not sure how he’s taken his game to another level, but he’s bowling faster than he was.”
Robertson said the Bulls were keen to keep their unbeaten streak going and take momentum into the finals.
He knows, though, there are no guarantees in finals.
“After winning last week [against second-placed Riddell] the goal was to go through undefeated,” he said.
“We’ve tried a few different things the last few weeks to work out what works best for us. It’s given us an idea what will work well.”
Robertson said there would be some hard decisions come selection time, with several players from the second XI pushing their cases.
He said the strength of the squad was one of the reasons the side had produced such great results this season, with players stepping up when needed.
In other matches, Diggers Rest Bulla is 3-47 chasing Rupertswood’s 156.
In B grade, Eynesbury needs to take quick wickets to ensure it wins a finals berth.
The fourth-placed Eagles were bowled out for 135 on Saturday against Macedon.
Macedon lost early wickets to be in trouble at 3-29 at stumps.
Ladder leader St Anthonys made 272 against East Sunbury.
