Essendon snap Premier Cricket losing streak in emphatic fashion

Essendon snapped a four-game Premier Cricket losing streak with a big win over Melbourne after some “open and honest conversations” during the week.

Matt Doric celebrates the wicket of Meyrick Buchanan. Picture: Hamish Blair

Essendon believes some “open and honest conversations” has got its Premier Cricket season back on track.

The Bombers snapped a four-game losing streak in emphatic fashion on Saturday, beating reigning premier Melbourne by five wickets to secure a bonus point and stay in touch with the top eight.

The victory even more impressive with star batsman James Seymour missing a second straight game after getting a Big Bash League call up.

“It’s well noted that we haven’t had the best last four games but with the group that we have we were going to turn it around,” Essendon captain Michael Hill said.

“Hopefully this is a big point in the season where we turn our form around and get back into winning habits.

Cam McClure in action for Essendon. Picture: Hamish Blair

Melbourne captain Blake Thomson on the front foot. Picture: Hamish Blair

“We found that team spirit and belief that had maybe been lacking. … I’m backing our boys to keep this momentum now.

“We’ve had some open and honest conversations with each other, which has been vital, and we’re all pointing in the right direction.”

Melbourne won the toss and elected to bat at Windy Hill but were in early trouble at 2-21 before Jack Harper steadied the ship.

However, when he fell for an impressive 69 the visitors lost 7-51 to be all out 184.

Tom O’Donnell and Cam McClure celebrate a wicket. Picture: Hamish Blair

Meyrick Buchanan walks off after being dismissed by Matt Doric. Picture: Hamish Blair

Young quick Cam McClure was the best of Essendon’s bowlers, finishing with 4-31, while Matt Doric picked up 3-22 and Tom O’Donnell 2-32.

Isaac Willett fell first ball of the second over in Essendon’s chase but a 126-run partnership between Aaron Ayre (73) and Hill (74) put the Bombers in control and the winning runs came with 10 overs to spare.

“Cam bowled beautifully, he’s had a really good start to the season,” Hill said.

“As a team we haven’t had the best few games but on Saturday he was back to his best, hitting the length we asked him to and performed really well.

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“There was a little bit in the wicket with the new ball and I thought Nugget batted beautifully.

“He’s done some hard work over the last couple of weeks, I told him I needed more out of him, and he delivered on Saturday.”

Essendon climb to 12th on the Premier Cricket ladder, five points behind Geelong in eighth and a bonus point win out of fifth.

The Bombers host Richmond at Windy Hill on Australia Day while Melbourne take on league-leader St Kilda.