Hallora halted by rain, again
Yarragon 8/177(cc) drew Hallora 0/36
For the fourth week in a row, Hallora has failed to complete their match, as a topsy-turvy encounter with Yarragon only had one winner: the rain.
Winning the toss and batting first, Laytten Smith (40) used his promotion to the top of the order to provide a solid start, as he and Adam Mazza (23) provided a superb early platform. Liam Serong (2-35) made good use of the brand-new Kookaburra for the first time at this level, snagging a couple of wickets, however it appeared to be the batsmen’s innings early on.
Gamini Kumara (26) failed to convert a promising knock, as Jimmy Williams (3-20) and Tom Williams (2-36) tried to heave the Kangas’ back into the contest.
They were successful, albeit briefly, as Dulip Liyange (27) was able to put the finishing touches on a superb batting performance, as the Panthers made 8-177 off their allotted overs.
In reply and with dark clouds circling, it appeared the rain was ready to come and so it proved true, as Aidan Phillips (18*) and Fraser Duncan (17*) looked dangerous as rain came to dampen the day, with Hallora 0/36 in reply off 9.3 overs.
Buln Buln 87 def by Drouin 7/188(cc) Another dominant display by Drouin’s new superstar Cam McPhan has propelled his side to a huge victory over Buln Buln.
A Grand Final rematch of sorts from two seasons ago, Drouin launched early, with Jordan Wyatt (41) and debutant Aaron Paxton (29) sending the new ball to all parts, as the pair added 64 in rapid time to immediately put the Lyrebirds on the back foot.
Both fell quickly, as Drouin’s momentum was slowed through the middle part of the innings, as veterans Corey Jagoe (2-30) and Brent Eastwell (2-20) swung the match with handy wickets.
None of the Hawks’ middle-order could make a meaningful contribution, until young Josh Maric (32*) stood tall once again, anchoring the latter overs as he and Simon Gardiner (25*) pushed the score to an imposing 7-188 with a 36-run eighth wicket stand.
In reply, on a slow Buln outfield the Lyrebirds needed a platform and received one as Wilson Pollock (21) and Lachie Jagoe (14) battled hard. However, it was the change from the new ball bowlers to the medium pacers that did the trick, as McPhan and Mitch Goodwin (3-23) wreaked havoc once again.
The pair combined for eight wickets, with McPhan (5-9) absolutely decimating the inexperienced Lyrebird middle-order, as Buln lost 9-31 in a monumental collapse.
Andrew Burdett (12) fought to restore pride, however the match was finished well before this point, as Buln slipped to a meagre 87 all out and succumbed to a 101-run loss.
Ellinbank 9/151(cc) def by Western Park 6/152
Western Park has cemented outright top position on the COVID Cup table for this weekend, outclassing Ellinbank before a late scare almost spoiled the party.
Winning the toss and batting, Ellinbank made early ground in their home opener, as Troy Ferguson looked dangerous with a breezy 28. The game managed to tighten up beyond the early run-fest however, as Leigh Diston (223) put the clamps on with a fine spell of bowling, as the Eagles middle order struggled to get boundaries away.
Harry Wans (4-50) was at his attacking best, playing cat and mouse with the batsmen who looked to attack him and was rewarded with four wickets, as only a late flurry from the likes of Bryce Joyce (23) was able to give Ellinbank a relatively defendable score of 9-151.
This total was made to look a lot bigger early on, as Sanjaya Gangodawila (12) fell to the bowling of Wilson McGillivray to place the game back on a knife’s edge.
New recruit, and third-string keeper Jack Armour decided to thrust himself into the contest, stroking the ball beautifully to all parts, whilst Leigh Diston (38) played a fine hand in support.
Once he was dismissed, Armour continued on his merry way, making 69 as Western Park seemingly were going to cruise to victory at 2138.
However, matches between these two sides are never that simple, as Jack Pandolfo (3-19) gave a late scare to the Warriors, as they slipped to 6-147. Luckily for the away side, the experienced Jason Croft was able to guide them home, ending Ellinbank’s hopes for early season silverware, whilst putting the Warriors in a strong position.