TIMING is everything and, for Coomealla Wentworth, they were on the money.
With Saturday’s downpours condemning many Sunraysia Cricket Association matches to wash outs, the Blues had just been able to get across the line against Mildura Settlers at McLeod Oval before Mother Nature had enough.
It was the only First Divison contest to get a result, giving the NSW side an extra boost up the crowded ladder and into third place.
While the Blues won by eight wickets, they had only just passed the total by a run before the tea break, and likely would have looked to continue batting after the break. They never got that chance as the rain came down.
After resuming on 1/25 chasing 127 for victory, import Nafis Shaikh and opener Matt Job each played very patient innings and occupied time at the crease.
Their 90-run partnership was ended on 100 as Job was dismissed for 43 from 171 deliveries, however Shaik (51 not out from 173) and Bevan Wade (19 from 11) got them across the line.
While some action got under way around the grounds, Irymple and Nichols Point were unable to see any action at Henshilwood Oval, leaving Swallows skipper Mark Thomson stranded on 90 not out.
After last week was a non-starter at John Hall Oval, Mildura West and Gol Gol started play but didn’t make it too far before the rain hit.
West were 5/92 after 22 overs, Chris Williams top scoring with 34 and skipper Greg Lewis on 18 not out.
Matt Cameron took 3/42 in an impressive early spell.
Mildura East resumed their clash with Merbein at Brian Weightman Oval at 2/154. After another 10 overs East declared at 4/203 with skipper Josh Berry making 68 and Brad Thomas 52.
Merbein were 2/25 from 14 overs when play was called off.
Junior cricket on Saturday morning had also been cancelled due to the wet, while some results were reached in third and fourth division.
