IRYMPLE opener Mark Thomson put his team in a strong position after day one of their Sunraysia Cricket Association First Division clash with Nichols Point.
Thomson made 90 not out off 159 balls on Saturday at Henshilwood Oval.
That included assisting a 70-run stand with Nick Giofre before the No.3 batsman was dismissed for 34 off the bowling of Shaun Mathews (1/27).
By close of the day’s play, Irymple put together 3/144 off 51.5 overs, after the Point won the toss and sent the home side into bat.
Luke Coates was the best of bowlers with 2/34 off 17 overs.
At Brian Weightman Oval, Mildura East stars Josh Berry and Brad Thomas knuckled down with solid knocks in the home side’s 2/154 off 65 overs against Merbein.
Berry compiled a patient 68 not out from 194 balls and Thomas finished the day with 52 not out off 145 balls.
Cody Clifford took the two wickets secured by Merbein.
At McLeod Oval, Bevan Wade starred with the ball for Coomealla Wentworth, snaring 6/32 off 13.1 overs as Mildura Settlers were bowled out for 126 off 51.1 overs.
Jake Wright was the other destroyer for Coomealla Wentworth with 3/40.
Opener Joel Perry top-scored for Setts with 27.
Play in the Mildura West-Gol Gol match was called off for the day after water got under the covers at John Hall Oval.
It will be played as a one-dayer this Saturday.
