Division 2
Neerim District (0-181) def. Drouin (5-178): In one of the more emphatic batting performances seen this summer, Neerim District claimed an astonishing 10-wicket win over Drouin, with Jack Ward once again leading the way with the willow.
Having posted a breakthrough century in round three against Ellinbank, Ward has gone from strength to strength for the Stags and his contributions have played a key role in Neerim District’s rise up the division two table.
On Saturday he was in imperious form, making light work of a potentially tricky chase.
Having watched as Drouin posted 5-178, a total made possible thanks to impressive contributions from Andrew Harrison (71) and Wade Crawford (54), Ward wasted little time in settling at the crease.
Striking multiple boundaries in the early part of the innings, Ward’s intent put the Hawks bowlers on the back foot and they were never able to recover.
With partner-in-crime Nathan Bayne playing the Robin to Ward’s Batman, the pair added an unbeaten 181 in just 26.3 overs to carry Neerim District to a huge confidence-boosting win in the lead-up to finals action.
Kangas miss chance
Jindivick (191) def. Hallora (173): A stunning lower-order collapse triggered by Christian Stacey has seen Jindivick emerge from their division two encounter against Hallora with an 18-run win; the loss of 5-9 laying waste to the middle order efforts of the Kangaroos batsmen.
Chasing 191, Hallora built their pursuit on the back of boundary-laden knocks from Chris Diston (32), James Williams (38), Grant Duncan (31) and Jai Newcombe (34) – the quarter waiting patiently for the ‘bad ball’ from the Jumping Jack’s bowlers and resolutely defending for the remainder of the over.
Having maneuvered their way to 5-164 victory was well and truly in their grasp but Stacey (who claimed 4-7 from 7.3 overs) soon put paid to their hopes with a stunning late-in-theday assault on the batsmen.