PICKERINGS PUT BARRABOOL IN THE BOX SEAT
FOR brothers Kane and Aaron Pickering, Saturday’s 100-run partnership was in a
“different position” to normal, but was “up there” as one of their best.
Opening the batting for Barrabool against BPCA A1 ladder leader Jan Juc, Kane watched opening partner
Jack Purcell and No.3 Cameron Fletcher each depart for ducks.
At 2-11, Aaron walked to the crease and alongside his brother swung the momentum back in the home side’s favour to steer them to 2-111 before Aaron fell for 48.
Kane continued on to make 84 from 205 balls to help the Bulls eventually finish day one 8-276.
“(I) hit them all right, but obviously being 2-11 you’ve got to sort of be a little bit cautious early on,” Kane said.
“The ground was a bit slow and a bit wet so the balls were just plunking … but we all batted pretty well.
“He (Aaron) is naturally sort of a bit more aggressive than what I am, so it was just more about him waiting for the right ball to come along, picking up ones where we could and twos where we could. We had a good 100run partnership together which was good, got us sort of back on track … Aaron batted well.”
While they have shared the crease before, Kane said Saturday’s effort alongside Aaron was a change up from their usual situation.
“It was probably a bit of a different position to where we usually get to bat together being in a bit of trouble,” he said.
“Normally Aaron’s a bit lower in the order so if I’m still there we’re going all right or I’m going all right.
“It was good to sort of have to knuckle down and work hard to get the team out of a bit of a tricky spot.”
Brydon Barnett (51) and 250-gamer David Grigg (32) finished off the innings strongly for Barrabool, while Tomas Kearney was the leading wicket taker for Jan Juc with 3-55 off 21 overs.
In other BPCA A1 games, Anglesea finds itself in a strong position against St Leonards after dismissing the Saints for 97, led by Darcy Elliott and Dylan Taylor’s three wickets each.
Anglesea reached 0-58. Inverleigh was dismissed for 132 by Armstrong Creek, the Titans finishing 0-7.
Titan Calvin O’Brien led the way with the ball, picking up 3-15 off seven overs.
After finding itself 6-111, Queenscliff’s Kane Leathem steadied the ship with an unbeaten 45 as his side made 163 against Ocean Grove.
The Grubbers are 2-55 heading into day two.