EIGHT points separates the Northern District Cricket Association A Grade top four teams after last season’s grand finalists went down to their Cohuna-based opponents.
Cohuna United’s first win against last season’s grand finalists, Wandella in five years, as well as Nondies’ win against defending premiers, Leitchville/Gunbower means the line-up for March 3’s semi-finals is uncertain.
In the match of the round at the Cohuna Recreation Reserve, Wandella struggled against United’s bowling attack, scoring 8/143 off its 45 overs.
Matt Robinson led the way for the hosts with the ball, claiming three wickets, with Russell Bott (36 not out) and Greg Dickson (33) Wandella’s key contributors.
Brad Griffiths (46) and Daniel Cooke (20) had the hosts on track for a key victory thanks to a 51-run fourth-wicket stand.
Isaac Hogan helped the Bombers’ chances of regaining the ascendancy, taking four wickets to have United at 7/122.
Wandella claimed two more wickets to have the hosts needing five more runs with one wicket in hand, but Austin Robinson and Andrew Neil held on to give United the win and a final score of 9/150 off 45 overs.
The result moved United to top spot on the ladder with two rounds remaining after Leitchville/Gunbower lost to Nondies by seven wickets.
Liam Treacy took three wickets to help dismiss Leitchville/Gunbower for 133 in the 44th over, before Josh Novoselek (87) guided Nondies to a vital win.
Kurt Brereton (28) and Tyler Jones (24) had Leitchville/Gunbower well positioned to post a high total thanks to a 51-run opening partnership, but only two other batsmen – Jack Lunghusen (26) and Todd Gelletly (20 not out) managed to reach double figures.
Novoselek featured in two half-century partnerships before being dismissed after the Cohuna Recreation Reserve tenants secured a sixth win of the season.
Rhys Thrum (36) and Charlie O’Shea (35) then dominated later in the innings to help the visitors score 9/231 off their 45 overs, with James Keath taking three wickets for the hosts.
Minor title decided
NONDIES will go into next month’s Northern District Cricket Association B Grade finals as title favourites after wrapping up top spot on the ladder.
The club’s 10th win of the season on Saturday – a six-run victory against defending premiers, Wandella – means the team remains undefeated since last season’s grand final.
Electing to bat first, Andy Rigg (50) helped Nondies post 9/144 off 40 overs on a day where bowlers dominated proceedings.
Jason Brown’s three wickets kept the Bombers in the match, before Sam Radcliffe (47) did his bit with the bat to keep the defending premiers in the match.
Radcliffe and Nathan Henry (25) stood out for the Bombers, but it was Nick Farr-Jones’ three-wicket haul that ensured the hosts prevailed.
Despite the loss, the Bombers remain second on the ladder, but the margin between the team and third-placed side, Barham/Koondrook is five points following the border team’s six-wicket win against Wandella Warriors.
Electing to bowl first, Jack Webb’s four-wicket haul helped restrict the Warriors to 8/130 off its 40 overs, with William Hogg (46 not) the Warriors’ key contributor with the bat.
There were some tense moments for the border side in its reply, with the visitors 3/41 and 4/68 in its innings, but a 70-run fifth-wicket stand between Garry Lolicato (57) and Bailey Laursen set up the win and an overall total of 8/169.
In the final match of the round, Cohuna United produced a third win of the season thanks to a 52–run win against Kerang Fairley Town.
Electing to bat first, Darren Hancock (46) helped rescue United’s innings after the team was reeling at 4/27, putting together a 63-run fifth-wicket stand with Aaron Wilson to help the hosts reach 6/124 off 40 overs.
Mark Higgs was Kerang Fairley Town’s key bowler, taking three wickets.
Despite the early dominance, Kerang Fairley Town struggled with the bat, falling for 72 in the 21st over.
Stephen Ralston (24) top-scored for the visitors, with Kade Turvey taking three wickets for United.
