BARHAM/KOONDROOK’S Northern District Cricket Association A Grade resurgence stepped up a level on Saturday, with the border side accounting for reigning premiers, Leitchville/Gunbower.
On a day that saw both teams fall with more than 100 balls to face in their innings, Garry Lolicato and Jack Thomas helped last season’s fifth-placed side record consecutive wins.
Batting first, Thomas (49) and Blake Chant (12) were the only two Barham/Koondrook batsmen to surpass double figures as Leitchville/Gunbower dismissed the hosts for 105 in the 26th over.
Michell McEwen led the charge for the visitors, claiming four wickets in a period that saw Barham/Koondrook lose seven wickets for 18 runs.
Leitchville/Gunbower struggled in its run chase, with Lolicato stopping the visitors’ middle order from dominating, thanks to a five-wicket haul.
Jack Elliott (34) top-scored for the visitors, but his cameo was not enough as Leitchville/Gunbower fell for 95 off 25.3 overs.
Across at Kerang, Nondies moved into the top four thanks to a six-wicket win against Wandella.
Despite boosted by the inclusion of Brodey Farley and Matthew Webb, the Bombers had no answer to the bowling prowess of Jack Donat, Charlie O’Shea and Will Thrum, who claimed two wickets each.
Luke Murray (38 not out) and Michael Runciman (33) top-scored for last season’s grand finalists, who finished their 45 overs a 7/183.
The inclusion of Harrison Keely for his first match of the season boosted the 2015/16 semi-finalists, with the wicketkeeper scoring 56 run at the top of the order.
A half-century from Rhys Thrum helped Nondies secure a win, with the side ending its 45 overs at 6/204 – with Carlo Scheepers taking two wickets for the Bombers.
Premiers’ successive loss
REIGNING Northern District Cricket Association B Grade premiers, Nondies suffered a second consecutive loss at the weekend, with Leitchville/Gunbower producing a 24-run win.
A cameo batting display from Matt Hawken (77), as well as well-timed bowling spells from Jaxson Kennedy-North and Ryan Prendergast – who took two wickets each – ensured the composite side remain on top of the ladder after three rounds.
Sent in to bat first, Leitchville/Gunbower scored 9/176 off its 40 overs, with Brady Byrne and Josh Treacy claiming two wickets each for the hosts.
Nondies was well placed to chase down the total, with Aiden Thompson leading the way at the top of the order.
However, Thompson’s dismissal for 97 occurred with the side needing to score at one run per ball to win – a feat the final wicket stand could not contend with.
Across at Kerang, Peter Taylor became the first batsman to score a century this season in Cohuna United’s eight-wicket win against Wandella.
The Bombers; decision to bat first backfired, with Justin Moon (four wickets) helping to dismiss the hosts for 76 in the 32nd over.
Cooper Neil (33) helped secure United’s win with two wicket down, with Taylor’s maiden century coming late in the innings.
Matt Page and Isaac Treacy took two wickets each for the Bombers.
In the final match of the round, Barham/Koondrook held on for a 19-run win against Kerang Fairley Town.
Sent in to bat first, Wes O’Neill (31) top-scored as the border side fell for 111 in the 39th over.
Daniel Higgs – who took three wickets for the hosts – led the way with the bat, scoring 43 as the Kerang-based side tried valiantly for its first win of the season, but were dismissed for 92 in the 30th over.
Nathan O’Toole was the border side’s best bowler, claiming four wickets.
