A BLISTERING century from Jason Morrison has helped Mildura Settlers to another big early scalp in the Sunraysia Cricket Association, this time against Gol Gol.
The Setts opener’s typically powerful 124 from 100 deliveries contributed to setting a target of 246 for the NSW side, who completed their 40 overs still 77 runs shy at Alcheringa Oval.
Morrison was on fire at the top of the order, sharing a 74-run opening stand with youngster Beau Kiel (16), then adding another 100 in tandem with captain Luke Stanbrook (34 off 35).
An unbeaten 26 from Richie Wyld helped Setts to 5/245 at the close of the innings, with Thanura Rajapakse (2/38) the only Gol Gol bowler to take two wickets.
Gol Gol made a solid start to the chase at 1/102 but when they lost Wade Hancock for 34, another five wickets would fall for 66 runs as they finished at 7/168.
Innes Medal winner Shacaya Thomas was Gol Gol’s leader with 85, while Wyld (2/22) and Tom Stokes (2/23) were Setts’ leading bowlers.
Meanwhile, Coomealla Wentworth’s efforts to score 21 runs in the final three overs to topple Irymple fell short at McLeod Oval.
The loss of four wickets within 10 balls allowed the Swallows to hold on for a two-run win, despite conceding eight in the final over.
Trying to chase down the Irymple’s 7/168, the Blues got off to a great start through Bevan Wade (51 from 50), and middle-order support from Justin Freeman (31) and Alston Cook (24), however they finished 9/166.
Import Scott Steel (2/21), Ben Wilkinson (2/25) and coach Bryson Lush (2/47) were the best of the bowlers.
Irymple captain Mark Thomson (34) and Jordan Payne (29) top scored for their side, as Zac Hancock (3/25) and Mitch Kemp (3/31) bowled well for the Blues.
Nichols Point are on top of the ladder following their five-wicket win over Mildura East at Nichols Point Reserve, where Brad Rosenweig scored 44 and Shannon Bowen an unbeaten 40 to run down the 149-run target with 11 balls to spare at 5/150.
Jayden Hunt was the best of the East bowlers with 2/22.
East imports Josh Andrews (37) and Liam Naylor (23) earlier shared in a solid 65-run opening partnership as the team finished all out for 148.
Spinner Jarrod Forrester continued his good start with his new club taking 3/23.
At John Hall Oval, a well crafted 67 not out from Mildura West captain-coach Chris Williams enabled his side to secure a five-wicket win over Merbein.
In the opening innings the Magpies finished on 9/131, led by 37 from opener Carlo Longeri and 26 from Kurtis Fitzpatrick, while Josh Driscoll (2/18) and Ash Durie (2/24) led the wicket taking for the home side.
Along with Williams, Brandon Dixon scored 29 during West’s successful run chase, helping them to 5/135 and into third on the ladder.
