Panthers put to the sword

snaring a win were soon dashed by the blades of Healy and Trevor Gardiner, as the pair combined for a 92-run stand that carried Drouin past the required target.

Gardiner was eventually trapped in front for 42 by Jeff Reid, but that only brought Wyatt to the crease and the youngster and Healy continued the steady flow of runs.

Healy has been in a rut of sorts in the first four rounds, but well and truly rediscovered his form thanks to a sensational knock of 96 – his highest score for Drouin.

Wyatt chimed in with a brisk 60 to lift Drouin to 267 before they were dismissed, with Stan Harrison the pick of the bowlers with 3-30 from his 17.2 overs.

Forced to bat for a second time, Ellinbank made their way to 1-15, with Harrison the only man dismissed.

Hallora on top

Hallora (9-251) def. Buln (5-210): Buln Buln’s unbeaten start to the season came to an end as Hallora moved a game clear at the top of the table – with the Kangaroos middle and lower order coming to rescue in a successful run-chase.

Chasing the Lyrebird’s total of 5-210, Hallora were in trouble early against Jackson Noonan – with the opener extracting movement and bite off the pitch with the new-ball – and he snared three scalps to reduce Hallora to 3-18.

The normally reliable Fraser Duncan was out edging behind for 0, the dangerous James Vela out for 13, and Brad Williams bunted a return catch to be on his way for just five, and the pressure was well and truly on.

However, the likes of David Macdermid (37), Ryan Williams (a run a ball 55) and Aidan Phillips (a division one high score of 60*) ensured that Buln couldn’t quite restrict their opponents enough to claim victory.

They snared the seventh wicket of the innings with Hallora still requiring 30 runs for victory to raise hopes, but the Kangaroos depth stood out once again as they made their way to 9-251 at stumps.

Noonan (3-32 from 14) and Ryan Bishop (2-30 off 11) were the pick of the bowlers for the Lyrebirds.