Murrabit v Barham
MURRABIT has taken out the first grand final rematch of the Northern District Cricket Association season against by two wickets.
Searching for revenge after their 64-run defeat in last year’s decider, a depleted Barham side fought the game out to its bitter end but couldn’t overcome the competition’s yardstick.
Choosing to bat first appeared to be the wrong decision early on as Barham fell to 4/29.
Murrabit opening bowler Nathan Henry was fantastic, bowling his entire quota of eight overs in his first spell and finishing with the economical figures of 2/8.
Missing captain and last season’s top run scorer Chameera Akurugoda, Barham first drop Jade Stewart stood tall amongst the carnage.
He batted through the innings to finish 64 not out from 90 deliveries, helping give his side the more than defendable total of 163.
Stewart was partnered well throughout the middle order, finding reliable partners in Nathan O’Toole (20) and Michael Puddick (21).
However, when Puddick departed with the score at 6/79, a quick clean-up of the tail looked on the cards.
Max Snowdon (27) had other ideas, combining with Stewart for an 84-run seventh-wicket partnership.
The chase got off to a rough start for Murrabit, losing last week’s top scorer Simon Ettershank for three.
It was smooth sailing for the majority of the remainder of the innings as skipper Tim Millard (27), Nathan Henry (52) and Simon Kelly (18) ensured a measured run chase.
There was a stumble late in the innings when the Blues lost three wickets for 11 runs, but the total of 163 proved 20 runs short, allowing Murrabit to remain the only undefeated team after two rounds.
Koondrook v Kerang
KERANG bounced back from their opening weekend loss to Murrabit with a three-wicket win.
Captain Ron Bright was the difference, scoring a brilliant 86 as the Blues chased down Koondrook’s total of 171 with two overs to spare.
Bright found ample support at the top of the order in fellow opener Declan Hogg (22) before a string of low-figure scores from the middle order kept Koondrook in the contest.
Robert Sutterby managed to drag his side over the line with 21 not out.
Earlier, Koondrook won the toss and batted first.
Their competitive total would have been more if not for Indiana (2/26 from eight overs) and Jett Boswell (1/9 from five).
After two straight losses and facing competition pace setters Murrabit next week, Koondrook’s season is looking shaky already.
Kerang will travel to Barham.
Wandella
IT was a rough day for Gannawarra-based side Autopro Wandella in the Swan Hill District Cricket Association.
Playing a double header in the McDonald’s T20 competition, the day couldn’t have got off to a worse start, losing by 10 wickets to a powerhouse WDEA Works Saints side.
Backing up against Beverford Tavern Demons, the Bombers produced a much better performance but still fell 24 runs short.
Needing 159 to win after a 131-run fourth-wicket stand from Dean Harrop (70) and Shane Fleming (54), the Bombers only lost two wickets in the chase.
Captain Gregory Dickson continued his fantastic start to the season, smashing 54 off 30 deliveries, and was partnered by Kaine O’Connell, who struck a run-a-ball 61.
It leaves the Bomber’s assault at the T20 title virtually dead in the water after one weekend of games.
They will again face a double header next weekend against the Tyrell Cricket Swans and Stihl Shop Roodogs.
