Division 2
Western Park (2-78) vs. Garfield-Tynong (45): Due to the quirks of fixturing, the encounter between Western Park and Garfield-Tynong was the first between the two teams on a turf wicket for as long as anyone can remember.
As it was, the Titans didn’t enjoy their time on the Western Park oval, with a dismal batting performance consigning them to a race to avoid outright defeat next weekend.
The Warriors seamers were in fine form throughout the afternoon, with Chris Perry (19 from 12), Kim Drew (3-14 off 12) and Joel Batson (3-2 from eight) all proving nigh on impossible to score from.
Tate Burgmann was the only GarfieldTynong batsmen to look comfortable, but he made just 10 and the entire team just 45.
Left with 21 overs to face out, Western Park lost Jack Barnes early, but Batson (32*) and Luke Gilbert (26) were able to quickly settle at the crease and help their side through to 2-78 at stumps, already holding a 33-run first innings lead.
Kangas work hard
Hallora (5-214) vs. Ellinbank: At this time of year Ellinbank’s home ground is normally a bowler’s graveyard, with the quick outfield wreaking havoc with the figures of anyone brave enough to take the ball.
However, Hallora were forced to work for each and every run in a grinding day’s cricket which saw Jai Newcombe strike his first senior half-century.
In his first season out of the junior competition, Newcombe combined watchful defence with some eye-catching stroke-play, and his approach netted him a brilliant 87*, with his innings leading Hallora to 5-214 at stumps.
Chris Diston (30) and Jai Serong (36) were also solid at the top of the order but the likes of Jack Pandolfo (2-63), Alex Gaudion (1-51 off 17) and Chris Pallot (1-31 from 13) were able to restrict the scoring and prevent the Kangaroos from posting an ‘unchaseable’ target.