Hard-hitting Gisborne opener Warren Kelly was the scene stealer in McIntyre Cup 1sts cricket on Saturday, slamming 140 runs from just 108 deliveries against Macedon.
Kelly hit 20 fours and two sixes at Gardiner Reserve, sharing an opening stand of 152 with Riley Vernon, who continued his good form with 53. Experienced recruit Rahul Singh contributed 39.
Gisborne rattled up a formidable 5/299 c.c. from 45 overs, with Brendan Scott claiming four wickets for the Cats.
In response, Macedon found the going tough after being promoted to the top grade, and was dismissed for 152.
KEY PARTNERSHIP
A seventh-wicket partner between skipper Ben Way and all-rounder Aaron Paterson rescued Romsey at Gilbert Gordon Oval.
While opener Matt Milne contributed 37, the middle order failed to fire for the reigning premiers who looked shaky at 6/98.
As he has done so often, Way found a way and the home side faltered in the field as his partnership with Paterson grew.
They added 85 valuable runs before Paterson was eventually run out for 39. Way finished unbeaten on 56, with 8/200 c.c. leaving the match in the balance with the ground in perfect order for fast scoring.
Woodend’s opening batters Marcus Stewart 47 and Harry Lawson 38 gave the home side room for optimism and at one stage the tally was 1/107.
Romsey’s multi-pronged attack kept the pressure on, and Woodend’s middle order failed, then the last four wickets fell cheaply.
All out for 175, Woodend head to Diggers Rest for a crucial third round match this Saturday.
The other McIntyre Cup 1sts winners were Sunbury United and Sunbury Kangaroos.
Romsey will be looking to make it three in a row at home to Rupertswood, Gisborne play United, and Macedon will be looking to open its account at home to Sunbury Kangaroos.
In McIntyre Cup 2nds, Macedon had a good win at home to Gisborne, with Ivan and Will Bobetic scoring half centuries for the Cats.
CENTURY AT TRENTHAM
Trentham captain Harley Forgo played a brave innings which looked likely to bring his side victory at home against Melton South.
Requiring 196 for victory, Forgo was stumped for 109 (14 fours) and Trentham finished up with 6/190 at closure.
Hanging Rock’s two teams had convincing victories with the club’s number one side demolishing Romsey at ‘The Rock’ as Mackenzie Shanahan and Liam O’Meara scored half centuries.
In Club North, Hanging Rock’s 3/198 c.c. against Riddell was highlighted by 88 from Matt Shanahan … then Riddell’s Travis Wadden took to the bowling to score an unbeaten 90 in Riddell’s tally of 9/122.
From a bowling perspective, Romsey’s Jake East collected 5-25 against Woodend in McIntyre Cup 2nds.
Woodend 2nds captain Brett Gardner reached an important milestone on Saturday, passing 8000 runs for the club.
He is fourth in the all-time run scorers for Woodend, with the top three being John Shaw with 10,105, Kevin Sullivan 9630 and Jim Godden 8457.
