Young Roberts blasts an unbeaten 69
Division four:
Western Park (1-111) defeated Ellinbank (108):
An understrength Ellinbank line-up was made to rue missed opportunities in the field following Matt Roberts’ onslaught, with multiple dropped chances ensuring they had no hope of defending 108.
The young swashbuckler was handed first, second, third and even fourth lives before settling in a boundary-hitting groove – blasting an unbeaten 69 in a 111-run stand with Lane Ward. The duo showed no mercy, taking just 12.3 overs to carry Western Park to a nine-wicket win.
Earlier in the day, Matt Guy’s fighting 60 was the only bright spark for Ellinbank against a disciplined Warriors line-up.
Longwarry (217) defeated Garfield-Tynong (88):
Bob Thomas turned back the clock and displayed his full bag of tricks on the weekend, with the wily spinner snaring a five-wicket haul as Longwarry handed Garfield-Tynong a hefty 129-run defeat.
Jake Lambourne (31) and Erin Maxwell (23) combined for a spritely 51-run opening stand – ensuring the Crows were made to toil early in the piece. But against the guile of Thomas, the middle and lower order were helpless.
Batsman after batsman advanced but were beaten off the pitch, with three stumpings making up Thomas’ eventual haul of 5-17 – the Titans dismissed for just 88.
Hallora (7-197) defeated Jindivick (183): Resuming at 1-82 and with just 100 more runs required to snare victory,
Hallora was forced to take a somewhat cautious approach to its run-chase against Jindivick.
Some tight bowling from Christie (2-42) and Zinnow (1-15 from 9.4) made life difficult for the Kangaroos.
However, Michael Lynch (a boundary-laden 48), Daniel Sell (21) and Brian McDonald (27) were able to counter-attack, and their resolute stroke-play ensured Hallora would emerge victorious – the Kangaroos passing Jindivick fivedown before finishing at 7-197.
Iona (5-220) defeated Warragul (110 and 479):
Iona’s batsmen enjoyed some quality time at the crease in the win over Warragul, with the Swamp Tigers taking home a comfortable first innings victory.
Resuming at 2-46 – in pursuit of just 110 – Iona was led strongly by skipper Lachlan Morris, with the all-rounder compiling a confident half-century. He found superb support from Todd Pinal (34*) and Sean McCormack (25*) before Iona declared at 5-220.
With 22 overs to face out, Steve Tweedle ensured there would be no collapse, with his knock of 44 carrying Warragul to 4-79 at the close of play.