By Tara Murray
Bundoora United’s bowlers did what they needed to to keep their finals hopes alive in the Diamond Valley Cricket Association Money Shield.
Sitting a game outside the top four heading into the second last round, the Bulldogs must continue to win and hope results go their way.
Bulldogs skipper Matt Ross couldn’t have been much happier after day one of their match against Lower Plenty.
“It was good to get a match back against them as they beat us easy last time round,” he said. “Last time they made 3-250 in a 40 over game.
“[This time] We were able to get the better of the conditions and put ourselves in a good position. With quite a bit of rain, it was a bit slower than usual. The pitch was a little harder to score on.”
The Bulldogs bowled Lower Plenty out for 104 in just over 60 overs. Lee Solar took 4-21, while Ricky Lee took 3-24.
Ross said all four bowlers that they used bowled well.
The Bulldogs then had to face 18 overs before stumps.
They will resume at 1-29, with Ross (3 not out) and Nilanka Rukshitha (11 not out). Ross said while they were disappointed to lose one wicket, they were still in a good spot heading into day two.
He said they couldn’t afford to lose any game in the run home.
“It’s tight from one through to six and it’s a good reflection of the competition.
“Any team that hasn’t performed on the day can be beaten. There is no standout side, making it a little bit different from last year.”
Ross said the focus this week was on ensuring they got the first innings points to keep the pressure on the top four sides.
The Bulldogs face another finals contender, the Lalor Stars, in the final round.
“We’re looking to win the last two games and hopefully the opportunity to play finals falls our way. It’ll depend on a couple of results.
“Looking at who is playing who, we will probably need a couple of upsets to go our way.”
In other matches, Lalor Stars struggled to 9-141 against Banyule. Jordan Steele top scored with 37 not out.
Mill Park is 0-10 in reply to Mernda’s 232. Skipper Joshua Nixon top scored with 96. Luke Castle took five wickets for Mill Park.
Heidelberg made 8-165 against Old Paradians.
In Barclay Shield, Bundoora made 8-199 against Plenty. Asharn Hodge top scored with 71.
There was no play in Epping’s match against Rosanna.
