Division 2

Hallora (4-177) vs. Warragul: Grant Duncan’s breakthrough century has helped Hallora to a competitive total against Warragul in their division two clash, with the all-rounder’s exceptional knock helping the Kangaroos to overcome a top order collapse.

Having posted three knocks in the 40s in the opening three rounds, Duncan strode to the crease with his side in trouble at 4-32, with Brian Christensen making life difficult for the Halloran top order.

His early scalps – combined with a probing spell from Paul Bridges-Black – ensured that the Gulls held the upper hand for much of the day, but Duncan’s determined knock took some of the gloss off their performance come the end of the day.

Mixing staunch defence with lusty boundary hitting – the knock containing 12 fours and two sixes – Duncan’s maiden Warragul District Cricket Association century was reached late in the day to the delight of Halloran supports, and he helped the Kangaroos to 4-177 at stumps, setting the Warragul outfit a potentially tricky chase next weekend.

Bankers restrict Hawks

Drouin (114) vs. Ellinbank (0-4): A brilliant all-round bowling effort from Ellinbank has seen them restrict Drouin to a middling total in their round five clash, with the Eagles holding the upper hand at stumps on day one.

With the match moved to Garfield following mid-week inclement weather, the Hawks were on the back-foot early against Ellinbank’s new-ball brigade, and the sustained pressure from the bowlers ensured a grinding day’s play.

Lucas Kilday struck 23 opening up to lead the way with the bat, but Cam Lyon (25 off 10), Tom Robertson (2-12 from 14) and Jack Pandolfo (2-9 off eight) ensured that life would be difficult for the Drouin bats.

After 63.2 overs the Hawks found themselves dismissed for just 114, and Ellinbank had just enough time to knock four runs off the required target courtesy of Tom Robertson.