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Top two cricket sides battle for points
IN an afternoon of fluctuating fortunes at Wando Vale, the round seven top of the table contest between Pigeon Ponds and Wando Vale was a fascinating example of batsmen and bowlers striving to gain the ascendancy.
An opening partnership of 66 saw the Ponds well on top. The Wando Vale bowlers then grabbed seven quick wickets for 24 runs to have the Ponds struggling at 7-90.
The last three Pigeon Ponds wickets then broke the Wando Vale bowlers’ hearts by adding a further 159 runs, including a magnificent last wicket partnership of 97, which took the score to 249.
The Casterton batsmen also had a good day against Merino, including an impressive second wicket partnership of 143, to be 1-147 at tea. The Merino bowlers then fought back well to dismiss the Maroons for 276 in 64 overs and at stumps, the Wombats were 1-31 from six overs.
A 51-run third wicket partnership enabled Dergholm to reach a moderate first innings score of 96 from 31 overs at the Edenhope Recreation Reserve. Edenhope already has the first innings points with an overnight score of 7-211 from 39 overs.
Top performers on the first day of round seven were Kane Forbes (Casterton) 82, Theo Zaxos (Edenhope) 79, Rickey Killey (Casterton) 64, Ashley Simons (Pigeon Ponds) 45, Brent Cranage (Edenhope) 37,Joel Staude (Pigeon Ponds) 36 , Hugh Caldwell (Edenhope) 4-18, Lionel Balzan (Wando Vale) 4-18.
Wando Vale v Pigeon Ponds
Pigeon Ponds won the toss at the Wando Vale Recreation Reserve and decided to bat. An opening partnership of 66 between Will Staude (14) and Joel Staude (36) got the Ponds away to an excellent start.
Troy O’Connell then turned the tide by taking both their wickets, caught by keeper Kyle Carlin. Lionel Balzan then stepped in with four quick wickets as the Ponds batsmen tumbled.
Ryan Lloyd-Jones (1), Daniel Brody (3), Murray Staude (10), Anthony Close (5) and Craig Grant (0) were soon back in the pavilion with the score at 7-90 and Wando Vale was in the box seat.
Sam Roberts and Peter Staude added 55 valuable runs for the eighth wicket before Roberts (20) was bowled by Mark Widdicombe. Mick Lane (1) didn’t last long and was trapped in front by Widdicombe.
At 9-152, the end seemed nigh for Pigeon Ponds. However, Peter Staude (70 not out) and Ashley Simons (45) turned the tide of the match with a magnificent tenth wicket partnership of 97 runs.
Kyle Carlin finally brought the Ponds innings to an end in the 73rd over when he bowled Simons. In a team total 249 for Pigeon Ponds, the extras tally of 44 may be a factor in determining the final result of the game.
Best with the ball for Wando Vale were Lionel Balzan with 4-52 from 19 overs, Troy O’Connell 3-29 from 12 overs and Mark Widdicombe 2-25 from 4 overs.
The Wando Vale batsmen have a big chase to reach the victory target next Saturday.
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