GDCA 2018-19: Diggers Rest Bulla in finals frame despite falling short of outright against Wallan
A McIntyre Cup finals berth is still on the agenda for Diggers Rest Bulla despite an outright win being thwarted by rain and dropped catches at the weekend.
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A McIntyre Cup finals berth is still on the agenda for Diggers Rest Bulla despite an outright win being thwarted by rain and dropped catches at the weekend.
Already holding a substantial lead over Wallan from the first day’s play, the Burras declared with a 134-run advantage.
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But after missing out on the first hour of play due to rain, wickets did not fall quick enough for the home side to push for maximum points.
The first innings win was set up by a dominant first day last week, bowling out Wallan for 129.
Seeking quick runs early on resumption of play, Diggers Rest Bulla finished on 6-263 at a run a ball before declaring, led by Sumanjan Fernando (63 not out), Rasika Batepola (51), Raveen Yasas (46) and Kane Shaw (45).
Wallan then made 7-172 primarily on the back of skipper Kieran Atkin (48) and Russell Whittingham (34) before stumps were called.
Anushka Thanthiri took 3-26, ably supported by Darren Quarrell (2-54) and Suwanji Madanayake (2-15).
“We dropped two catches in the first 20 minutes before tea and that cost us,” captain Batepola said.
“We were still in the game and tried to bowl them out, but only got seven wickets.
“With the rain and dropped catches who knows what might have happened, but that’s cricket, that’s life.”
Sitting in fifth spot with two rounds remaining the team now must win its last two matches to reach the pointy end of the season — but it will not be easy.
A game against second-placed Gisborne will be followed by the form team of the competition, Woodend.
“It is simple,” Batepola said.
“Every game is a final for us.
“Win the next two games and we are in finals for sure, so it’s in our hands.”
The skipper will look to his potent bowling attack to make inroads, with Thanthiri (29 wickets), Rhys Berry (26) and Quarrell (18) among the top strikers in the competition.
“Our batting has also come a really long way,” Batepola said.
“We are clicking together, so hopefully we finish our season well, win the next two and play finals.”
Elsewhere, Bacchus Marsh retained top spot after defending 131 against Sunbury (98), thanks primarily to Dennis O’Loughlin, who took 5-11 from 20.3 overs. Madushanka Ekanayaka also claimed 3-40.
Romsey missed a chance to leapfrog Gisborne after being bowled out for 132, 73 runs short of the target, with Jakson Knight (4-29) and Recordo Gordon (3-28) instrumental.
Steven Fogarty (125 not out) crafted an unbeaten maiden senior century for Sunbury United as the team made 8-289, but still fell 196 runs short of Woodend’s monstrous 475 from the previous week.
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