Two on the trot for Buln Buln
pushed the score to 130 in quick fashion as Hallora fought their way to a commanding lead.
They were momentarily halted as they lost three quick wickets at the hands of Matt Kelliher (3-35) and Kody Wilson (2-42) before Williams and Grant Duncan (17) gave their side a lead that was considered enough for a declaration.
With the six points in their keeping after making 8-192, Hallora had the majority of the day to bowl a fragile Neerim batting line-up out after their collapse last week. And once Sam Whibley (3-36) had removed Aaron Fawcett first delivery, things looked bleak.
However Jack Ward (25), Nathan Bayne (23) and Kody Wilson (21) managed to keep a potent Hallora attack at bay until late in the day.
James Williams (3-22), Sam Whibley and Malinga Surappulige (2-41) managed to take seven between them, and once Matt Ward was dismissed with the Stags’ 27 runs behind, an outright victory seemed imminent.
Ash Lockett (21) and Matt Kelliher (6*) survived for an hour to push Neerim one run ahead before they were eventually dismissed for 128, and thus Hallora had to settle for just a first innings victory.
Bankers on top
Ellinbank 7/319cc def Western Park 316 The battle of the two undefeated teams heading into round five has seen Ellinbank continue their stranglehold on top spot, with one of the great run chases the league has seen.
With 317 to get on their home surface, the Eagles batted with serious intent from the outset before Troy Lehman (3-83) struck twice quickly to leave Ellinbank 2-47.
Ben Spicer, who was fortunate early but a class above the bowling attack once set, and Jeremy Gray, led their side out of a particularly dangerous situation as the Warriors attack was blunted and seemingly inept until Gray (43) was dismissed four balls after tea by Lehman.
This brought Nick Fairbank to the crease and with Spicer, rattled along at six runs an over as the bleeding seemingly could not be stemmed. These two showed the depth and explosiveness of the league’s most in-form batting side, as they added 95 for the fourth wicket before Spicer was dismissed for 96.
Liam O’Connor (2-38) showed maturity beyond his years as he dragged the Warriors back in the game, removing Sean Masterson (14) and Michael Pandolfo (11), and once Nathan Pulham was bowled by Diston with the score on 284, it became anyone’s game.
However with Fairbank at the crease the score always seemed to be too small for Western Park as the left-hander struck 12 fours and a six in a match-defining knock. Fairbank reached his first century since January this year with the score’s tied to the rapturous applause of the Ellinbank faithful.
And along with Will Robertson (20*) he completed his side’s most famous victory in many years with the former coach finishing on a brilliant 103 not out, as Ellinbank reached the target with one over to spare.