Fraser Duncan scores stunning century
Division 1
Hallora (7-257) def. Buln (8-255): A stunning century to Fraser Duncan has helped Hallora maintain their unbeaten start to the season, with the Kangaroos successfully chasing down Buln’s considerable target – and in all likelihood putting a full stop on the Lyrebirds’ finals hopes.
Having struck 94 last round – edging behind off the bowling of Ellinbank’s Nicholas Fairbank just short of his ton – Duncan ensured that there would be no repeat of that heartbreak, as he confidently made his way through to 110.
His knock contained 12 boundaries and one six, and a number of sparkling strokes, and he ensured that Hallora would have few problems in their chase.
Ryan Williams (who made a rapid 37) and David Macdermid (39) chipped in with handy contributions and after 68 overs the Kangaroos made their way safely to their target.
The likes of Brent Eastwell (3-64) and Rhys Holdsworth (3-63) did their best to dismiss the Halloran line-up but they were unable to stem the flow of runs and found it tough to stem the momentum of the batsmen.
The Buln loss sees them sitting four games out of the top four with just six matches remaining, and they are surely consigned to missing out on the finals for the first time in several seasons.
Warriors take heat
Western Park (184) def. Longwarry (109):
In a heated encounter, Western Park walked away with a comfortable 75-run win over Longwarry, with Chris Perry again leading the way with the ball.
The seamer has enjoyed a successful finish to the pre-Christmas portion of the season – having claimed nine wickets in the last two games – and his haul of 5-37 ensured that the Crows were never in the hunt in their pursuit of 184.
The Longwarry top order failed to fire and the build-up of pressure caused by the disciplined Warriors bowling was too much for them to overcome.
Only Troy Lehman (who made 24) and Randall Mitchell (who chimed in with a handy 20) were able to settle at the crease and their seventh wicket stand of 38 was the highest of the innings.
After 49.2 overs the Crows found themselves bundled out for 109, with Jason Croft (3-17) and Sam Russell (219) also proving effective with the ball.
The win sees Western Park sitting in fourth spot on the ladder, holding a three-win advantage over the fifthplaced Longwarry.
Ward excites
Ellinbank (200) def. Neerim District (148):
Another sparkling half-century from Jack Ward provided excitement for Neerim District supporters at the weekend, however the remaining batsmen were unable to provide enough support for Ward and the Stags stumbled to a 52-run loss at the hands of Ellinbank.
Chasing 200, the Neerim chase began in awful fashion as Fawcett (seven), McCann (nought) and Lockett (one) were sent back to the pavilion in quick succession.
Bailey George joined Ward at the crease and their 47-run fourth wicket stand provided a glimmer of hope, when his dismissal for 23 left the lower order exposed and the Ellinbank bowlers took full advantage.
The likes of Sean Masterson (3-20 off 15), Will Robertson (2-15 from 11) and Nick Fairbank (2-26 off 12) were too disciplined with the ball to allow the Neerim batsmen off the leash at any stage and after 63 overs the Stags were dismissed for 148.
The win cements Ellinbank’s spot in the top four heading into the Christmas break, and they will be keen to maintain their form in the New Year and clinch a much sought after finals berth.
Kumara hits form
Drouin (249) def. Yarragon (174): Gamini Kumara took another step towards rediscovering the form that has made him the premier cricketer in the association for the past few seasons, but even his disciplined bowling form wasn’t enough to stave off defeat as Drouin took home a 75-run victory.
With 174 on the board to defend it was always going to come down to the ability of Kumara and Ishan Ratnayake to dismiss the opposition batsmen but Drouin’s batting depth emerged victorious from that tussle.
Trever Gardiner made a measured 42 and combined with Damon Healy, who compiled a classy 66, to anchor the chase and overcome the early wobbles that saw Drouin slump to 4-78.
Kumara snared 4-57 from his 26 overs and was consistently dangerous with the ball, while Tim Berryman chimed in with 4-57 to finish off the Drouin innings – the Hawks eventually dismissed for 249.
The win sees Drouin sitting second on the table heading into the break, with their spot in the top four seemingly secure with six rounds to go.