Romsey’s unbeaten run in McIntyre Cup 1sts this season came to a halt on Saturday, being bowled out for 201 by giant killers Rupertswood.
So far this season Rupertswood has showed tremendous tenacity to defeat reigning premiers Gisborne and now last season’s runners-up.
In the first two-day fixture this season, the Redbacks must have been confident their batters could chase down Rupo’s moderate 228.
It was not to be! Romsey’s openers made a slow but steady start, and at 1/51 there was no sign of what would unfold.
Ace batter and skipper Ben Way arrived at the crease at number four, faced 11 deliveries, and was caught without scoring. A rare failure, which made the opposition cock-a-hoop.
More trouble followed, with Corey Day run out, then in-form Chris Burkett was dismissed for 13.
Promoted Tom Boyer was run out for 37 and Rupertswood found it hard to believe they had the Redbacks really struggling at 8/118.
There was still fight left as Jamie Taylor joined all-rounder Taylor Stevenson at the crease to restore some respectability to the innings.
Taylor made 24, and tailender Chris Marienfeld hit three boundaries as the last wicket added 43 runs before he was dismissed.
All out for 201, and Romsey recognises it was “a bad day at the office” and now looks ahead to a big game against unbeaten Woodend beginning this Saturday.
Rupo bowlers shared the wickets around, and with captain-century maker Matt Twentyman sidelined through injury, the side has shown great improvement.
GISBORNE EASILY
Gisborne gave Broadford a cricket lesson, easily defending 251 runs against the visiting Roos.
Man of the match Riley Vernon made 95 for Gisborne on the first day, then followed up with a haul of 5-37 with the ball from 17.1 overs.
Overseas player Josh Wills gave the Dragons a good start, removing two top order batters with the new ball.
Broadford’s disappointing 128 was well below earlier one-day efforts.
Gisborne now goes to Sunbury United for another test.
WOODEND UNBEATEN
At home, Woodend set the stage for victory over Sunbury United by scoring 8/349 c.c., with Marcus Stewart contributing 120.
The Woodsmen kept United batters in check and the big run chase proved to be well out of reach.
All-rounder Senure Perera made 64 and skipper Darren Edwards 54 in a tally of 247 — 102 in arrears.
Woodend’s bowling depth was on display again, with Greg Matthews capturing 3-47 and Warren Else wrapping up the innings.
Sunbury Kangaroos finally posted a victory as Macedon slumped to 3/6 in pursuit of 251.
The Cats showed plenty of resistance down the order with captain Gareth De Rosayro making 38, Doyle 32 and Henry Bobetic 27 in a final total of 210.
The highest score on Saturday was 122 (17 fours) from McIntyre 2nds Romsey batter Daniel Wright , as his side overhauled Rupertswood’s 272.
Aaron Wright 53 and Adam Frost 50 also kept the run rate up.
ROUND SIX
McIntyre 1sts matches to be played over the next two Saturday’s are:
Romsey v Woodend.
Sunbury United v Gisborne.
Macedon v Rupertswood.
Broadford v Sunbury Kangaroos.