GRASSMERE is eager to return to the Bendigo country week winners’ list after a late flurry fell short on day two.
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The Tom Smith-captained outfit was left stranded on 9-138 chasing Portland and District’s 7-149 after running out of overs on Tuesday.
Grassmere organiser Norm Gibson said it was a topsy-turvy contest.
“We had them on toast and then they got away and then we shot back into it,” he said.
“We had them 5-32 in the 17th over but a young guy, Jake Wilson, made 75 not out for them.
“We then got off to a bit of a disaster (in our innings) with a first-ball run out.
“Phillip Edwards was run out without facing a ball.”
Corey McKenzie (35) and Tim Bryce (28) steadied for Grassmere but it soon found itself struggling at 8-87.
Tailenders Andrew Malone (23 batting at number nine), Tyson Umbers (11 not out at number 10) and Lachie Sinclair (21 not out batting at 11) put it within striking distance before time ran out.
Sinclair and Umbers added an unbeaten 35 for the final wicket.
Veteran bowler Ken Jones secured a second four-wicket haul to complement his day one efforts.
He was Grassmere’s only multiple wicket-taker, finishing with 4-39 off 17 overs.
Gibson said he hoped Grassmere, which won its opening match, would take heart from its fightback into its game against Castlemaine on day three.
“It was 39 degrees today, so they toiled well,” he said.
“I am so proud of their efforts.”