Sunraysia Cricket Association Round 14 – Day 2 preview

SUNRAYSIA CRICKET ASSOCIATION

Round 14

Two-day matches, day 2

Mildura East v Merbein

Mildura Sporting Precinct

Last week: Mildura East 3/337 (dec). Merbein 3/16.

SCOTTISH import Liam Naylor’s spectacular 260 highlighted day one as Mildura East have moved themselves within contention of earning a home semi-final.

In third on the ladder but holding a 321-run lead over Merbein after the opening week, an outright victory for the home side could see them leapfrog Irymple into second spot at the end of the home and away season.

There’s still a way to go for that to happen but coach Josh Berry and captain Brad Thomas will certainly have their sights set on that.

Naylor’s knock is the biggest in SC first division history, coming from 218 deliveries with 29 boundaries and seven sixes along the way.

Coach Berry also played a strong hand of his own making 71.

It wasn’t the ideal start for Merbein’s 300-game celebration for star veteran Tony Trinick, but the Magpies have one day left in their season to show some fight against a tough opposition.

Angus Lang (seven) and captain Dillon Furze (one) will resume at the crease, with East vice-captain Nick Dorman already grabbing two wickets.

Coomealla Wentworth v Mildura Settlers

George Gordon Oval

Last week: Mildura Settlers 145. Coomealla Wentworth 5/176.

FIRST innings points already belong to Coomealla Wentworth as the Blues hold a 31-run lead heading into the the second day of action.

While not being able to make finals this season, the home side can finish their season on a high.

If not for two matches that went down to the wire where the results didn’t go their way, it could have easily been Coomealla Wentworth playing for a spot in the finals.

Strong bowling performances from Jay Turlan (3/28) and Liam Freeman (3/54) helped the Blues dismiss Settlers for 145 after just under 43 overs, with young gun Beau Kiel providing the most resistance for the visitors with 44.

Mallee Murray rep Kiel has shown some real glimpses in first division with the season, this knock and a five-for against Irymple being his standout moments

Colby Wade (47) and Mitch Kemp (45) were both just shy of half-centuries in Coomy’s 5/176, with co-coach Turlan (39) and Matt Ford (11) both not out at stumps.

Setts gun Jason Morrison has 3/47 so far.

Mildura West v Irymple

John Hall Oval

Last week: Irymple 266.

MILDURA West’s quest to confirm their finals status sees them needing 267 on their home deck against reigning premiers Irymple.

The Swallows will also want to ensure victory as Mildura East’s potential to gain extra points against Merbein could see them lose a home semi-final advantage.

Half centuries from skipper Mark Thomson (61) and Scott Steel (50) get the Swallows off to a solid start, however they were pegged back by losing four wickets for 10 runs.

Dismissing the Swallows around the 200-run mark would have been a great result for West, however a 59-run final wicket partnership between Caleb Garraway (31 not out) and Chase Stone (30) added extra handy runs to the tally.

Provided they don’t bowl again, English import Jasper Presswell finishes his home and away season with 39 wickets after another 4/86 from 24 tireless overs, while Shane Driscoll and Greg Lewis each took two.

West captain-coach Chris Williams, Greg Lewis, Brandon Dixon, Presswell and fellow import Joe Smallman will all play important roles with the bat, while Bailey Anderson will lead a strong Swallows bowling attack in what is set to be a cracking finish.

Nichols Point v Gol Gol

Nichols Point Reserve

Last week: Nichols Point 177.

IF Nichols Point can keep minor premiers-in-waiting Gol Gol to under 177, it may just be enough for them to make it to the top four.

While there are so many machinations involved and many moving parts that won’t be identified until play has been completed in all matches, the fifth-place Pointers’ best chance of moving back into finals is to simply win.

Despite a solid enough start, helped by Brad Rosenzweig’s 42 and 28 from co-captain Dean Fulco, the home side were left at 8/122, however a lower order 32 from Englishman Theo Todhunter helped add extra runs to Gol Gol’s target.

Bowling contributions were spread out for Gol Gol with youngster Riley Moore in just his third top division game taking 3/25 and veteran Matt Cameron 3/46, with Jayden brooks and Than Rajapakse grabbing two each.

Despite the absence of star all-rounder Shacaya Thomas, the ladder leaders will be confident in their batting depth to secure win number 12, led by Wade Hancock, captain-coach Adam Thomson, Jeremy Barnes and Sheldon Calarco.

Nichols Point spin twins Shaun Mathews and Jarrod Forrester, who have 44 wickets between them this year, will be vital as will pace bowling all-rounders Riley Jobson, Shannon Bowen and Rosenzweig.