GDCA cricket 2018-19: Diggers Rest Bulla beats Sunbury in McIntyre Cup

DIGGERS Rest Bulla has retained its spot in the top four of the McIntyre Cup after overcoming a stubborn Sunbury on Saturday.

Diggers Rest Bulla has had plenty to smile about this season. Picture: Hamish Blair

DIGGERS Rest Bulla has retained its spot in the top four of the McIntyre Cup after overcoming a stubborn Sunbury on Saturday.

Due to rain affecting the first day’s play of the Gisborne and District Cricket Association fixture, the home side still had the opportunity to secure a draw if it avoided being bowled out.

But despite missing regular opening bowler Darren Quarrell, the Burras produced the goods when it mattered to win by 138 runs after rolling Sunbury for 107.

Coach Rasika Batepola was happy with how his team executed its skills.

“It was easy for us to get momentum going … but it was a really good effort by the bowlers,” he said.

Medium-fast bowler Rhys Berry (2-31) led the way in the absence of Quarrell, earning praise from his coach.

“He had to play as the spearhead and he did his job pretty well. Twenty-three overs as a fast bowler is a great effort,” Batepola said.

Leg-spinner Anushka Thanthiri also continued his fine season to claim 4-38 from 19 overs, taking his tally to 15 wickets — the fourth-most in the McIntyre Cup.

The convincing win launched Diggers Rest to within 1.2 points of third-placed Romsey — its opponent in the next two-day game.

“We have a few new faces and it takes time to jell,” Batepola said.

“We are getting the confidence back … now we just have to execute and keep that winning momentum.”

Batepola also praised the influence of returning former coach Kevin Barker, the maturity shown by 19-year-old first-drop batsman Raveen Yasas and the top job being done by keeper-batsman Upul Fernando.

Elsewhere, Woodend’s tail of Greg Matthews (39 not out), Tom Robson (32), and Adam Johnstone (21) comfortably guided their team to victory against Wallan.

Romsey proved no match for ladder-leader Bacchus Marsh, for whom Alex Porter (102), James Lidgett (95) and Daniel Lalor (58 not out) starred as they tallied 4-324 in reply to 204.

Sunbury United and Gisborne contested a one-day match, with Gisborne easing to a five-wicket win after chasing down 9-139 with ease on the backs of skipper Jarryd Vernon (64 not out) and Darren Ward (40).

Joel Garbutt (3-22) and Recordo Gordon (3-37) impressed with the ball.