Bacchus Marsh sweeps past GDCA rival Gisborne as 15-year-old cousins debut

Nick Strangio was dominant in his return from Premier Cricket and 15-year-old cousins debuted as Bacchus Marsh thrashed Gisborne.

Cousins Sam and Archie Lalor made their McIntyre Shield debuts for Bacchus Marsh. Picture: BMCC Facebook

Bacchus Marsh junior Nick Strangio has starred in his return from Premier Cricket on Saturday.

Strangio claimed 3-19 and hit a match-winning 50 not out as the Bulls swept past GDCA arch-rival Gisborne by eight wickets at Gardiner Reserve.

The all-rounder last played McIntyre Shield for Bacchus Marsh in 2013-14, spending the past seven seasons in Northcote’s Second and Third XIs.

His return couldn’t have been better timed with superstar batsman James Lidgett out for the season with an Achilles injury and Alex Porter making the move to Bill Lawry Oval.

Strangio and Mace Cousins (52 not out) put on a match-winning 102-run third-wicket partnership to wrap up the win with eight overs to spare.

Ian Spiteri bowling for Bacchus Marsh. Picture: Angie Basdekis

Bulls coach Paul Baker said Strangio’s experience would be critical this season.

“Nick’s a former junior of the club, left to go to Northcote, and he’s moved back to town and chosen to play locally,” Baker said.

“He played really well and his experience, he’s 24-25 and been playing downtown, he’s given us a big push.

“He was a quality leg-spinner as a kid but he’s taken up medium pace, which worked a treat yesterday.

“He chipped in with timely wickets, bowled nine overs straight and that allowed young Luca Kraljik to settle in at the other end with his off-spin.

“Mace is a quality player, probably didn’t have his best season last year, but certainly showed what he’s capable of.”

Lidgett and Porter combined for more than 1000 runs last season, ranked second and third in the McIntyre Shield.

Baker admitted the were concerns but was rapt with the response.

“James is a big loss, captain the last few years and one of the best batsmen in the competition, and Alex as well, so we were unsure how we’d go without them,” he said.

“Tom Wardell was outstanding as captain, helped by Jack Powell and Nick, who are vice-captains.

“The emphasis is spreading the load a lot more than we have in the past, it was really pleasing.”

It was a special day for Bacchus Marsh as it also debuted a pair of 15-year-old cousins.

Archie Lalor opened the bowling, finishing with impressive figures of 1-15 from six overs, and Sam Lalor opened the batting, making 11 runs.

Baker was rapt to see the club’s next generation of talent coming through.

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“Archie bowled particularly well and Sam made 11 with the bat but played a couple of shots that told you he’s going to be a good player,” he said.

Skipper Jason Wilson was Gisborne’s top scorer with 39, while Jay King (1-12) and Josh McDonald (1-34) picked up the wickets.

Bacchus Marsh returns to Maddingley Oval next weekend, hosting Sunbury United in a grand final rematch, while Gisborne faces Romsey.

Elsewhere, Diggers Rest Bulla (9-140) rolled Sunbury Kangaroos (107), Woodend (188) fell to promotion-winners Wallan (7-192), Sunbury United (6-223) were too good for cross-town rival East Sunbury (102) and Romsey (7-130) defeated Rupertswood (129).