Holdsworth sets up win over old side in WDCA division two

by Joel Batson
Trafalgar v Buln Buln
A dominant bowling performance has seen Trafalgar dominate Buln Buln at home on Saturday.
On a very slow outfield, the Ships batted first and built a strong platform early, with Rhys Holdsworth (45) and Leo Sanczuk (37) methodically working the ball to all parts of the ground to set the day up.
For the Lyrebirds, the likes of Sam Reid (3-29) and Brayden Notman (2-24) were outstanding. They caused a collapse of 8-42 as Trafalgar were getting ready to launch. This resulted in the home side being forced to grind their way to 9-127 off their allotted overs.
In reply, the visitors would have been hoping for an easy chase - but got the opposite - as they were strangled by the dominant Traf side.
Rhys Holdsworth (4-6) completed an all-around game against his former side, whilst Daniel Heathcote (3-11) and Jackson Noonan (2-19) each chipped in to roll Buln for a paltry 67, completing a 60-run victory.
Neerim District v Garfield-Tynong
Neerim continued their winning ways at home, trouncing a disappointing Garfield-Tynong side on Saturday.
Batting first, the Stags only needed the work of two men to set a winning score.
Rhys George (60) and Nathan Bayne (48) showed their class and set the tone through the middle overs after a poor start. The pair added 85 after the home side fell to 3-39 early.
Grant Pearson (4-32) and Ryan Smith (2-24) did the bulk of the damage but the Stags would ultimately reach a defendable target of 160.
In reply, Garfield's poor run with the bat continued. No innings of substance meant they lost momentum and would ultimately fold under the pressure.
A well-rounded bowling performance was the deciding factor in the win from the home side. Pat Sheehan (3-14) led from the front, whilst Ben Lockett (2-12) and Aaron Fawcett (2-14) chipped in to leave the Titans all out for just 89.
Jindivick v Western Park
A strong batting performance saw Western Park do the double and defeat Jindivick for the second time this season.
Winning the toss and choosing to wield the willow, a sensational, boundary-laden innings from Tyler McMillan (53) - as well as a bevy of starts from those around him - helped Western Park reach a formidable total of 182.
Matt Ward (6-36) was the star of the show for the home side. Despite leaking runs early, Ward would bowl tremendously at the death to skittle the tail and give the Jumping Jacks a chance at a rare win.
Ultimately, this chance would be squandered by a poor batting performance. Only Jordan Smith (40*) stood up for the home side as the Warriors pounced.
Jack Walsh (3-14) bowled with fire and was ably supported by Matt Garner (3-27) and James Allen (3-31) as the trio helped dismiss Jindivick for just 109.
Hallora v Iona
Another wonderful batting performance from skipper Liam Lenders saw Iona continue to dominate every opponent in front of them - this time at Hallora on Saturday.
Winning the toss and batting, Lenders struck six fours and two towering sixes on his way to a quickfire 78. With able support from Jesse De Pasquale (35) and Jay Riley (28), Lenders helped the Swamp Tigers reach a formidable total of 191.
With the ball, Steven Fox (3-7) was at his miserly best with a sensational spell with the new ball. John Riley (3-60) provided a few key breakthroughs despite leaking runs.
With victory unlikely, Hallora - through Ben Sharpe (35) - ground their way through the 40 overs to make 9-141.
Troy Ferguson (2-14) showcased his rarely used bowling, whilst fellow stalwart Mick Taylor (2-18) provided a spark to lead the visitors to another thumping victory.