COOMEALLA Wentworth’s all-round batting efforts have them in a strong position against top-of-the-ladder Irymple in the Sunraysia Cricket Association.
More renowned for their bowling abilities, the Blues’ batting was on full display as they finished their 80 overs at 8/273 in the return of two-day cricket, with all batsmen bar one reaching double figures.
They were off to a strong start with a 77-run opening stand from skipper Matt Job (44) and Luke Cullinan (33) before the lower and middle order got in on the act.
Darby McLean top scored with 53, while Justin Freeman (36) and Bevan Wade (33) also put together handy scores.
Luke Collett led the wicket taking for the Swallows, picking up 3/46, and Bailey Anderson and Dean Fairlie each took two wickets.
The spinners were among the wickets in other games with leading wicket taker Richie Wyld and English import Aaron Feroz each grabbing a five-wicket haul.
Merbein South were dismissed for 151 by Setts at Chaffey Park, led by Mark East, who made his second consecutive half century scoring 53.
Youngster Dillon Furze (27), Tony Trinick (25) and Hamim Miah (23) all made contributions for the Saints.
Wyld is up to 20 scalps for the season after taking 5/59, with Mark Kerr adding 3/27.
West meanwhile held Nichols Point to 128 at Nichols Point Reserve. Coach Shaun Mathews led the scoring for the home side with 41, while young gun Lewis Dicheria impressed with his longevity during his knock of 33.
Feroz finished on an economic 5/29 from 27.5 overs, while West skipper Shane Driscoll also piled on the pressure with 3/7.
Gol Gol debutant Kaine Berryman hit the equal top score of 32 not out for the NSW side as they made 9/211 from their 80 overs against Mildura East.
Berryman, Luke Hickey (32), skipper Adam Thomson (28) and Wade Hancock (26) all made contributions towards the total.
East all-rounder Andrew Ross claimed 4/16 and was on a hat-trick, while Jayden Hunt also snared two scalps.
Gol Gol also handed Riley Burns a first division debut with him set to help lead the bowling attack this Saturday.
