BUNINYONG denied Burrumbeet its first win of the 2012-13 season with a narrow four-run victory at home on Saturday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The result leaves the Bunnies second on the Ballarat Cricket Association district division-one ladder, a point behind leaders Creswick Imperials heading into the Christmas-New Year break.
Buninyong reached 128 before being bowled out just shy of its allotted overs on Saturday, with Derek Lamb (4-36) and opener Aaron Wilson (3-17) doing the bulk of the damage for Burrumbeet.
But the Bunnies bowlers were up for the challenge of defending their total, with the visitors falling just short of victory, dismissed for 124 on the final ball of the day.
Regular captain Michael Flynn, who returned from injury on Saturday, said some good bowling at the death from Jake Harris and Liam Rigby, coupled with the crucial run outs of Andre Prenc and Aaron Wilson, were vital in securing the points.
Flynn said the reigning premiers were pleased with their spot in second with just three matches to play (one bye) before finals.
“Come finals time we have people that know what is needed to be done to have success,” Flynn said.
Creswick Imperials greet the break on top of the table after a 36-run win over Ballan.
After being sent in by Ballan, the Imperials reached 9-149 thanks to an unbeaten 59 from Steven Miles.
The hosts were unable to chase down the target, bowled out for 113 after 32.2 overs with James Maggi and Jason Jones snaring three wickets apiece for the victors.
VRI Delacombe clinched the other match of the round.
Set 4-198 by Dunnstown, the home team reeled in the target with one wicket in hand.
Classy bat Paul Phillips made 84 for the Towners, while Brandon Green was the hero for VRI Delacombe, finishing unbeaten on 95 as he carried his side to victory.
LADDER
Creswick Imperials 37
Buninyong 36
Lucas 27
Ballan 24
Dunnstown 21
VRI Delacombe 18
Burrumbeet 9