Crows held to 147 by Titans
Division 2:
Longwarry 147 v Garfield-Tynong 1/4
After dealing with hurricane Barnes last week, Longwarry set their sights on a win over recently relegated Garfield-Tynong.
Batting first, Longwarry were unable to gain any momentum in their innings, as a plethora of Garfield-Tynong bowlers left their mark. Only star-man Yashan Samarasinghe (54) provided much of a resistance against the likes of APK Rangajith (3-19), Brayden Ridler (2-10) and AK Tyrone (2-15) as the Titans’ proved why they were extremely competitive in the top division last season, rolling the Crows for an under-par 147. In reply, with just two overs to bat, the away side lost a wicket through a run-out, committing the unthinkable to be 1-4 at the end of play.
Iona 176 v Drouin 1/13
Experienced campaigners Mitch Smith and Paul Timewell shared all ten Iona wickets; however, the Swamp Tigers took a slight edge in the first half of their clash against Drouin.
Winning the toss and batting on a pristine Bellbird ground, Iona’s prime new recruit Luke Gilbert was able to stamp his authority on proceedings, grinding out a gritty 55 to take his side well into triple-figures. A bevy of starts including an important tail-end 29 from Travis Kitchin helped push Iona to 176, as Smith (553) and Timewell (5-57) fought hard all day for their side.
With six overs to play, Drouin lost a wicket early to be 1-13 at the end of play, with plenty to do next week.
Catani 8/291 vs Hallora
Catani dominated their clash with rivals Hallora on the weekend, underpinning why they may be the favourites to win another
Division 2 flag this year.
Batting first on a hard Hallora wicket, the top-order did the business for the Blues as Liam Adams, Josh Bethune (73) and James Vela (56) smoked the ball to all parts, as they took the path of domination against the Kangas’.
Adams in particular proved why he is a WDCA representative, looking odds-on to make a magnificent century before tragically falling for 99, however, his side had his back as they pushed on to make an imposing 8-291 off their allotted overs. Chris Sharpe (2-47) and Grant Duncan (2-70) toiled all day, but it seems like the writing is on the wall for the home side.
Western Park 304 v Jindivick
Both young and old proved why Western Park is one of the teams to beat in the division this season, as they amassed an enormous total to put Jindivick on the ropes on the weekend.
Batting first on a flat deck, Adam Feltham (61) was the first to take advantage of the bowling on offer, feasting early with twelve boundaries. Dale Fawcett was the next in his return game, as he blasted a whirlwind century in no time at all, eventually falling for 107 as the Warriors looked to press their advantage. In came youngster Lane Ward and with a senior century under his belt already, proved that injury concerns proved negligible, as he made 84 not out before late wickets in pursuit of quick runs cost him a maiden Division 2 ton.
Jordan Smith (7-93) was by far the pick of the bowlers for the Jumping Jack’s, the experienced campaigner proving expensive but very effective, as the Warriors amassed 304 in just over 64 overs.
In reply, the away side are 0-3 and will need something special next week.