Bacchus Marsh returned to the Gisborne District Cricket Association winners’ lists on Saturday.
The Bulls got the better of Romsey, their first innings run chase completed with three wickets to spare. The win was set up by a strong day-one bowling performance led by James Bailey, who ripped through the Romsey batting line-up, taking 4-23 from his 12 overs.
All six of the other Bacchus Marsh bowlers took a wicket to bring the Romsey innings to an early close at 159.
In reply, the Bulls got off to the perfect start through a strong opening stand by Cameron McKinley and Ian Spiteri. They added 51 before Spiteri was run out for 34.
Bacchus Marsh continued to keep the scoreboard ticking over when play resumed on day two, with first-drop Peter Lalor making 21.
There were a few nervous moments mid-chase as the Romsey bowlers found their range.
The Bulls lost 4-27 at one stage to be 7-121, still needing 38 runs.
No. 4 Scott Wakefield proved to be the right man for the job, combining with Ryan Watson for a match-winning partnership. Wakefield made 38 and Watson 24 to bring up the win.
Bacchus Marsh improves to a 6-6 record for the season and is one game outside the top four.
But the Bulls will be forced to work hard if they’re going to qualify for the finals. The club’s final two opponents will be top-of-the-ladder Riddell and third-placed Sunbury United.
GDCA B Grade
St Anthonys was unable to defend its day-one total of 199 against ladder leader Rupertswood.
St Anthonys looked to be in prime position late in the match, with Rupertswood 8-150, still needing 50 from its final two wickets.
But the tail rallied as Karl Sutherland and Jay King added 51 for the final wicket to earn their side first innings points.
St Anthonys, fourth on the GDCA ladder, will take on third-placed Macedon this week.
