BENDIGO hit off its Melbourne Country Cricket Week campaign with a hard-fought victory in yesterday’s opening round showdown with Ballarat.
After being sent in on Altona’s turf, the Bendigo line-up passed the 200-mark in an innings where key batsmen Ben Gunn, Darren Peterson and Tim Wood took control.
Gunn played a key role in a 31-run stand with Matt Kile and then a 33-run partnership with Peterson.
The gun batsman from Strathfieldsaye scored 40 runs off 36 deliveries.
Once Gunn was dismissed, Peterson, 57 off 67 balls, and Wood, 34, began to lift the run-rate and score.
At 4-147 the Bendigo line-up was well in control, but Ballarat struck back to take 5-30.
A ninth-wicket stand of 19 by Eaglehawk captain Matt Fitt, 19 n.o., and Strathdale-Maristians all-rounder Ben DeAraugo, 7 n.o., lifted the target to 207.
Burns and DeAraugo then put the heat on Ballarat which fell to 4-43 before Pyke, 53, and Fletcher, 22, led the fightback.
A highlight of Bendigo’s fielding was a brilliant diving effort in covers by Wood to dismiss Robert Knowles off DeAraugo’s bowling.
At 8-137 the contest looked over, but Ballarat would not give in.
When Moore was trapped leg before by DeAraugo the Ballarat innings was ended on 182 runs.
Bendigo then scored 35 runs off just three overs as Kangaroo Flat teammates Matt Kile and Brad Orton dominated.
Bendigo coach David Rosaia said it was a superb all-round performance.
“Ben Gunn and Darren Peterson batted extremely well and Tim Wood also played a key role.
“We lost a few wickets trying to get quick runs, but Matt Fitt’s effort was really important.’’
Rosaia also praised the attack for keeping the pressure on.
“Our opening bowlers got the early breakthroughs and we didn’t panic when Ballarat started to fight back.’’
Bendigo captain Adam Burns was rapt to start with a win against an association that has contested
the past two Provincial Group grand finals.
”We had a lot of contributors in today’s win,’’ said Burns.
“It’s what we will be aiming for in every match.’’
Burns said facing Ballarat in the first round was a huge challenge.
“Ballarat have been really strong the past five years.
“They have played in the past two grand finals in Melbourne, and had usually beaten us in the Turner-Hollioake Shield matches.’’
Burns said a highlight of yesterday’s play was the effort by the attack to defend as well as it did.
In the lead-up to the carnival, Rosaia said the batsmen would play a crucial role and the likes of Gunn, Peterson and Wood responded to the challenge.
In today’s play, Bendigo faces Sale-Maffa at Coburg City Oval.
Day one results, Provincial Group:Sale-Maffra 6-205 d Murray Valley 191, Geelong 4-225 d Warrnambool 8-210, Kyabram 6-281 d Mornington Peninsula 8-277.
Email a friend