Buln takes high scoring game
Buln Buln resigned Warragul to the wooden spoon on the weekend, downing them in a high-scoring contest. Bowling first, the Lyrebirdsthrough Corey Jagoe (3-55) and Brad Monson (2-44) found early success, as the Gulls lost three early wickets to leave them reeling. The in-form Matt Bow (31), Pat Mulqueen (29) steadied the ship, adding 58 for the third wicket before a collapse of 3-12 had Buln Buln on top again.
Andrew Burdett (2-46) provided the spark for the home side, but they couldn't keep the momentum going- with Warragul's lower-order proving to be a bane on opposition teams once again. Eddie McGillivray (47) and Todd Mann (42) resurrected the stuttering innings, as Buln's lack of firepower shone through- the pair put on 84 to push the score above 200, as Warragul made an imposing 8-214.
In reply, Buln refused to hold back- as they exploded from the get-go. Despite losing Andrew Burdett (13) early, the home side were always ahead of the required rate in their chase. Lachie Jagoe (50) continued his break-out season with a rapid knock, only to be shown up by Wilson Pollock (52) who needed just 27 deliveries to make an impact. Nathan Macfarlane (3-36) was the only bowler able to put a dent in Buln's plans, as Corey Jagoe (34) appeared to see his side home. A late collapse kept their opponents in the game, but Buln- through Matt Allen (31*) were able to do enough, winning by four wickets with four overs still to spare.
Western Park v Drouin
Western Park ended Drouin's season on the weekend with a comfortable victory at home. Losing the toss and sent into bat, the in-form Warriors made Drouin pay early- as Jack Armour (40) and Sanjaya Gangodawila (34) continued their fruitful opening partnership, this time adding 70 in rapid fashion to give the home side an edge. Sam Batson (19) and Joel Batson (10) weren't able to continue the momentum after the pair fell, as Cam Caddy (2-17), Ben Spicer (2-23) and Paul Timewell (234) pegged back the scoring rate- however, the return of Leigh Diston proved vital. The classy right-hander struck 51 at over a 100-strike rate, as Western Park managed to creep closer to 200- falling just short, but still posting an above-par 6-191.
In reply, the Hawks never gave themselves a chance in the chase. Three runouts for the innings proved too much to overcome, as only the likes of Matt Kouris (28) and Alex Gaudion (18) were able to provide a shot at resistance. Sam Batson (3-27) was once again the pick of the bowlers, whilst Jason Croft (2-21) and debutant Jack Walsh (1-29) locked up an end with spin, as Drouin crashed 126 all out in their final game of the season.
Yarragon v Ellinbank
Ellinbank's dream of a minor premiership continued on the weekend, with another huge chase helping them down Yarragon. Bowling first, the Eagles got off to a dream start- removing both Yarragon openers early, as Curtis Howell (2-29) and Sean Masterson (2-44) went to work. Yarragon steadied, however- as the ever-reliable Gamini Kumara and Amal Athulathmudali (22) added 44 to keep the game in the balance. The removal of Athulathmudali led to another mini-collapse- as Ellinbank's depth in bowling shone through, however Ishan Ratnayake and Kumara rebounded once again. Kumara continued his love-affair with the Eagles, passing the half-century mark with ease on his way to 66. Ratnayake hit a crisp 30 not out, sending Yarragon to a par score of 5-156- giving Ellinbank a chance to do what they do best- chase.
In reply, a new-look opening pair underlined Ellinbank's potential for a premiership this year, as Matt Farthing and Bryce Joyce took the attack to Yarragon. Joyce (47) played his best Division 1 knock in an opening partnership of 96, as Ellinbank looked set to win with ease. Three quick wickets to Amal Athulathmudali (3-29), including that of Daniel Pandolfo (18), Liam Finnegan (2) and Curtis Howell (1) had the visitors sweating, but the class of Farthing shone through- the uber-consistent righthander made 71 not out, as his side won by six wickets.
Catani v Hallora
Hallora remained on top of the ladder with another cruisey victory on the weekend. Bowling first, it was the same story as always for Hallora on the weekend, as their spinners did the job with the ball. Grant Duncan (4-22) spun a web with his crafty off-spin, as the Cats slipped to 7-70 early in the day- with only Daniel Vela (26) able to provide any resistance at the top of the order. Hallora premiership players James Vela and Lachie Gregson (12) were tasked with rebuilding the innings and giving the Division 1 new boys a chance- and they were able to provide enough resistance to make a game of it. Vela (63*) was at his free flowing best, as 7-70 became a somewhat competitive 8-144, as Hallora were at least set a task.
In reply, Damon Healy (0) was dismissed by Gregson in the first over to give the home side some life. Brett Williams (25) and Fraser Duncan stepped up to keep the scoreboard ticking. Catani were simply unable to penetrate the batting order, as after the dismissal of Williams the visitors looked extremely comfortableDuncan's (71*) career best form continued, as he and Cam McPhan (33*) cleaned up the remaining runs with ease- Hallora winning by eight wickets with plenty of time to spare.