NYAH DISTRICT v BARHAM KOONDROOK
A CAREER-best 97-run performance from Nyah District opener Mitchell Grinham helped guide the Demons to a 72-run victory over Barham Koondrook at Nyah on Saturday.
It was a dominant display from Grinham, who batted through until the second last over, falling just three runs shy of securing his maiden A Grade century.
Batting first, the Demons immediately had the Raiders on the back foot, with Grinham and Charlie Boulton (27) producing a 44-run opening partnership, before Barham Koondrook skipper Jayden Hall broke the partnership after beating the bat of Boulton.
The partnerships continued for Nyah District, however, with Jacob Lister (16) and Max Thompson (14) joining Grinham at the crease, with the score climbing to 3/145 before Thompson was dismissed in the 27th over.
Some tight bowling at the death from Warren Lolicato (2/24 off eight overs), Riley D’Silva (1/36 off seven overs) and Garry Lolicato (2/44 off eight overs) managed to restrict Nyah District to a solid, but reachable, 7/191.
The Barham Koondrook run chase started strong enough, with both openers Lachlan Laursen (10) and Caleb Davidson (11) making double figures, but regular wickets made finding that matchwinning partnership difficult for the visitors, with Warren Lolicato the only batsman to seriously threaten the Demons’ total, scoring 53 off 68 deliveries.
Jacob Lister was the pick of the Nyah District bowlers, taking 3/7 off five overs, while Ben Sheridan (2/6 off four overs) and Charlie Boulton (2/20 off six overs) were the other multiple wicket takers for the home side.
WANDELLA v ST MARY’S TYNTYNDER
ST Mary’s Tyntynder have secured their first points for season 2024-25 after defeating Wandella by five wickets at Riverside Park on Saturday afternoon.
After winning the toss and electing to bat, the Bombers cautiously went about their work, scoring just 62 runs from their first 20 overs at drinks for the loss of just two wickets.
Sam Copland (27 from 76 balls) was the anchor of the innings, but it was Wandella’s collapse of 5/17 just after drinks that turned the game on its head, despite the best efforts of Daniel Higgs (17) and Rhys Behrens (24), who added 34 runs for the eighth wicket.
When Behrens was eventually trapped in front by Robin Sebastian, the rear-guard response was finished, with Wandella bowled out for just 126 in the 36th over, with GWS forward Brent Daniels proving he is equally adept with the cricket ball as is he is with the footy, taking 3/22 from four overs.
The Bulldogs made light work of the Bombers’ total, batting in their attacking style to pass the home side’s total five wickets down in the 25th over.
Riley Daniels (34 not out) was St Mary’s Tyntynder’s top scorer for the second consecutive week and guided the Bulldogs home, with brother Brent pounding a quick fire 23 off just 15 balls to provide some late-innings entertainment.
The wickets were shared around for Wandella, with Peter Moore (1/26 off 7.2 overs) the best with the ball.
The loss leaves Wandella winless and sitting on the bottom of the SHDCA ladder after two rounds, while the Bulldogs climb to second after the percentage-boosting win.