Wando Vale hits top form

3 February 2010

Casterton News

WANDO Vale resumed at 0-3 chasing Pigeon Pond’s 191

Openers Troy O’Connell and Jake Tomkins started well and just when it seemed the game was getting away from Pigeon Ponds, Michael Close threw down the stumps from fine leg and caught Tomkins (32) just short of his ground.

Liam Geary (4) was soon caught and bowled by Murray Staude. Lion Balzan (21) looked good until caught at gully by Craig Grant; Sam Brody (0) and Troy O’Connell (46) followed soon after as the Vale slumped to 5-110.

Peter Tomkins and Jack Gartlan then came together for a valuable 37-run partnership.

Gartlan (25) lost his stumps after hitting Murray Staude for four and lifted his head to see his stumps scattered when trying to repeat the shot with the very next ball. Tomkins was the key as he guided Toby Murrell (2) and James McArlein (7) closer to the target score.

Both were bowled by Sam Roberts and at 8-186, Pigeon Ponds still had a chance as Tomkins and Jock Cleary grafted for runs.

In the 53rd over, Cleary put the result beyond doubt when he drove Roberts to the extra cover boundary. Tomkin’s magnificent team innings came to an end at 56 when caught and bowled by Close. The Wando Vale innings lasted a further 17 overs, with a 35-run partnership for the last wicket.

Veteran Gary Carlin contributed a valuable 11 and Jock Cleary remained on 30 no as Wando Vale compiled 244.

Best of the Pigeon Ponds bowlers were Murray Staude (3-41), Sam Roberts (3-60) and Joel Staude (2-46). . Wando Vale won by 53 runs. Points: Wando Vale 20, Pigeon Ponds 10.