Rain ruined a nail-biting clash between Bundoora and Rosanna in the Diamond Valley Cricket Association’s Barclay Shield on Saturday.
Bundoora needed just two wickets, while Rosanna needed three runs when play was called off for the day.
Batting first, the Bulls batsmen struggled and gave away wickets too easily to finish their innings at 9-93.
Adam Sing (35) and Andrew Fairchild (34) were the only players to reach double figures.
It was a similar case in Rosanna’s innings with only two players making double figures as their innings closed at 8-90.
Jason Kaminski took three wickets for the Bulls.
Bulls coach Mark Maxwell said both sides had their chances to get the win.
“It was a pretty even contest with rain interrupting play,” he said.
“We didn’t bat well, getting out too easily.
“They had their chances, too. There were times when they were going along really well and then lost wickets.
“You play cricket to get results so it was disappointing not to get a result.”
The game was the first in charge for Maxwell, arguably the Bulls’ most decorated player.
“It’s good to be back at the club and it’s rewarding,” he said. “We’re a younger side than last year and there’s a good crop of players coming through.
“Our three junior sides all won on the weekend and we have some good under-16s.”
Maxwell said Thomas Cesaro, Kunal Minhas, Callan Jones, Nicholas Caracella, Cooper Gunn and Lachlan Smart were some of the upcoming players at the club.
English import Thomas Cummins, 20, is another youngster to watch.
“It’s very exciting,” Maxwell said. “Getting younger players back gives the club a good feel.
“The players are organising a club event for this weekend and are enjoying each other’s company.”
In other matches, Epping beat local rival Mernda. Epping’s Nilakshan Abeyratne was the star when his side batted first, scoring 81 out of 7-163, while Ben Gorski took three wickets for Mernda.
Mernda’s innings never got going, and only Ashley Williams reached double figures, with 33 in an all-out total of 76.
Marcus Murphy and John Kulikowski took three wickets each for Epping.
Bundoora United beat Old Paradians/St Francis, opener Mathew Ross making 78 in United’s total of 9-177 from the 40 overs.
Gavin Teague took 5-32 for the Wolves.
The Wolves were bowled out for 155 with one over left, Nicholas Stevens taking 4-27.
Lalor Stars, Heidelberg, Lower Plenty, North Eltham Wanderers and Eltham were the winners in the Money Shield.
The Mill Park-Hurstbridge match was abandoned because of rain and declared a draw.
