Ladder position no brake on Mulgrave’s big-hitting Johnston
AFTER seven games in the Jimmy Maher Cup young gun Rhys Johnston of Mulgrave is the leading run scorer despite his side sitting last on the ladder.
The right-handed wicketkeeper batsman has put in some consistent performances so far this season – earning his right to fill in for his seniors fourth grade side.
Top scoring with 61 against Norths in round 6 put him in top spot and he is 19 runs ahead of second spot only having played five of the seven games.
Atherton is sitting first with six wins and a game clear despite only having one person in the top run scorers and no leading wicket takers.
Young Finn Vikionkorpi sits third in leading run scorers – his top score of 90 in round 4 against second-placed Rovers was the difference.
A convincing nine-wicket win by Barron helped them close the gap on the top two.
Barron bowled Mulgrave out for just 77, with Lochie Nash the pick of the bowlers with 3-9 from his four overs. It was Nash who did the damage with the bat in reply, finishing on 36 not out and combined with partnerships to get his side the win.
Third-placed Rovers set Cassowary Coast El Nino 151 runs to win after being bowled out in the 32nd over. Will Palmer top scored with 31 and had plenty of support. In reply, El Nino lost quick wickets and finished 9-74 at the close of innings. Jackson Mulherin claimed 4-8 from his three overs helping Rovers jump to second spot.
Atherton was victorious in the top-of-the-table clash against Norths. Reece Johnston top scored with 49 for Atherton, helping his side to 8-149 from 35 overs.
Two quick wickets put Norths on the back foot but a 52-run partnership settled the club house before wickets again fell in quick succession bowled out for 123.
Matthew Williams closed the gap on the top-five leading run scorers with his 35 to move to sixth overall. Atherton’s Cody Misener claimed 3-12 from his five overs.