The sun shone and runs flowed freely in three of the four McIntyre Cup 1sts matches on Saturday – Romsey had two centurions with skipper Ben Way hitting a blistering 128 and opener Matthew Milne compiling 119 as the Redbacks piled on a formidable 9/444 c.c. against Rupertswood.
Unbeaten Gisborne used eight bowlers as third-placed Sunbury United set the Dragons 304 for victory at Salesian College.
Gisborne batting stars Jarryd and Riley Vernon in particular will be welcoming the challenge to put together big scores and retain top place.
In perfect batting conditions, century makers in McIntyre Cup were Way and Milne for Romsey, opener Fabian Fernando with 128 for Sunbury United, and Jason King with 122 for Sunbury Kangaroos.
Across the grades other century makers were Ali Asquar (Aintree) with 109 in Johnstone 1sts, Romsey’s Josh Wallace with 105, United’s Lance Watts 113 and Diggers Rest’s captain Andrew Knight 122 in McIntyre 2nds, and Aintree’s Charandeep Kalsi with 111 in Johnstone 2nds.
Way’s 128 (seven sixes, nine fours) from 81 balls at the Salesian College oval against Rupertswood came on top of his match-winning 141 against Woodend.
Milne hit 15 boundaries in a more sedate century from 197 balls after Sean Day 40 and Chris Burkett 39 had scored quickly to indicate Romsey’s intent.
At Gilbert Gordon Reserve, Woodend ended up in a very strong position against Diggers Rest by bowling out for 159 in 54.4 overs, and ending the day on 2/77 in reply.
Woodend skipper Marcus Stewart was happy with the bowling brigade headed by Harry Lawson, and said his side would be making sure of first innings points and keeping the pressure on Diggers Rest this Saturday.
Macedon batters face an uphill battle chasing the formidable 8/351c.c. scored by fourth-placed Sunbury Kangaroos. Chris Ingleton claimed four wickets for the Cats.
While Gisborne, Romsey and Sunbury United have McIntyre 1sts finals position wrapped up, fourth place is still up for grabs.
Lancefield coach Alan Sinclair was very pleased with his side’s effort in Jensen 1sts against Malmsbury, in particular praising Nathan Malone for his effort with bat and ball, and Andrew Richardt for his bowling.
The Tigers bundled Malmsbury out for 58, and the match finished very early with the annual Pink Stumps Day arranged by Lancefield CC attracting about 80 people, with proceeds going to the McGrath Foundation.
