Division 2

Ellinbank (244) def. Garfield-Tynong (223): Tate Burgmann finally broke through and reminded the Warragul District Cricket Association of his talent with the bat, but even his knock of 75 wasn’t enough to help Garfield-Tynong breakthrough for their first win of the summer, with Ellinbank snatching a 21-run win over the Titans.

Tom Brown and Jason Skobla were able to combine effectively early in their run-chase, and their 44-run second wicket stand put the Eagles on the back-foot in the opening salvos of the afternoon, but after that the likes of Tim Brown (2-34 from 11.3) and Michael Pandolfo (3-66) were able to make regular breakthroughs.

Burgmann was at his best – driving powerfully through the off-side and being resolute in defence – but his removal late in the day, bowled by Brown, ensured that the Titans chase wouldn’t be successful.

They were all out for 223 in the 69th over, with the victory helping Ellinbank to keep in touch with the top four as it nears the midway point of the home-and-away season.

Kangas collapse

Neerim District (217) def. Hallora (216): A truly remarkable collapse has seen Neerim District claim the tightest of victories over Hallora, with the Stags taking home a one-run win in dramatic circumstances.

In pursuit of 218 for victory, the Kangaroos looked to be in control for most of the day – especially when Mawgan Penrice (a patient 60) and Grant Duncan (who continued his excellent form with a knock of 60) were together. The pair had added 94 runs for the fourth wicket and both players looked to be cruising towards the finish line.

However, Nathan Bayne was able to breach the defences of Penrice and the innings took a turn for the worse for Hallora.

Duncan remained at the crease, but Toby Bayne was up to the challenge, with the seamer attacking the stumps and inducing mistakes from the middle and lower order.

Claiming four wickets in a stunning spell (and finishing with 6-42 from his 20 overs), Bayne’s efforts meant that instead of a comfortable