McCluskey takes four for Warriors

Drouin 91 vs Western Park 0/34

Western Park have put themselves in the box seat in their clash against Drouin.

Bowling first, the Warriors were led by Connor McCluskey (4/20) and Connor Fleming (2/2) as they tore through the Hawks’ middle order as it seemed like no one could get going.

The pressure was constant throughout the order and it was proven, as they rolled Drouin for a total of 91, before electing to bat. This saw Lane Ward (21*) and Toby Murfet (12*) pile on the runs as they made a total of 0/34 off the four overs they faced, putting them in control, only requiring 58 for victory next week.

Ellinbank 1/29 vs Longwarry/Catani 63

Ellinbank has been dominant with the ball in week 1 of their clash at home against Longwarry/Catani.

Bowling first, a brilliant opening spell led by none other than Liam Finnegan (5/10 off six overs) saw the side struggle with the bat early, falling to 7/22 at one stage, which included five ducks in a row throughout middle order.

However Sam Coleman (27) dug in at the top of the order and gave the Crows a fighting chance, but with the late work of Nate Murphy (2/2) saw them collapse late, finishing with a meagre total of 63.

The Eagles’ elected to bat and see out the day, however an early wicket made things look shaky, before Jack Logan (18*) finished strongly, with Ellinbank only requiring 35 runs to win next week.

Garfield-Tynong 86 vs Yarragon/Hallora

Yarragon/Hallora were good with ball in hand in week 1 of their clash away from home. After handy starts from both Garfield-Tynong openers, the rest of the order couldn’t stabilise and take control. The Titans only had seven players named and the Yarragon/Hallora bowlers took advantage.

Charlie Coster (2/15) took the key wickets they needed to take the upper hand, as Garfield-Tynong finished 86 all out, setting up a small total to chase down next week.

Under 14’s:

Ellinbank 178 vs Hallora 73

The Eagles have piled on a big victory at home in an all-around dominant display of cricket. After posting 178 in week 1, Hallora already had their work cut out for them, which only added more pressure. Unfortunately, no batsman could get going which made it more difficult, as Jack DeAraugo (2/12) was the pick of the bowlers. The Eagles’ flattened any chance of a Hallora run chase, rolling them for 73, making a statement early in the season.

Longwarry/Garfield 132 tied Western Park White 6/132

A good battle saw the game result in a tie as Western Park’s late fight back saw them save a loss. Longwarry were led by Clancy Pope (38) who batted extremely well, and Longwarry/Garfield looked to be in the box seat sitting at 5/119 only needing 14 runs to win. A fightback by Joseph Simpson (3/19) and Tom Fawcett (2/14) saw the wickets tumble though, as they took 5/13 and saved the game as Pope was run out going for the winning run, seeing the game result in a tie.

Yarragon Black 3/107 def by Yarragon White 9/129

Yarragon White come away victorious in a tight contest. After posting 129 in week 1, the job was in the hands of the White bowlers, as they were up to the task, as 2 early wickets saw the patient batsmen Angus Kirkham (26* off 139) & Dylan O’Sullivan (32 off 103), although these batsmen made scores, the class of the White bowlers forced them to stay patient as it became too hard to score, seeing them eventually fall short, finishing with 3/107.

Warragul 7/212 def Buln Buln Red 6/153

Warragul have come away on top as their week 1 total proved too much for Buln Buln to handle.

Chasing 212, Buln Buln had good intent early as opener Charlie Kilmartin (37* off 68) set up the innings from the top of the order, as he was followed by Artie Davidson (25* off 61). The good news for the Gulls’ bowlers, was that they were very tight to the incoming partners of these set batsmen, which made it hard for anyone else to get going, as Liam West (2/21) was the pick of the bowlers. It meant Buln Buln finished shy of their total in a gallant effort, making 6/153 to lose by 59 runs.

Western Park Blue 9/125 def by Drouin 144

Drouin have come away with the win after a brilliant run chase. Drouin’s openers were on top early before Caleb McIntosh (2/17 off 4) and Jack Walsh (2/2 off 5) stabilised for Western Park, but it was then Drouin begun to get away from them.

This was matched by arguably the best bowling performance of the season so far, as Connor Wettenhall (5/14 off 5) fought hard to keep his team in the winning frame, however his efforts weren’t enough as Drouin saw themselves over the line, passing the total of 125 and finishing with 144 all out.