REIGNING Innes Medal winner Shacaya Thomas scored his first century of the season for Gol Gol as lashing rain ended play early across the SCA.
All batting teams will be allowed to continue their innings, if they have wickets in hand, this weekend before the second team takes to the crease to complete their 80 overs.
After scoring three half centuries through the opening rounds, the competition’s leading wicket taker Thomas raised his bat after turning a single in the 54th over to reach his 100 to help Gol Gol to 3/234 at home against Merbein.
The next over he’d be out LBW via Tony Trinick without adding to the scoreboard.
Following his century last week, Wade Hancock looked on track to make it two in a row before he was caught out for 72 off Ethan Walder, while WA recruit Greg Beresi compiled a well-made 47 in his second innings for the club before he was bowled by Dillon Furze.
At Mildura Sporting Precinct, Mildura West reached 8/184 after 55 overs before the heavens opened in their contest with Mildura East.
The visitors made a solid start with a 62-run opening partnership between Greg Solkin, who top scored with 46, and Ash Durie (36).
While the wickets seemed to fall intermittently afterwards, the experienced Joe Fleri added a solid 28 at number nine to help boost the running total.
East leg spinner Jake Wright impressed with 3/43 while Jhy Berry grabbed 2/32.
Meanwhile, Irymple English import Scott Steel continued his strong batting form with a half-century as his side made it to 6/210 after 62 overs.
The Durham all-rounder scored 76 from 82 deliveries to top score for the Swallows against Mildura Settlers at Henshilwood Oval.
After a solid opening the Swallows lost 3/13, including captain Mark Thomson for 26, before Steel and David Filippi (37) put on 95 for the fourth wicket.
Young paceman Beau Kiel took 2/32 for Setts, while Jason Morrison was economic conceding just 2.2 runs and over from his 23 overs.
Despite appearing in some early trouble, Coomealla Wentworth’s middle order helped salvage their innings, leaving them at 9/173 against Nichols Point at Nichols Point Reserve.
At 4/44, with young bowler Lewis Dichiera grabbing three of the first four wickets, the Blues fought back through solid innings from newcomer Prabath Bandara (36), Mitch Kemp (31), Matt Ford (23 not out) and Justin Freeman (23).
For the Pointers, Dichiera has 3/24 from his eight overs, Colby Marr took 2/18 and keeper Theo Toddhunter had a busy day behind the stumps with four catches.
Matches continues from 1pm on Saturday.
