Captain’s knock from Ward key
Under 16’s: Western Park 7/168 vs Longwarry/Catani
Western Park are on top after a good batting display in the week one battle against Longwarry/Catani.
At the top, the Warriors were led by none other than there captain, Lane Ward, who made a quick fire 48 before being dismissed in an attempt to bring up his 50. Longwarry/Catani then fought back hard with the ball as Declan McFarlane (2/19) and Jayden Vela (2/32) snagged wickets in the middle order to put the pressure back, seeing Western Park sitting at 5/106. A late innings explosion from Connor McCluskey (33) saw them with a late fightback to pull the momentum back in their favour and helped them push a decent total. Western Park finishing with 7/168 putting them in the box seat for week 2.
Yarragon/Hallora 9/141 vs Drouin:
An even battle between bat and ball in week 1 has left the door open for both Yarragon/Hallora and Drouin next week.
Batting first, Yarragon/Hallora struggled to get anything going as their top order were all tied down by good line and length from Drouin, as Harrison Radcliffe (2/18), Jacob Konstanty (2/18) and Harry Piner (4/22) all starred with the ball.
A fighting effort from Addison Cumming with the bat saw him make a run a ball 42 as no other teammates could really get going and assist him to a good total. Yarragon/Hallora seeing out the day on 9/141, making week 2 of play anyone’s game, the Drouin side hoping their batsman’s good form continues.
Neerim District/Jindivick 9/119 vs Ellinbank:
Neerim District/Jindivick have struggled with the bat in week one against Ellinbank.
Bowling first, Ellinbank had answers for anything Neerim District/Jindivick were trying to do as Nathan Pisa (3/12) and Adam Campbell (2/20) took charge with the ball to put pressure on the batsmen. The pressure mounted and became too much for the batsmen, which saw three runouts for the innings to put Ellinbank in the box seat for week 2.
Neerim District/Jindivick did manage to bat there overs out, making 9/119, giving Ellinbank a lesser task and the potential to push Neerim District/Jindivick out of the finals, depending on if Drouin win their match against Yarragon/Hallora
Under 14s
Only one match was able to net a result from the under 14s, seeing Warragul take day one honours over Hallora, as the Monday night fixture fell inside the five day lockdown last week.
With one round to play before finals, Ellinbank hold top spot with three wins, while Drouin, Western Park Blue and Western Park White will all be fighting for the final spot in order to play finals.
Warragul’s win may prove beneficial, they’ve jumped into second position and look all but certain to host a home final if they claim victory.