High scoring and forfeits
Division four:
Two of the four matches were played out in division four with high scoring highlighted by some fantastic individual efforts.
Unfortunately, this time of year can be tough on clubs as they struggle to find numbers to fill their sides. This was the case for Garfield-Tynong and Ellinbank who had to forfeit their matches and for Western Park in division five.
Young guns fire
Hallora proved too strong for Western Park in a thrilling contest played out in the picturesque surrounds of Athlone.
Choosing to bat first, the Warriors were led by their young brigade who set the foundation for a competitive total.
Coming together with the score at 17, Jacob Konstanty and Lane Ward quickly settled into a good rhythm against the seasoned Kangas’ bowling attack, as the pair added 114 for the second wicket.
Konstanty (58) was the next man out, while Ward went on to top score with a boundary laden 76 (12 fours). At the back end of the innings, another future star Luke Garner added a vital 33 not out as the visitors saw out their allotted overs.
Brian McDonald was the only multiple wicket taker, finishing with 2-32.
In reply, Chris Gardiner (41) got the home side away to a great start before a minor collapse of 3-15 swung the momentum in Western Park’s favour.
Rob Park and Daniel Sell dug in for the Kangas with a 61-run stand before another flurry of wickets left their side teetering on the brink at 7157. Sell (80 not out) proved to be the thorn in the Warriors’ side, however, as he and Dean Alush (30 not out) reached the target with nine balls to spare.
Chris Wettenhall picked up key wickets to finish with 3-29, while Konstanty tied the batsmen down early in the chase to snare 2-13 off eight overs with four maidens.
Another day – another ton
Longwarry easily accounted for Jindivick with a strong batting performance the key to victory.
Sent in by the visitors, Longwarry made a steady start through Geoff Rumble and Evan Wright (27) to reach 2-40. Gary Kear entered the fray and, with Rumble holding down one end, the scoreboard began ticking over rapidly. The pair shared an incredible 159-run partnership as Kear (107) reached triple figures for the fourth time this season.
Rumble (51) stayed on task, batting through the better part of the innings before Kev Larkman (3-19) ultimately breached his defences.
In reply, the Jumping Jacks struggled from the outset as Jesse Lafrantz (3-23) dismantled the top order. Larkman (43) and Steve Fricke (32) offered stern resistance, but a late bowling change saw Wright (3-5 off four overs) stem the flow of runs.
Ash Zinnow chimed in with 26 not out late in the day as the visitors finished their 40 overs a long way short of the target.