Tigers lift in build up
Jung Tigers is preparing for a solid assault on Horsham Cricket Association’s approaching A Grade finals after a big win over Laharum.
The Tigers appear to be finding form with the bat and on Saturday it was skipper Angus Adams who led the way with a century at Horsham City Oval.
Laharum was defending only 139 in the two-day clash and the Tigers responded with 5-292, Adams’ knock of 128 at second drop a standout.
The runs, which included 17 fours and four sixes, came at a perfect time for the aggressive middle-order player who is in his first year as Tigers captain.
Jung lost a couple of early wickets to John Doyle in the chase but Brian Jensz and Adams steadied the ship before Jensz was out for 45.
Adams then continued with Sam Leith, 32, the pair adding 120 runs. Tyler Puls also chimed in with a half-century.
The win placed the Tigers third on the ladder behind Homers and Horsham Saints who fought out another classic encounter at Horsham’s Sunnyside Oval.
The Saints were defending 223 against the premiership favourites and both sides remained well in the game for much of Saturday.
At one stage Homers was 4-94 and later 8-193, Austin Smith and Jono Carroll conspiring to capture two wickets each and Haydn Smith proving a late destroyer with 4-50.
But a middle-order 71 to all-rounder Chris Hopper and 39 to Brody Smith down the list took the game to the wire, Smith out with the score at 9-221 made sure the Pigeons made it across the line.
Opener Simon Hopper, who retired hurt early in the innings, returned and remained unbeaten on 26. With Paddy Mills at the crease and only one wicket to spare, he navigated their team to victory.
Jarred Combe earlier made 43 and Jason Kannar 26.
Rupanyup-minyip, meanwhile, proved too good for West Wimmera, defending a declared score of 5-203 by bowling out the Warriors for 82.
Outright points at Minyip eluded the Blue Panthers despite having the visitors 8-90 in a second dig.
Several bowlers shared in the spoils, while Michael Preston made a defiant second-innings 33 to keep the loss to only a first-innings result.
This week the competition heats up again with the start of another round of two-day games. The Tigers will be keen to maintain a stranglehold on third spot when they meet the Blue Panthers at Horsham City Oval.
West Wimmera will remain on the hunt for a major scalp when it welcomes Horsham Saints to Nhill and Homers meet Laharum at Sunnyside.