A brilliant unbeaten 130 runs for the fifth wicket between skipper Ben Way and battle-hardened Matt Burkett enabled Romsey to topple Sunbury United on the very last ball delivered on Saturday.
Burkett pulverised a drive through cover point for a boundary to give the Redbacks their second successive McIntyre Cup win on the last ball — defeating reigning premier Gisborne in the opening round seven days earlier.
Way said the two victories against very strong opponents was a great way to start the season.
Fortunes ebbed and flowed in fine conditions at the Romsey ground on Saturday, with United captain Damien Edwards setting the tone with 108 as opener.
The Redbacks looked likely to face a massive run chase at one stage, but bowlers tightened up and restricted scoring to 5/232 from 45 overs. Taylor Stevenson collected three wickets and Way two.
Opener Stevenson made 59 but the required run rate climbed considerably before he was caught at deep fine leg.
Way arrived at the wicket, and with Burkett, staged a rescue mission.
The experienced pair turned singles into twos, placed shots to perfection, and forced the visitors to become very defensive.
Spectators were enthralled, and in the end Romsey required seven runs off the final over to win.
One ball left, one to tie, two to win …. and Burkett produced a boundary to finish 55 not out (71 balls).
Way’s class was again evident in his unbeaten 71 (seven fours) from 52 balls.
ASTONISHING COLLAPSE
There were other intriguing McIntyre Cup matches as well.
At Tony Clarke Reserve, Macedon restricted Gisborne to 7/210, with opener Riley Vernon leading the way with 79 (10 fours), Joshua Wills making a quick 36, and Will Mackay 31.
Macedon batters strugged to score quickly, and then the last six wickets tumbled for the addition of just two runs (five ‘ducks’) as the Cats fell for a disappointing 72.
Man of the match Riley Vernon completed a fine double, snaring 5/8 with the ball.
A big win for Gisborne after their first round loss.
Woodend batters struggled for runs at Gilbert Gordon Oval and were dismissed for 160, with opener Xavier Tadd contributing 53, against Sunbury Kangaroos.
It was a different story with the ball, with Welsh import Joe Monk breaking through for his first wicket in Australia in his first over with the new ball.
Woodend kept the pressure on, Warren Else wrapped up the tail with 4/20 as the Kangaroos collapsed (five ‘ducks’) to be bundled out for 87.
TWO CENTURIES
It was an astonishing afternoon of cricket at Broadford, with the home side making a competitive 9/236, highlighted by 105 to Gareth Sharp and 44 from Riley Nolan.
Broadford bowlers claimed five wickets relatively cheaply before Rupertswood captain-coach Matt Twentyman took control.
Twentyman scored 160 not out (18 fours, two sixes) and his massive sixth-wicket stand with Daniel Kavanagh was a matchwinner.
In the opening match, Twentyman scored 112, and his presence has catapulted Rupertswood into the limelight.
All grades played on Saturday, and the season is well under way with players welcoming the fine conditions in contrast to the rain-interrupted first round.
