GDCA 2018-19: Sunbury hammers Romsey in McIntyre Cup

THE start of two-day cricket heralded a new dawn for Sunbury as it claimed its first win of the McIntyre Cup season.

Sunbury had reason to celebrate on Saturday after claiming its first win of the GDCA season. Picture: Hamish Blair

THE start of two-day cricket heralded a new dawn for Sunbury as it claimed its first win of the McIntyre Cup season on Saturday.

A scintillating opening spell with the new ball from Jason McGowan (4-21) and Heath Boffey (3-14) destroyed the top order of previously second-placed Romsey, leaving the home side reeling at 5-2.

Jason McGowan collected 4-21 for Sunbury. Picture: Hamish Blair

Jason McGann (3-18) came in to claim three middle-order wickets in his first game of the Gisborne and District Cricket Association season as the Roar went on win by 160 runs.

The success was set up by a strong performance with the bat the previous week, when youngsters Dylan Landt (81) and openers Stephen (53) and Lachie (40) Treweek helped their team reach 242.

Captain-coach Brad Hunter was thrilled with the result in what has been clearly defined as a “rebuilding” season.

“We are in the middle of rebuilding, heavily focusing on the kids — the under 24s,” he said.

“We know it’s going to be a hard slog this season.”

After a comprehensive defeat to Gisborne in Round 4, Sunbury responded to be in a dominant position against Woodend.

But after letting that position slip and enduring the disappointment that ensued, the young outfit was able to learn from the loss and earn its first victory.

“We have played in four of the last six grand finals, failing to win one but in that time … not concentrating on building our junior base,” Hunter said.

“We’ve said from day one this year, it’s all about our kids.”

Hunter said it was important the players learn that it took time to improve and earn results.

“If we keep working it’s going to happen,” he said.

“Not overnight — we’ll slowly get better and win more games.”

With the victory lifting Sunbury off the foot of the ladder — and within reach of a top-four spot — Hunter said while rebuilding was the priority, avoiding relegation was still a main aim.

“We’ve just got to keep doing the hard yards, keep chipping away,” he said.

“Keep working so that in five or six years we’ll be challenging again.”

Bacchus Marsh, Sunbury United and Gisborne were the other winners in the GDCA’s top grade.