Hallora make hay despite rain
Division 1
Amidst the afternoon rain on Saturday only one match was able to begin in the division one competition.
It was Hallora who were able to claim the points against Ellinbank, with a seven-wicket win continuing their unbeaten start to the year.
In a reduced 28-over match, Ellinbank elected to bat first after winning what was seen by many as a crucial coin toss, but found the going tough early on against Caleb Serong and Hugo Whitlock, with the Halloran pair stifling any early progress.
Daniel Pandolfo was removed without scoring after Serong found his outside edge, whilst Michael Farthing has his stumps disturbed by the young Englishman Whitlock.
Michael Pandolfo carried on his excellent form from last weekend in a boundary-laden 28 but before he could cause any real damage he was found short of his crease by Andrew Martin and his dismissal curbed any late momentum Ellinbank hope to build.
With 7-90 on the board to defend Tim Brown captured a vital early wicket to raise Ellinbank’s hopes - trapping Mark Cooper in front for a duck - but despite some testing bowling Hallora’s experience proved the difference.
Cam Lyon (2-10 off four) did his best to trigger a collapse, but Fraser Duncan’s composed 24 and Ryan Williams’ aggressive 21 were enough to help Hallora reach their target in the 23rd over, the pair capitalizing on the inexperience of some of the change bowlers to claim the points.
Kangas make it two
Panthers denied
Yarragon 7/232 drew Neerim District 4/41
At the Neerim South Recreation Reserve Yarragon were especially frustrated by the rain, with the inclement weather surely costing them victory.
Having posted a huge score of 7232 - the total built on the back of another stunning 72 from Gamini Kumara and a hard-hitting 54 from Ishan Ratnayake - the Panthers had then reduced Neerim District to 4-41 in the ninth over.
Kumara was again on fire with the ball, snaring 3-18 from 4.3 before the precipitation intervened.
The match was also marked by a staggering 48 extras from Neerim with Brett Bransgrove alone sending down five no-balls and 14 wides in his four over spell.
Western Park 8/141 drew Buln Buln 1/9
In the heavyweight showdown between Buln and Western Park, the match was evenly poised when play was called off, with the Lyrebirds 1-9 in pursuit of the Warriors total of 8-141.
Jason Croft’s 38 was the highlight of the day’s play, alongside a gritty 26 from Ryan Hendy - his innings memorable for the fact that he continued to bat even after most likely breaking his big toe on one foot.
Paul Black was the pick of the bowlers with an at times unplayable spell of 3-12, whilst Bryce Monahan (2-18) provided able support.
Rain denies Drouin
Ellinbank 126 drew Drouin Drouin faced off against Ellinbank in the final match of the division one fixtures, and the Bankers would no doubt have been thankful for the rain after posting a middling total of 126.
Nick Stevenson was again in the runs with a more-than-handy 42, whilst Michael Farthing’s 28 opening up was also crucial in denying the Hawks bowlers. Daniel Glover (3-14) and Trevor Gardiner (3-17) were the pick of the bowlers for Drouin. Hallora (3-94) def Ellinbank (790)
Showdown wash out