Veteran Donoghue picks up hat-trick
Round 11 will see the two play off in a grand final preview as they vie for the coveted top spot on the ladder.
In other results, Western Park proved too strong for Iona while Jindivick picked up an easy six points as Ellinbank continued to struggle with numbers.
Donoghue demolition
WDCA veteran Ross Donoghue added another feather to his cap at the weekend with a phenomenal spell of bowling that saw him claim a rare hat-trick.
Donoghue, who has a remarkable career spanning over 200 games and boasting 350 plus wickets (including a hat-trick in 2016-17), is no stranger to big bags of wickets. However, Saturday’s efforts caused carnage on an unprecedented level at Athlone.
In just three overs, Donoghue snared 6/7 as Garfield-Tynong was routed for 38.
Brian McDonald applied early pressure to share the spoils, finishing with 3/7 off six overs which included three maidens.
In reply, Daniel Simons blasted three sixes and two fours to reach 33 not out as the Kangas reached the target in nine overs.
Even Contest as the middle order struggled to get going, top scoring with 71.
Jesse Lafrantz battled hard in trying conditions to finish with 2/27, while Ben McKenna chimed in late snaring 2/13.
In reply, the Crows got away to a flying start with Geoff Rumble and Joe Pullen putting on 71. Pullen looked on target for an elusive halfcentury but was run out for 34.
Rumble went a short time later for 29 and his dismissal triggered a collapse that saw the visitors lose 4/17. Gary Kear kept his side in the game with a gritty 40 but despite a valiant effort from their younger brigade, Longwarry couldn’t quite get across the line.
Erin MacFarlane (2/31) and Dulip Wanigavitharana (2/16) were the pick of the bowlers.
Warriors never troubled
Western Park was never troubled in pursuit of Iona’s small target, bringing up the win with five overs to spare.
Early wickets to Michael Scully (2/19) wasn’t enough to stem the flow of runs as Paul McCluskey and Kenny Lindsey put on 51 for the third wicket.
Lindsey scored in his usual fashion, striking three fours and a six, before being out stumped for 29. A further 60 run partnership saw the remaining deficit erased with Lane Ward (17) providing ample support. McCluskey was again the backbone of the Warriors innings, ending the day 59 not out.
Earlier in the day, it was the visitor’s young bowling attack that did the damage as Kyle Baker (4/31) went to work with the new ball. Jack Walsh gave little away to finish with figures of 3/18 off eight overs as the Swamp Tigers were skittled well short of their allotted overs.
Sean McCormack top scored for the home side with 32, while Callum Strange chipped in with 24.