It was a frustrating day with the weather on Saturday, but Donnybrook made the most of its time on the field in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association Russell Pollock Shield.
Sides were on and off all day on Saturday, with some sides not even taking to the pitch at all due to rain.
Donnybrook managed to get nearly a whole day’s play in against Melton Centrals and it was a good day out for the side.
President Noel Seipolt said having to take covers on and off all day for a number of their matches was frustrating.
He said in Donnybrook itself, it had avoided rain the past month until the last two days.
Seipolt said they were really happy with how the first XI side went about it in Melton.
Centrals were bowled out for just 58 in the 31st over.
Kamalpreet Singh took 6-25 off 16 overs for Donnybrook with Vikram Mandhotra taking three wickets.
Seipolt said they all bowled really well.
Donnybrook then put the foot down with the bat and finished the day at 6-251 off 37 overs.
Puneet Sharma made 80 off 59 balls.
“It was a really good run rate,” Seipolt said. “The way that they play they have to hit it in the air all the time.
“We could be going for our second outright in a row if we get one this week . Our seconds got an outright last week as well and are in a good position again.
“All our sides are playing well.”
An outright win could keep Donnybrook’s top two hopes alive heading into the final round.
It is currently eight points behind Pascoe Vale Central and five points behind Barkly Street Uniting, which it plays in the final round,
Seipolt said they were hoping they could go at least one step further this season having been knocked out in the semi final last year.
“The boys are hitting their straps at the right time of the season.
It could be a big month for Donnybrook with finals coming up.
Seipolt said they could achieve something he doesn’t think they’ve done before.
“We have all 10 sides in the four and we should have 10 sides playing in finals. I don’t think we’ve had a season where every team has played finals, but anything can happen.”
Jacana has the bye.
Meanwhile in senior division, Craigieburn is in trouble against St Albans.
On a damp wicket, the Saints were bowled out for 147 with Benjamin Radford taking four wickets.
The Eagles top order failed though and they will resume at 4-13.
Westmeadows match with Sydenham-Hillside has become a one-dayer after no action on day one.
In the Steve McNamara Shield, Tullamarine was bowled out for 55 against the Williamstown Imperials.
The Imperials will result at 1-10.
Greenvale Kangaroos didn’t get on against Newport-Digman and it will be a one-dayer this Saturday.
