Evenly poised as Sharks eye victory - A Grade
This week's A Grade cricket results.
A Grade
The new home of cricket, Newhaven Rec Reserve, played host to last year’s Grand Final rematch between the Island Sharks and Leongatha Town.
Losing the toss, the island boys were asked to have a bowl in blustery conditions.
Simon Kirton opened up with the breeze and struck the first blow removing the dangerous Abeysinghe in the fifth over.
Down the other end, George McCausland was causing all sorts of problems for the Town top order netting 13 play and misses in his six over spell, yet somehow wasn’t rewarded with a wicket.
At 1 for 51 the Town batters were starting to build a good partnership before the in form Tom Niven removed the dangerous Giardina for 31.
Into the breeze Shiran Rathnayake begun to get into his work and along with Tom, started making inroads into the Town batting line up, to have them 5/95.
A patient 70 run partnership by the Town batters saw the Scorpions ready to launch into a final hour blitz, however a timely wicket by Shiran got the breakthrough the Sharks needed.
From there Max Royal, Zac Brown, Tom Niven and Shiran put the clamps on, resulting in the huge wicket of Ratnaike who made an unusually reserved 86.
From there Tom and Shiran smelt blood and we managed to take the last four wickets for three runs, supported by some good fielding.
A great day in the field saw the Scorpions restricted to 10/225.
Shiran finished with a 6/61 off of a marathon 28 overs, Tom Niven continued his rapid rise with 3/35.
At the halfway point the game is well and truly in the balance with an interesting run chase ahead on week two.
