Damien Edwards’ century powers Sunbury United past Diggers Rest Bulla

Sunbury United captain Upul Fernando said he could smell a century and Damien Edwards duly delivered to keep the Bees undefeated.

Damien Edwards in action for Sunbury United. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Sunbury United captain-coach Upul Fernando could smell it.

After several close calls, Damien Edwards brought up his maiden senior GDCA century against Diggers Rest Bulla on Saturday.

Edwards was finally dismissed for 103 from 118 balls and hit 10 boundaries and a trio of sixes to power his team to a commanding 101-run victory at Langama Park.

The Bees opener better his previous best of 62 and raised the bat for the first time since 2008-09 when he scored 108 for the Third XI.

Fernando was rapt to see persistence pay off.

Sunbury United batsman Zach Forster. Picture: Stuart Milligan

Diggers Rest Bulla skipper Rhys Berry in action. Picture: Stuart Milligan

“He said he made a hundred when he was 15 or something like that but this is his first McIntyre hundred,” Fernando said.

“He’s standing up and taking responsibility this season, he said before the season he’s going to deliver and he’s doing exactly what he promised.

“I expect him to be a positive cricketer, I give everyone a licence to enjoy their cricket, I trust them all, their mind is free and they can deliver.

“When I went to the middle I said ‘mate, you’re going to bat for 40 overs and end up with 150’.

“I smelt a hundred for him, you might not get this opportunity again, it was fantastic to watch for a fantastic team man.”

The ton lifts Edwards to third overall in the McIntyre Shield run-scorers charts with 253 at an average of 84.33

Edwards along with contributions from Ryan Billinghurst (27), Sammika Perera (22) and Fernando (20) helped United post 8-233.

In his McIntyre Shield debut Nic Diss was the best of Diggers Rest Bulla’s bowlers, snaring 3-49, while Jacob Grant picked up 3-52.

Sunbury United batsman Rajitha Mendis is clean bowled. Picture: Stuart Milligan

Nic Diss in action for Diggers Rest Bulla. Picture: Stuart Milligan

Facing a tough chase, the Burras were in early trouble at 2-16 and 4-31 as Cooper Boyes (2-37) came agonisingly close to a hat-trick.

Diggers Rest coach Nalaka De Silva (42) and captain Rhys Berry (39) launched a counter-attacking 51-run partnership to give their team hope.

But Fernando and Rajitha Mendis (2-27) removed the dangermen and Zach Forster (3-13) ripped through the middle order to dismiss the visitors for 132.

Senuea Perera claimed one wicket to retain his lead at the top of the competition’s wicket-takers charts with 14 scalps at 9.14.

The win keeps Sunbury United undefeated record in tact and sees them six points clear at the top of the ladder.

Fernando knows challenges will come but is confident his team has the momentum to continue its form.

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“We now we’re going to have a bad day at some stage but we’re thinking positive,” he said.

“We do the fundamentals, keep working really hard on our game, and hopefully we can keep this momentum going throughout the season.”

The Bees face one of their biggest challenges on Saturday when they travel to Greenhill Reserve to face premiership rival Wallan.

Meanwhile, Diggers Rest Bulla will look to bounce back at home against Romsey.