TCI A-grade fixtures hang in the balance

CRICKET: After an intriguing opening day in the first TCI Agrade fixtures for the year, all six teams head into the second day of play in a position to land vital competition points.

Round three of the competition commenced last Saturday with second-placed Northern Brothers Diggers heavily undermanned in their match against Metropolitan-Easts at Rockville Oval.

A strong start was brought undone with strong bowling from the Trojans, leaving them under the pump after being dismissed for 143.

In reply, Metropolitan-Easts look to hold a strong advantage in trying to claim first innings honours, heading into today’s play at 2/74, headed by an unbeaten 36 to Darren Koch.

At Middle Ridge Park, Southern Districts’ bowlers will need to be at their best to knock off ladder leaders Western Districts.

Souths put up a respectable first innings total of 166, but will face a task in trying to restrict the powerhouse batting line-up.

Wests currently sit at 0/15 after openers Josh Eiser and Sam Neale held firm in the 14 overs they faced to conclude the first day.

Today’s final fixture at Captain Cook Reserve features a Highfields-Railways side desperate to record their first win of the season.

They closed out the opening day at 8/163 after managing to bat out the day, with Jeremy Cotter (30*) the key man at the crease for the Bulldogs.