Bowlers get job done

Mets get campaign under way

CRICKET: Metropolitan-Easts are officially off the mark in round two of the TCI A-grade competition after making light work of Highfields-Railways at the weekend.

A dominant first innings saw the Trojans dismiss their opponents for just 80, as Campbell Rathie ran riot, claiming 4-22 from 18 overs.

In response, an 83-run opening stand from Darren Koch (36) and Daniel Pollock (71) sealed first innings points, before the Mets went on to declare at 5-128 from 27 overs.

With 60 overs of play remaining and a 48-run deficit, Highfields-Railways were able to hold their nerve and bat out the remainder of the day to avoid outright defeat after Tom Hughes remained unbeaten on 74.

Met-Easts captain Ross Milton said a determined bowling display helped set up the victory.

“Our bowling was something we spoke about before the game,” he said.

“It was a pretty good deck at Highfields and they batted for a long period of time (64.3 overs) so we could’ve gotten wayward.

“But we stuck to our plan to bowl consistently and that was a big part of winning the game.”

With the two-day competition on a break until next year, Milton said picking up points was crucial as they looked to hit the ground running in 2019.

“It was massive for us to get a bit of momentum before the break,” he said.

“We had been playing good cricket, and it was good for our own belief and gives us something to build on into the new year.”

University also claimed vital points in their first innings defeat of Southern Districts.

After amassing a modest total of 187, University were able to restrict their opponents to just 106 with Hamel Shah leading the way with the ball (3-17 off nine overs).

In their second innings, University batted out the day to finish at 4-152.

While Western Districts claimed the Harding-Madsen Shield over Northern Brothers yesterday, they were forced to settle for a draw in the two-day competition.

Centuries to Chris Gillam (175) and Brian May (148) propelled Wests to a formidable 7384 (dec).

Diggers were able to hold firm in their defence however, with Blake Anderson (80) helping his side to finish the match at 7-176.

Photo: Nev Madsen CRACKING SHOT: Bryce Priebe plays a shot for University on his way to 77 in the second innings during round two of the TCI A-grade competition against Southern Districts.