PINT works into form in run to finals
PINT players believe they are quietly building some competitive form for the finals after a strong first-innings win over Nightcliff at Nightcliff Oval.
The Darwin outfit fell just two wickets short of securing an outright victory over a Tigers side which has been disappointing this year, only notching up two wins after playing finals in 2016.
Ben Reichstein relished his opening role, scoring 70 in his team’s second innings of 5-188 declared.
PINT already had the game wrapped up after scoring 101 last week, with Nightcliff suffering a nightmare collapse bowled out for just 81 in return.
The hosts scraped their way to 8-117 by the close of play.
“It was awesome to win last week. We wanted to come out and keep the roll-on and get a positive result,” Reichstein said.
“It was a really good effort. We could’ve batted out the day but we threw them back in and made a game of it.
“They had a bit of a crack (at winning in the fourth innings) which was good. I think we’ll be in the finals now.
“Next week will be a good test against Waratah — they’ll be around the mark come September.”
Waratah’s impressive season continued with an outright win over Tracy Village.
After bowling out the rebuilding visiting side for 98 last week, Waratah resumed the day at 6-275 at Gardens Oval.
They scored some quick runs and made an early declaration at 7-325, with Isaac Conway smashing 72 from 49 balls.
Village was then bowled out for 152, with Callum Nankervis taking 3-32.
“They were a little sub-par in terms of their usual strength,” Waratah captain Brad Schmulian said.
“But we had a game plan and ticked off everything we needed to.
“Before this game we looked at the table and thought ‘we’re pretty comfortable in second’, but to get an outright has given us a buffer.”
And Darwin had a comfortable 110-run win over Southern Districts at Kahlin Oval.
Paceman Luke Zanchetta was the pick of the Eagles’ bowlers with 2-33 from 13 overs.
“Declan (Curran) and Phil (Tunnicliffe) bowled well early, and “Z” came on and was outstanding,” Darwin captain Luke Shelton said.
“Young Will Andrews bowled well and got two-for.
“We shared it around which was nice.”