Matches in the balance

Two matches are in the balance after the first day of round two action in Grampians Cricket Association.

St Andrews set Youth Club a target of 200 for victory and the Clubbers lost 2-9 in the chase before the close of play on Saturday.

The Saints had six players score more than 20, while nobody got a 50, in a solid team effort.

The main bowler for the Clubbers was ‘leggie’ Angus Barham who snared 5-60.

While the Saints have already removed both openers, there is still a lot of work to do before claiming victory.

The Clubbers will rely on Nic Baird to repeat his round-one century assisted by others to reach the target.

Whatever the result of this match, the Saints have revealed themselves a team to be reckoned with this season.

Aradale notched up against Pomonal after bat.

Top scorer for Aradale was recruit 188 runs electing to Eyan Habib, who scored a half century batting at number 10. Habib scored his 50 off just 55 balls in 51 minutes.

Best of the Tigers bowlers was Lee Oliver with 4-29, assisted by Lachie Green with 3-56.

The Tigers have yet to bat this season after a bye in round one and will need concentration and planning to overhaul Aradale’s score.

At Buangor, the home team was invited to bat by Halls Gap and posted 255.

Buangor-tatyoon recovered after losing early wickets thanks to fine knocks from Aaron Byron, 88, and Paul Latham, 75.

Best of the Gappers’ bowlers were Ben Iseppi with 4-27 and Luke Stevens, 4-56.

Halls Gap was a precarious 4-23 in reply and will need to score at least 156 to avoid the follow-on this weekend.

Grampians Cricket Association was saddened by the death of respected umpire Greg ‘Goldie’ Goldsmith. Goldie loved people, a good yarn and everything sporting.

He will be sadly missed and fondly remembered.