Opening pair star for Hallora
Hallora 8/398 v Warragul
One of the greatest partnerships in WDCA history has propelled Hallora to a monster score against the struggling Warragul.
Winning the toss on a pristine day to bat, Damon Healy and Grant Duncan quickly went to work, blunting Warragul’s new ball efforts. With the Gulls unable to breakthrough early, their thin bowling attack was exposed in the heat, as Duncan and Healy took full advantage, eliminating any threat of the likes of Justin McCleary and Tim Whitten (0-51), as the partnership pushed its way into triple figures. By tea, the Kangas had achieved the rare feat of having all 10 wickets intact heading into the second half of the day as the home side tucked into salad rolls at 0-185.
The procession continued shortly after, as the dominant Healy made his second century of the season before favourite son Duncan reached 102, finally being dismissed by McCleary (2-117) after playing the innings of his life. The partnership of 245 was followed up by another substantial stand- as Brett Williams (34) continued the momentum, pushing the score to 306 before Healy (136) and Williams were dismissed in quick succession.
Fraser Duncan (0) had a rare failure, as did Aidan Phillips (0) as Tyler Constantine (2-40) and Cam Ludowyke (4-38) fought until the end of the day. Several lower order partnerships boosted the score further north, as Warragul’s pain finally ended after the 80 overs as Hallora made a seemingly unassailable total of 8-398.
Buln Buln 8/296 v Yarragon
Buln Buln had their best day of the season to date, dominating with the bat against Yarragon. Winning a crucial toss and batting, the Lyrebirds lost Wilson Pollock (10) early, but Lachie Jagoe and the recently promoted Ricky McKerrow (38) were able to give the home side momentum with a terrific 84-run stand.
Corey Jagoe (4) wasn’t able to fire, but the younger Jagoe proved to be a thorn in the Panthers side. He was finally dismissed for 78 in the middle part of the day, showing the promise that has the Buln faithful excited. As the ball got older and Yarragon’s bowlers became more tired, Buln capitalized- particularly Brent Eastwell (51) and Matt Allen (31), who took advantage of the likes of John Buckland (2-55) and Tom Martin (2-39) who performed manfully despite their lack of Division 1 experience.
The home side continued their momentum even through to the very end of their innings, as batsmen 6-9 all made starts, including the likes of Sam Reid (24), Brad Monson (21*) and Andrew Burdett (19). The trio helped push the score to 8-296, giving Gamini Kumara and his chargers a serious challenge next week.
Drouin 226 v Western Park
Drouin took advantage in their clash with ladder-leaders Western Park despite a late fightback by the Warriors.
Winning the toss and batting on a goodlooking pitch, the Hawks got off to a fast start until Tyler McDonald (1-24) struck early. Trevor Gardiner (36) and Josh Maric continued the momentum, as Western Park shelled multiple chances to hand Drouin the momentum. Gardiner was dismissed to end a quality 50-run stand, opening the door for fellow veteran Jake Harper (30) to continue the push for a monster score.
The side from the west of Warragul reached 3-145 by tea, and it appeared to be set for a 300+ total, and this threat proved more real as Sam Vanderzalm (31) and the strong-willed Maric helped Drouin reach 186.
The dismissal of Maric (73) turned the game, however, as Aaron Paxton (0) and Vanderzalm followed soon after. Paul Timewell (0) was the next to go, with Daniel Barrand (7) following soon after as Western Park began to swing the game.
Sam Batson (3-48) was the catalyst, before Sam Russell (5-49) found great reward from a marathon spell, giving him his best career figures. Troy Lehman (16*) added some late order runs, as Drouin fell for 226, giving them the edge but setting up an intriguing second day next week.
Ellinbank 9/291 v Neerim District
Ellinbank has continued their outstanding batting form, crushing Neerim’s attack on the weekend.
Winning the toss and wielding the willow, the Eagles found early momentum through the likes of Matt Farthing (34) and Troy Ferguson (22), although neither were able to convert their starts.
Ben Spicer (32) continued his good form, before the middle-order really seized the advantage after the tea break, after Matt Kelliher (3-37) and Kody Wilson (2-54) had stymied the run-rate before the break.
Daniel Pandolfo (50) and Sean Masterson (34) were in good touch with whirlwind innings to dampen Neerim’s hopes of getting off the field, before Nick Fairbank stuck the knife in with another brutal knock. The tall left-hander used his fabled strength and hitting ability to whisk any sniff of momentum away from Neerim, as he made 83 in just over two hours to push Ellinbank towards 300.
Another late scamper from Tom Robertson (20) put the finishing touches on the day for Ellinbank, as they reached 291 for the second consecutive game to put themselves in the box seat for next week.