96-run partnership helps Gulls to 214
Warragul 214 vs Garfield-Tynong 0/42
A 96-run second wicket partnership set the tone for the Gulls innings in their high scoring clash with Garfield-Tynong.
Coming together at 1/18 Jeff McBride and Peter Smith found plenty of gaps on the expanse of Logan Park. Pouncing on anything loose, Smith struck six boundaries and one maximum on his way to top scoring with 57. A more circumspect McBride (52) was happy to spend longer in the middle to bring up his half-century, playing second fiddle to Harmanpreet Singh who launched into the bowlers before falling just short of a second 50.
Singh cleared the rope four times and reached the boundary five times before being dismissed for 48. His wicket was the turning point for the Titans bowlers as Adam Flegg (4/81) ran through the middle order. Craig Murray (2/28) picked up the final wicket in his second spell while Darren Vandenberge toiled throughout the afternoon to finish with 2/66.
In reply, the visitors made a solid start scoring at almost three runs per over. Stuart Horsburgh got things going with five boundaries to finish the day 27 n.o. while Michael Cooper will resume on 11 not out.
Longwarry 102 vs Hallora 5/88
Hallora closed in on first innings points on the opening day of their encounter with Longwarry.
Chasing a small total, the Kangas made a steady start as Darren Humphrey (33) picked off four fours and two sixes to get them underway.
Three wickets to Jet Pickering (3/18) slowed things down as Jake Dean (13 n.o.) and Leigh Cook (10 n.o.) got settled at the crease. Earlier in the day, a confident start from Pickering (35) had the Crows well placed before a dramatic collapse saw them lose 10/52.
Evan Wright (26) was poised to stem the flow of wickets before being caught short of his ground. Gary Donoghue weaved a spell with the ball, finishing with 5.5 overs, three maidens, 3/2. Dean (2/34), Humphrey (2/28), and Flynn Visser (2/25) all shared in the spoils. Bunyip 2/60 vs Iona 120
A five-wicket haul to Bunyip’s Adam Barton has helped the Bulls to a commanding position in their match against Iona.
The Swamp Tigers just couldn’t get going with Cecil Haysom (16) the only man to get going in their top four. At 3/20 Chris Phelan set about getting a defendable total but received no support as wickets continued to fall at a steady rate.
Phelan’s solo effort (60) helped the visitors to at least reach triple figures. In reply, the home side are cruising at 2/60 despite a wicket each to Jarryd Bain (1/15) and Sam Accardi (1/15).