THE Bendigo District Cricket Association's preparations for Melbourne Country Week are on track following a victory in its KenMac Shield clash against the Gisborne and District Cricket Association at the QEO on Sunday.
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After losing the toss and being asked to bowl, the BDCA performed admirably with the ball to dismiss the GDCA for 195 in 48.2 overs.
In reply, the BDCA, led by Strathdale-Maristians' Grant Waldon, chased down the target in 46.3 overs for the loss of six wickets.
Waldron, who top scored with 53, combined brilliantly with Suns team-mate Daniel Clohesy, the pair putting together a fourth wicket partnership of 43, to take the BDCA score from 3-70 to 4-161.
After Clohesy was eventually dismissed for 45 and Rhys Irwin followed soon after for five, it was left to skipper Ben DeAraugo and Kayle Thompson (both 14 not out) to steer the BDCA past the Gisborne total with three and a half overs to spare.
Earlier, White Hills opening bowler Irwin (2-29 off nine overs) and off-spinner Savith Priyan (2-31 off 10 overs) claimed two wickets apiece as the BDCA restricted the GDCA to 195.
The visitors started promisingly enough, with Alex Porter (29) and Michael Allen (32) sharing a 48-run opening stand.
It was left to Strathfieldsaye's Priyan to eventually make the breakthrough for the BDCA, with Jack Neylon accepting the catch to dismiss Allen.
Porter and Dilan Chandima (15) added a further 32 for the second wicket to take the score to 80, but with wickets falling at regular intervals thereafter, the GDCA was unable to fully capitalise on a solid opening.
BDCA coach Shane Koop said the win was a pleasing outcome for the playing group and a great way for the association to start its campaign.
"The partnership between Waldron and Closhey had a significant amount of poise, which ultimately lead to a positive outcome for the BDCA," he said.
"There is a great feel within the group, the players are driving the standards and it's clear that the playing group really care about representing the BDCA.
"We are looking forward to playing Ballarat, traditionally this game is challenging as like us, Ballarat have a proud history, which is ideal preparation for Melbourne Country Week."
For the BDCA, opener James Vlaeminck and Neylon contributed 21 apiece with the bat, while Raveen Yasas was the leading wicket taker for Gisborne with 3-31 off eight overs.
The BDCA meets the Ballarat Cricket Association at the QEO on Sunday, February 2.
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