MILDURA Settlers have major injury concerns over gun all-rounder Jason Morrison, who left the field early against Coomealla Wentworth in Saturday’s Sunraysia Cricket Association clash.
A suspected lower leg injury while fielding sent the destructive batsman to the sheds and left him unable to bat, making a tough day worse as the reigning champions lost to the Blues at Mildura Senior College.
Morrison was expected to have scans during the week.
Meanwhile, Mildura West jumped from sixth to third on the ladder after a strong win over Merbein South, Irymple came up trumps in their top-of-the-table clash with Gol Gol, and Nichols Point got the job done against Mildura East.
With bonus points included, less than 10 points separate West, third, from East on the bottom, setting up a tense final four games of the season.
West wicket-keeper Greg Lewis pushed himself into the top five run-makers in the competition with a season-high 73, all-rounder Brandon Dixon put together a solid 33, and skipper Shane Driscoll made a handy 21 on the way to 7/188.
Saints batting star Hamim Miah showed his all-round capabilities with 3/37, while veteran Tony Trinick and youngster Dillon Furze each took two.
Despite Mark East’s powerful 55, which included three sixes, the Saints were all out for 147, Driscoll leading the charge with 5/33 and Davison Mbindi taking 3/22.
At Alcheringa, Irymple consolidated their position on top with a five-wicket win over Gol Gol.
The home side batted first and, while the Swallows would have been over the moon to dismiss Shac Thomas and Wade Hancock early, Jayden Brooks played a solid hand with 27.
Sheldon Calarco continued his good batting form with a lower-order 43 as Golly were all out for 134. The Swallows rotated eight bowlers, with Dom Price (3/14) and Bryson Lush (2/15) taking the best figures.
Irymple big hitter Jarrad Armsden wasted little during his unbeaten 37, coming from just 27 deliveries with six fours and a six to help his side to the target in the 33rd over. Lush also impressed with 34.
It’s now two losses in a row for Settlers, with Coomealla Wentworth’s 59-run win just their second victory of the campaign, although losing Morrison early certainly didn’t help.
Skipper Matt Job was the star for the Blues, scoring 66 at the top of the order, before Justin Freeman added a quickfire 43 from 37 deliveries to steer the Blues to 9/189. Mark Kerr and Richie Wyld each took two wickets for Setts.
In response, the reigning champions were bundled out for 130, Wyld top-scoring with 33. Bevan Wade led the Blues bowling with 3/29.
At Nichols Point, Dale Chappell (34), Dean Fulco (22) and Mark Fraser (21) all made solid contributions to the home side’s 144. Seven-time Innes Medal winner Tom Vadlja led East’s bowling with 3/34.
In response East were all out for 126 despite the efforts of recruit Connor Robinson (38) and Vadlja (29). All five Pointers bowlers snared two wickets each.
