THE current Sunraysia Cricket Association season requires some vapour drops, because this congestion needs clearing.
With two rounds remaining in the season Mildura West, Coomealla Wentworth and Merbein continue to push their case for the remaining top four position after important wins at the weekend.
Coomealla Wentworth had arguably the biggest victory of all, taking down second-placed Irymple by six wickets, led by a maiden First Division century from ‘keeper-batsman Colby Wade.
The gloveman’s patient and methodical 107 from 285 deliveries helped the Blues to 9/292, going well beyond the target of 159.
Twin brother Bevan Wade (56) and Mitch Kemp (36) also impressed with the bat, while Chase Stone (3/46) and usual wicket-keeper Nick Giofre (3/12) led the bowling.
Fifth-placed Blues remain less than three points behind West, who put away fellow finals aspirants Mildura East by seven wickets.
English import Kian Burns, who had averaged less than 10 prior to the weekend, proved his prowess with an impressive 112 to take West past the target of 194 and to 284 all out.
The striking batsman from Cornwall shared in a 149-run partnership with Tom Holmes, before his partner fell agonisingly short of the milestone, bowled by Jayden Hunt on 99.
They swiftly madethe required total for a seven-wicket win, Stefan Knudsen also adding 31.
Hunt (3/49) and Tom Vadlja (3/92) were the best of the bowlers for East, who now require victories over Nichols Point and Mildura Settlers to have any chance of finals action.
Merbein sit less than a game behind the Blues, but weren’t too far away from securing bonus points.
The Magpies easily knocked over Mildura Settlers for 115 to secure a 122-run win, but they enforced the follow on chasing an outright victory.
In their second dig Setts, led by 52 from Harvey Ault, were able to avoid the outright loss, finishing at 8/141.
Veteran Tony Trinick led the Magpies bowling unit in the first innings with 4/31, while Brady Moore popped up 5/25 in the second dig to give him six wickets for the match.
Despite the Irymple loss, Nichols Point could not take advantage, falling to ladder leaders Gol Gol by 142 runs.
Gol Gol had set a tough total of 283 to chase but early wickets from Matt Cameron (5/49) and Luke Hickey (3/40) ensured the Pointers weren’t able to get going, dismissed for 140.
Skipper Shaun Mathews made a quick fire 33 while youngster Oliver Murray impressed with a steely 28 not out late in the innings.
Gol Gol took another opportunity to bat, making 4/108 from 27 overs, with Wade Hancock making 55 not out, taking him to 220 runs unbeaten for the match.
