BLISTERING centuries from English import Scott Steel and captain Mark Thomson have put Irymple well in the box seat against Merbein in round 6 of SCA cricket.
The Swallows amassed a huge total of 9/423 against the Magpies at Chaffey Park on the opening day of play, with Steel scoring a huge 182 and Thomson 124 as the reigning premiers look to get back on the winner’s list.
Thomson’s first century of the campaign, after scoring four last season, also saw him share in a 172-run opening stand with Riley Payne (50) before holing out to Magpies veteran Tony Trinick.
Another two wickets would fall soon after but that brought Steel to the crease who let fly with 22 boundaries and five sixes on the way to a massive score at a strike rate of 130.
The Durham native was the last man to be dismissed as young spinner Angus Smith had him LBW, the left-armer finishing with 4/136 while Trinick took 3/82.
Meanwhile, at John Hall Oval, the top of the table clash between Nichols Point and Mildura West looks set for a good second day of action as the Pointers set the home side 179 for victory.
West captain Chris Williams was outstanding with the ball, taking 5/40 at a miserly 1.8 runs from his 22 overs, while paceman Locke Thornton took 2/21, including the first wicket of the innings in his opening over.
It was a composed performance with the bat by Nichols Point co-captain Dean Fulco, crafting a patient 53, English opener Theo Toddhunter did likewise for his 35, while gun Shannon Bowen added another 25.
West had to a navigate a single pesky over before stumps and will resume on 0/4 with Brandon Dixon (4) and Greg Solkin at the crease.
Gol Gol gun batsman Shacaya Thomas turned destroyer with the ball taking 7/83 from his 30 overs as Coomealla Wentworth set his side an impressive 263 for victory.
His haul included four wickets within 12 balls late in the innings as the lower order looked to add runs to the tally.
The Blues made a strong start at McLeod Oval with brothers Colby Wade (63) and Bevan Wade (34) making solid contributions.
The best with the bat, however, was Justin Freeman, who despite being recognised for his bowling knows how to make runs.
He was dismissed for a well-made 88 from 113 deliveries, caught out late in the innings as he tried to make the 14 runs he required from the final four overs to reach triple figures.
Another star batsman who decided to do some damage with the ball was Mildura Settlers’ Jason Morrison, who claimed 6/65 as opponents Mildura East were all out for 250 at Mildura Senior College.
Morrison claimed the first two East wickets before taking four of the last five in the innings.
East’s English opener Josh Andrews led the batting with his second half-century of the season, making 64 from 82 to set a solid foundation.
Vice-captain Nick Dorman (49), coach Josh Berry (43) and Regan Connell (34) all made contributions as the visitors have put themselves in a strong position for a much needed victory.
Alongside Morrison, young Setts spinner Sam Farmer took 2/69 from 23 overs.
All matches continue on Saturday.
