SPIN twins Shaun Mathews and Jarrod Forrester have helped Nichols Point retain their place at the top of the Sunraysia Cricket Association table through a 58-run win over reigning premiers Irymple.
Defending 247 at Henshilwood Reserve, the Pointers were able to get a few early wickets before a fightback from the Swallows, however that proved to be short-lived.
Mathews had his best haul for the season with 4/54 from 26.2 overs, as well as two well-executed run outs including one from his own bowling, while recruit Forrester continued his superb form with 3/54.
David Filippi top scored for the home side with a patient 40 and Scott Steel batted well for a counter-attacking 32, while Caleb Garraway wrapped up a strong all-round game with an unbeaten 28 down the order.
Coomealla Wentworth have made a move up the table following their 21-run win over Mildura West at John Hall Oval.
The home side were resuming at 3/65 chasing 209 for victory, and despite solid knocks from the incumbent batters Josh Driscoll (26) and Locke Thornton (22), the Blues were able to hold on for victory.
After taking three wickets last week, West all-rounder Jasper Presswell top scored with 39 not out down the order.
Blues co-coach Jay Turlan led the wickets with 3/28 while Justin Freeman, Mitch Kemp and import Musa Ilyas all finished with two each.
In an extra innings, the Blues declared at 6/101, Ilyas making 36 and West’s Tom Watson adding another three wickets to his tally.
Meanwhile, Merbein claimed their opening win of the season, defeating Mildura Settlers at Chaffey Park.
Resuming at 5/93 chasing 125 to win, Magpies vice-captain Dillon Furze made a well-crafted 31 to help get his side across the line for their opening points, following the 50 and 29 scored last week by Angus Smith and Josh Stanley, respectively.
Keegan Macdonald finished as Setts’ leading wicket taker with 4/24 while Vick Singh took 3/28.
Both sides would bat another innings, however it ultimately had no bearing on the result.
Singh scored 39 not out as Setts made 8/112 and Magpies veteran Tony Trinick took 3/24, before Merbein made 5/58 from eight overs, Stanley leading the way with 22.
Gol Gol made it across the line for a comfortable seven-wicket victory over Mildura East at Mildura Sporting Precinct.
Resuming at 0/34 chasing 190 for victory, the NSW side did what they needed to do to earn the 10 points, eventually finishing their day at 2/264.
Following his four wickets the previous week Shacaya Thomas top scored for Gol Gol with 79, but the whole top order played well with Kain Berryman (43), skipper Adam Thomson (36), Jayden Brooks (34) and Wade Hancock (30) all making solid starts.
East vice-captain Nick Dorman was the pick of the bowlers with 3/77 from his 17 overs.
