Division 4
Division four swung back into action at the weekend with Jindivick Black cementing its place at the top of the one-day table with a comprehensive win over Ellinbank.
Jindivick Gold sit in second place, just six points behind their intra-club rivals, while Longwarry and Ellinbank round out the top four with the Eagles ahead on net run rate.
There are just two rounds of white ball cricket remaining (to be played over the next two Saturdays) with the decider to be held at the conclusion of the regular season in March.
Kear leads Crows
Longwarry 6/180 (cc) def Iona 10/118 Longwarry’ Gary Kear has led his side to a big win over Iona, dominating proceedings to finish with an impressive 96 not out.
Opting to bat first, the Crows struggled early with both openers removed cheaply.
Daniel Pullen and Kear revived the innings with a vital 71-run partnership before a mix-up saw Pullen back in the pavilion, run-out for a handy 29.
It was after this dismissal that Kear came into his own, steering the visitor to a competitive total as the remaining batsmen struggled to reach double figures. Extras were a handy contributor with 26.
Muhammad Sohaib was the pick of the bowlers with 2/46 on what was a lean day for the fielding side.
In reply, the Swamp Tigers were never really in the hunt as a succession of wickets saw them tumble to 6/31.
Callum Strange and Russell Ferguson (14) led a late revival before falling in quick succession as the match drew to a close. Strange (52) top-scored for the home side, recording his first half-century since joining Iona this season.
Wickets were evenly spread with the new ball combination of Nick Pullen and Jesse Lafrantz claiming 2/16 and 2/23 respectively. Jordan Kingi chimed in with 2/17, while the ever-reliable Bob Thomas snared 2/21.
Jindivick Black on top
Jindivick Black 8/206 (cc) def Ellinbank 10/149 Jindivick Black had little trouble in accounting for Ellinbank, with some strong middle order batting helping the Jumping Jacks to an imposing total.
Early wickets had the visitor looking shaky before a handy 25 from Dinil Srinath steadied the ship.
Ash Zinnow and Gordon Winstone then combined to put on 70 runs for the sixth wicket, taking their side deep into their allotted overs. Winstone departed for 40 after hitting a return catch to the bowler while Zinnow carried his bat to finish on 66 not out.
Brad Berry was the best of the bowlers with a tidy return of 3/21 off eight overs while Pete Felstead lent good support with 2/24.
In reply, early wickets brought Berry and Chris Urie together with the pair adding 65 for the fourth wicket. Berry went on the offensive