Waratah battle to restrict PINT
TWIN tons from veteran PINT duo Simon Lavers and Marc Calkin has pushed the Greens into a commanding position after day one against Waratah at Marrara yesterday.
In the first two-day game of 2016, Greens skipper Calkin won the toss and elected to bat and in the in-form Lavers got straight to work.
Lavers, who made 196 against Palmerston a fortnight ago, was less destructive yesterday against ‘Tahs but he was still as influential.
The opening batsman was eventually dismissed for 129 from 189 balls, with the Greens in a strong position at 3-234.
Lavers hit 12 boundaries and one maximum in a truly spectacular innings.
Lavers did his work in the early afternoon, while Calkin got going as the day went on, hitting 11 boundaries in his un- beaten 125 at the end of play. The Greens prized recruit, Ben Wakim, had a rare Darwin and District Cricket Competition failure with the bat, making 14 but it did not matter with Lavers and Calkin on song.
‘Tahs spinners Bradley Schmulian and James Seymour bowled 64 of their 90 overs in the field, while quick John Semaan did not bowl, despite fielding.
Calkin said the challenge was for his side to bowl well next Saturday.
“Lavers batted really well again, it was the type of wicket where once you get in, it was easier to score on,” Calkin said.
“We need to come back on day two and bowl well.”
Meanwhile, 22 wickets fell at Tracy Village Oval as Southern Districts were brought down by poor shot selection and the hosts did not fair much better with the bat. The ‘Crocs were rolled for just 59 through 26.5 overs as Nathan Hangan top scored with 20, batting at number nine.
Young Villagers bowler Nicholas Patterson, who is starting to hit his straps in Top End cricket, did the damage, taking 4-19 from 10 overs and two more later in the day.
South Australian recruit Patterson has taken 15 wickets over the past month after a lean start to the season.
One of Patterson’s mates from down south, Isaac Boylan, spent some much needed time in the middle, topscoring for the Villagers with 42.
Imposing Crocs quick Joshua Dunning took 5-35 to knock over the Villagers for 129.
The Crocs were 2-15 a second time at stumps on day one.
At Cazalys Oval, Palmerston’s miserable season continued as they were knocked over for just 57 by Nightcliff.
The Tigers were 8-300 in reply at the end of play.