By Tara Murray
Grand United’s lower order fought hard to put the pressure back on Sunbury in its Victorian Turf Cricket Association Steve McNamara Shield clash.
Aiming to remain undefeated at the Christmas break, the Gorillas are hosting an inconsistent Sunbury side in a two-dayer.
After day one, it’s evenly poised.
The Gorillas were bowled out for 209 in the 71st over.
Gorillas captain-coach Andrew Warrick said they have given themselves a good chance.
“I think it was an inning that didn’t go exactly how we would have liked,” he said. “We’ve batted so well in the first couple of games to set up the innings, the last couple of games we’ve had to fight.
“We won the last game after being 5-6 down for less than 100, it’s a side of a good team.”
Warrick said the message for the lower order was to make sure they hung around for as long as they could.
He said they didn’t want to be bowled out for 130-150 and then give Sunbury a good 20 to 30 extra overs to get the runs.
It was Warrick who top scored with 52 as he faced 100 balls.
Warrick said it was good to spend some time in the middle.
“I haven’t made many runs for a long time,” he said. “At my old club I would come in with five or six overs to go and straight away you have to go.
“It was nice to spend some time in the middle.
“Leo Turnbull-Gent made 30. He came from Golden Point as well so we’ve batted a bit together.
“Ashley Strang, we had a good partnership in the last game and were able to bat together again.”
Sunbury faced will resume at 0-9 after getting through six overs.
Warrick said they were aware that the Roar has had its batting issues.
“We had a few injuries in the last game, so we now have a few more bowling options in this game,” he said.
“They’ve had some challenges with the bat and hopefully we can take advantage of that a little bit.
“Hopefully we can finish this year on a positive note.”
Warrick said they would be thrilled to finish the first part of the season undefeated.
He said they’d had a bit of luck in a couple of games that were washed out, chasing 300-plus in one game and the other at a 50-50 stage.
“Going in undefeated would be nice,” he said. “We have some reinforcements coming back after Christmas so hopefully that will help.”
Meanwhile in senior division, Sydenham-Hillside made 335 against Aberfeldie.
Craigieburn is 0-33 in reply to Sunshine United, while Deer Park made a massive 412 against St Albans. Aaron Ayre made 176 for Deer Park.
Keilor more 9-140 before declaring with Airport West St Christophers’ 1-8 in reply.
