High scoring encounters
Division 4
by Adam Johnson
Round seven kicked off at the weekend with the last of the red ball action before the Christmas break.
There were some high scoring encounters (particularly in the match between Hallora and Ellinbank), along with a top of the table clash between the two Jindivick sides.
Second ton for McDonald
Hallora 10/347 vs Ellinbank 0/12 Hallora all-rounder Brian “Bones” McDonald has recorded is second century of the season, punishing the Ellinbank bowlers with an innings that included 19 fours and four sixes.
Coming to the crease with the score at 1/51, McDonald quickly took control of the scoring, standing firm as a succession of Kangas batsmen came and went.
Rob Park (51) provided good support early on posting his first half century for Hallora along with Brad Ward (29), who combined with McDonald to put on 99 for the fifth wicket.
Dean Alush kept up the tempo late in the afternoon, firing off six boundaries to finish with 32.
Jason Helps toiled hard to claim 3/91 off 18 overs (including the prize scalp of McDonald),
Pete Felstead chimed in with 2/72 and Adam Campbell snared two late scalps to finish with 2/22.
Ellinbank face a daunting run chase when they resume on day two at 0/12.
McKenna in full flight
Longwarry 6/270 (cc) vs Drouin Longwarry are in a strong position going into day two on the back of a game changing innings from Kevin Mckenna.
After a shaky start that saw the Crows reach 3/70 (with Gary Kear contributing 38), McKenna settle in for a lengthy stay as he batted through the better part of the afternoon.
His classy stroke play kept the scoreboard ticking over and when joined by Rohail Rafat (29*) the pair put on 101 for the sixth wicket.
McKenna looked set to bring up his century before an edge through to the keeper ended his innings on 91.
It was a tough day for the Hawks bowlers with a whopping 50 extras not doing the home side any favours.
Although no bowling figures where available at time of going to print, Dale Kelly claimed four scalps.
Turnball takes five
Warragul 10/109 vs Iona 1/80 A five-wicket haul from Iona’s James Turnbull sees the Swamp Tigers in the box seat after routing Warragul for 109.
After choosing to bat first the Gulls were in all sorts as Turnbull run rampant snaring three wickets in rapid succession leaving the visitor shaken at 4/40.
Only Vaneet Singh (24) could muster any sort of resistance as Turnbull went on to finish the day with a miserly return of 5/28 off 16 overs with six maidens. Sean McCormack chimed in with 3/21. With 14 overs to face before stumps the home side went a long way towards setting up a potential outright victory, finishing the day at 1/80.
McCormack led the charge and will resume on 41 along with Chris Phelan who is on 11.
Top teams clash
Jindivick Gold 10/227 vs Jindivick Black 0/14 Jindivick Gold has posted a defendable total in their rivalry clash with Jindivick Black.
Having moved the game to Sunday so they could play at Kydd-Park Reserve, there was a party like atmosphere as the Gold side won the toss and chose to bat first.
Gordon Winstone (4/53) had an immediate impact with the new ball, reducing the opposition to 2/11 before a defiant stand from Jake Jeffrey (26) and Michael Buzasi got the scoreboard ticking over.
Buzasi used the occasion of his 150th match to register a career best score of 77.
Brad Gnaden chimed in with a timely 23 and a brazen 57 from Tim Jeffrey ensured the Gold bowlers would have something to work with.
Winstone was the pick of the bowlers and was well supported by fellow opener Caleb Boswell, who snared 2/68.
Shane Hoskins slowed the scoring rate with an economical return of 2/39 off 16 overs.
Winstone (3*) and Aaron Larkman (11*) got their side off to a brisk start and will hope to build a big opening partnership when play resumes.