LEITCHVILLE/GUNBOWER is the only side yet to be defeated after three rounds of the Northern District Cricket Association A Grade season.
Centuries to Tyler Jones (110) and Jack Elliott (103 not out) helped the defending premiers record an eight-wicket win against Wandella in a rematch of the 2016/17 decider.
Batsmen dominated the game at Gunbower, with 478 runs scored in the space of 90 overs.
Electing to bat first, Wandella was reeling at 1/0 and 2/24 before the Bombers’ middle order rebuilt the innings.
Mick Bott (93) featured in two prolific partnerships – an 83-run third-wicket stand with Greg Dickson (35), then a 71-run fourth-wicket union with Rohan Oliver (37) – to have the visitors well positioned at 4/178 following Oliver’s dismissal.
However, a damaging spell from Sam Colvin – who took four wickets for the match – meant Wandella finished its 45 overs at 8/206.
The Bombers claimed the key wicket of Kurt Brereton early, before Elliott took control of the game.
Elliott and Oliver O’Shea (39) kept the Bombers’ bowlers at bay, with Elliott and Jones uniting for a 167-run third-wicket stand that secured the win and saw the hosts finish its innings at 3/272.
Despite the loss, Wandella remains on top of the ladder heading into this weekend’s bye.
Meanwhile, Cohuna United recorded its first win of the season, thanks to the efforts of Austin Robinson and Ashley Burke.
Robinson took four wickets to help dismiss Barham/Koondrook for 73, before Burke (71) and Aaron Wilson (55) secured an eight-wicket win.
Sent in to bat, the border side failed to gain any momentum, with Marc O’Neill (20) and Laine Gibbons (16) the only batsmen to surpass 10 runs.
Robinson’s wickets occurred late in the innings, but it was enough to give United’s batsmen an achievable winning target.
Burke guided United to its first win since February, with the visitors ending their 45 overs at 6/197.
Undefeated times continue
BARHAM/KOONDROOK and Leitchville/Gunbower remain undefeated after three rounds of the NDCA B Grade season following wins at the weekend.
The border side kept its positive start to the season going with an eight-wicket win against Kerang Fairley Town.
Sent in to bat first, Brad (22) and Anthony Lake (14) were the only visiting batsmen to reach double figures as the side fell for 61 in the 24th over.
Each of the hosts’ six bowlers took at least one wicket, with Kade Watts snaring three scalps.
Cody Storm (93 not out) batted out the innings, guiding the hosts to the win and a team total of 161. Logan Higgs, Stephen Ralston and William Turvey took two wickets each for the hosts.
Despite losing home ground advantage, Leitchville/Gunbower was too strong for Cohuna United, prevailing by five wickets.
Sent in to bat first, Darren Hancok (41 not out) led the way as United reached 6/122 off its 40 overs.
Leitchville/Gunbower’s bowlers bowled tightly, with Harry Wright taking two wickets.
Andrew Brown took three wickets for United in response, but Alex (46) and Liam Keath (36) led the visitors to the win and 7/164 off its 40 overs.
Meanwhile, defending premiers Wandella produced its first win of the season, defeating Wandella Warriors by eight runs.
An 86-run third-wicket stand between Brent McKnight (52) and Toby Gray (38) helped the Bombers score 6/162 off its 40 overs.
Five of the Warriors’ top six batsmen produced starts – led by the efforts of Peter Morris (46) – but a five-wicket haul to Neil Lehmann saw the Warriors fall for 154 with one ball remaining in the innings.
