By Jackson Russell
Romsey has an uphill battle on its hands after day one of its McIntyre Cup two-dayer against Sunbury United.
Romsey won the toss and sent the hosts in which could prove fatal as Sunbury United was eventually bowled out for 317 in the penultimate over.
Crucial to the massive total for Sunbury United was a brilliant 175 from opener Dilan Chandima off 240 balls, including 16 fours and six sixes from his more than five hours of time at the crease.
The visitors were immediately on the back foot as Chandima and Mark Koutroubas put on a 103-run opening stand before Koutroubas was dismissed by Will Collins for 34.
The game was starting to look like turning Romsey’s way as Chris Burkett struck soon after to have the hosts 2/104.
Unfortunately, another big partnership between Chandima and Adam Dudderidge (48) swung the momentum back Sunbury United’s way before Dudderidge was stumped by Alfie Miles off Taylor Stevenson’s bowling with the hosts 3/172.
Two more wickets fell in succession but Sunbury United was again able to put a 72-run partnership together to be well in control at 6/263.
Chandima was the thorn in Romsey’s side all day, not falling until 8/299 when he was finally bowled by Aaron Paterson.
Romsey tried everything it could to stem the scoring barrage with all 10 outfielders getting a chance with the ball.
Paterson was one of the more effective, taking 2/43 from 11 overs with one maiden while Taylor Stevenson took 2/48 from 12 overs with two maidens.
Romsey captain Ben Way said his side didn’t bowl poorly but it was just one of those days.
“We bowled pretty well. We didn’t do too much poorly. We couldn’t really contain [Chandima] and now we have to make 318,” he said.
“We tried all sorts of things to get him out but he’s a pretty talented batsman and it becomes hard to bowl a team out when he’s able to bat for 70 overs.
“This year, we haven’t been able to get the breakthroughs but that’s cricket.
“We’ll turn up next week and we know what we have to do. We’ve got a strong battling line-up and we know we can do it.”
