THE Northern District Cricket Association A Grade’s top two sides were too strong for their opponents at the weekend.
A century from Clayton Holmes helped Nondies return to the top two following a 47-run win against Barham/Koondrook.
Holmes, who scored 115 runs, and Jake Thrum (58) combined for a 154-run opening wicket stand, before Harrison Keely (54 not out) helped the visitors score 5/247 off 45 overs.
Jack Thomas took three of the five wickets the border side claimed, who needed to win to break back into the top four.
Paul Molin (64), Blake Chant (40) and Tom Lamb (34) led the way for Barham/Koondrook in their reply, but the home side finished its 45 overs at 8/200.
Jack O’Shea, Liam Pascoe and Thrum took two wickets each for Nondies, who hold a six-point lead over third-placed side, Wandella – who had the bye at the weekend.
Across at Cohuna, Leitchville/Gunbower spoiled the ex-Island Cricket Club reunion with a nine-wicket win against Cohuna United.
Asked to bat first, Logan Spittal (35) was the only United batsman to thrive against the competition leaders as the home side fell for 84 in the 27th over.
Brad Windridge led the way for the visitors, claiming four wickets.
Leitchville/Gunbower’s top three batsmen – Jackson McEwen (64), Kurt Brereton (48) and Tyler Jones (27) – helped secure victory, with the side scoring 7/226 off its 45 overs.
Kansas Varker was the best of United’s bowlers, claiming three wickets.
Home final fight grows
COHUNA United is on track to poach the hosting rights for next month’s B Grade first semi-final after the weekend’s results wen the club’s way.
United ended Leitchville/Gunbower’s chances of defending its premiership with a 46-run victory.
Yael Fry and Jayden Haw took three wickets for Leitchville/Gunbower in United’s innings of 9/141 off 40 overs, with Peter Taylor (35) and Greg Cadd (34) overseeing a middle order recovery to give the home side a chance at victory.
Leitchville/Gunbower’s batsmen struggled in reply, falling for 95 in the 39th over. Willem Richardson was the pick of United’s bowlers, taking three wickets.
United is now four points behind third-placed Barham/Koondrook, who suffered a five-wicket loss to minor premiers, Nondies at the weekend.
Jacob Barrington (20) top-scored as the border side had no answer to Keegan Ryan (four wickets), falling for 115 off 37 overs.
Nondies’ top seven batsmen all recorded starts, with Ryan (56) leading the home side to 8/200 off 40 overs.
Barham/Koondrook needs to win two more matches than Wandella to regain the double chance – with the sides to meet in the final round.
Wandella boosted its percentage with a 96-run win against Kerang Fairley Town.
Kerang Fairley Town had Wandella at 7/97 at one stage before Tom Gibson (38) and Zac Sambrooks (33) combined for an unbeaten 62-run stand to help the Bombers score 7/159 off 40 overs.
Nathan Moon took three wickets for Kerang Fairley Town, who struggled in reply.
Paul Goodson (20) and Justin Moon (10) were the only batsmen to surpass double figures as Kerang Fairley Town fell for 63 in the 22nd over.
Matt Wilkinson and Sambrooks set up the win, taking four wickets each.
