Sunbury United knocks off Diggers Rest Bulla, Gisborne makes winning start
After a failed move in the off-season, Dilan Chandima has returned to Sunbury United with plenty of motivation. Plus, a wrap of the GDCA action.
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Sunbury United opener Dilan Chandima’s impressive start to the season continued on Saturday.
The Bees proved too strong for Diggers Rest Bulla in a rematch of last season’s GDCA McIntyre Shield semi-final.
Coming off a slashing 143 not out in Round 1, Chandima added another 47 at Diggers Rest Recreation Reserve, to be 70 runs ahead of teammate Ryan Billinghurst at the top of the run scoring charts.
Chandima had hoped to join Avondale Height’s return to the VTCA’s senior ranks and was left clubless when the new venture failed.
However, he was welcomed back to Sunbury United and captain Upul Fernando was thrilled with his results.
“He’s at the top of the order, has a lot of responsibility and plays his normal game,” he said.
“I give him the licence to play his normal game because he can dominate any bowler in this year.”
Playing against his former club, Fernando plundered 88 off about 60 balls to lead the Bees’ scoring.
After winning the toss United piled on 7-281 in its 40 overs with Fernando and Billinghurst (69) putting on 117-run fourth-wicket stand to set up the innings.
It proved a mountain too tall for Diggers Rest Bulla, who were bowled out for 136.
Burras opener Blake Robinson top scored with 33, while former Burra Amrit Sandhu was the main destroyer, finishing with figures of 4-46.
Fernando was pleased his planning had paid off.
“As an old Diggers Rest boy, I know what they’re strengths and weaknesses are,” he said.
“We had a plan and the bowlers were able to execute, same with the batsmen.
“We knew Darren and Rhys were their best bowlers, so we had to watch them, but when they bowled in our attacking areas we went for it.
“Amrit didn’t get much of a bowl at Diggers last season, so I thought he would be a bit of a surprise for them, and he took four wickets.
“It’s all about confidence for us, if you’ve got your team backing you up, you’re in a comfort zone.”
Sunbury United sit on top of the McIntyre Shield ladder after two rounds and host promotion winners East Sunbury on Saturday.
Elsewhere, Gisborne kicked off it’s season with a 27-run victory over Woodend.
The Dragons had the bye in Round 1 but new captain Jason Wilson looked anything but rusty has he smashed 98, falling agonisingly short of a deserved century.
Likewise, young gun Jayben Bannan fell just short of a milestone, out for 47, as the visitors amassed 7-195 at Gilbert Gordon Reserve
Woodend captain Warren Else snared 3-21 with the ball and Keiran Else was the best with the bat, scoring 35, as the Hawks were dismissed for 168.
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Josh McDonald claimed 4-24 and Nick Watson 3-33 for Gisborne.
Romsey are also undefeated after two rounds after an eight-run win over East Sunbury.
Sean Day smashed an unbeaten 67 as the Redbacks set a target of 7-175 at McMahon Reserve.
The Thunder were valiant, Tim Stephens (46no) and Lance Watts (41), almost helping their club get over the line before being dismissed for 167.
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