GOL Gol batsman Shacaya Thomas has surged into early Innes Medal favouritism by scoring his second century in as many rounds of the Sunraysia Cricket Association season.
The Jamaican star matched his first round innings of 104 not out, this time to lead his side to a nine-wicket victory over Nichols Point.
He wasn’t the only hero of the week however as Merbein South spinner Jarrod Forrester took 6/23 from nine overs to help the Saints to victory over Coomealla Wentworth, their first top flight victory in almost two seasons.
It didn’t look to be the greatest of starts for the Saints at George Gordon Oval as the home side sent them in first and dismissed the visitors for 128 in the 38th over.
Spinner Tanner Begg was the chief destroyer with 4/26 from 10 overs, at one stage finding himself on a hat trick, while Bevan Wade also chipped in with 3/27.
Playing against his old side, Mat Andrews top scored for Merbein South with 31, while Hamim Miah made a quick fire 28 off 25 deliveries.
Following a solid enough start, the Blues in reply were at 4/73 and in a solid position to win, Darby McLean leading all comers with 27.
However they would lose their final six wickets for just 17 runs, giving the Saints the win by 38 runs, with all 10 scalps shared between Forrester and veteran Shane Trinick (4/22).
Gol Gol have surged to the top of the table following another big win at Alcheringa.
The Pointers’ top order had to contend with a rampant Luke Hickey early on, with the fast bowler taking the first four wickets of the innings, finishing with 4/22.
Nichols Point skipper Brad Thomas was the most defiant at the crease making a gritty 50 from 82 balls, but the next best was youngster Lewis Dichiera with 14 as the visitors were all out for 110.
Jayden Brooks also impressed with the ball taking 3/36.
It was the ‘Shac Show’ again in the second innings as the hosts collected the win and batted for bonus points. Wade Hancock played the supporting role beautifully with 60 from 90, but it was Thomas who took the season tally to 208 without being dismissed as yet.
Catch of the season so far? See the pictures here
Irymple’s bowling attack did enough to hold Mildura West at bay, claiming a 21-run victory at John Hall Oval.
Off-season addition Luke Collett (5/25 from 6.3 overs) and spinner Bryson Lush (4/48) did the damage as West were all out for 128 chasing a target of 150.
Englishman Greg Lewis top scored with 46 while recruit Sean Hawking made 23 in the second dig.
Earlier Jarrad Armsden led the way with the bat for the Swallows with 57 while ‘keeper Nick Gifore finished with 23, West veteran Chris Williams taking four wickets for the second consecutive match.
At Mildura Senior College, Mildura Settlers’ 7/172 was too great for Mildura East, who batted out their 40 overs for 5/112.
Skipper Braidyn Turner made 38 for the winners while Richie Wyld, Jason Morrison and Liam Goss all scored 36 and pace bowler Jayden Hunt took 4/63.
In reply, East captain Josh Berry also made 36 and Tom Vadlja 29, while Setts had all singular wicket takers.
This weekend’s two-day round is the final round before the Christmas break.
