Rankin shines for Iona in dominant display

Iona 2/163 def Warragul 7/162 (cc)
Iona’s Graeme Rankin missed out on a triple digit score by just one run after spearheading the Swamp Tigers run chase.

Set a competitive target, the away side were never troubled as Rankin and Chris Phelan (21) put on 65 in their opening stand. 

Luke Gilbert (in his first outing for Iona) quickly settled at the crease, supporting Rankin as they chipped away at the deficit.

A 98-run second wicket partnership resulted before Rankin was cruelly denied a much-deserved tonne, Warragul stalwart Anthony Wilkes finally breaching his defences in the final over of the day. 

Gilbert finished not out on 37 as his side cruised to an easy win. Earlier in the day, Sam Accardi (3/40) was on top in his opening spell, removing both the Gulls’ openers cheaply. 

Corey Nickles (on debut for Iona) chimed in with 2/24 to leave the home side reeling at 4/51. Ben Majcherzak responded with six boundaries before being sent back to the sheds for 25.

New recruit Steven Fricke (40) held the middle order together, striking two fours and three sixes to top score for his new side while a handy cameo from Wilkes (23*) late in the innings helped Warragul to see out their allotted overs.

Ellinbank 6/152 def Western Park 8/150 (cc) 

A defiant half-century from Ellinbank skipper Jeremy Gray was enough to get the Eagles home in a see-sawing contest against Western Park. 

Opting to bat second the visitors got away to a solid start with Samuel Pratt (34) and Stuart Davis (21) putting on 61 for the first wicket. 

A timely bowling change left the Ellinbank top order in disarray however as Fletcher Kennedy (4/23) turned the game in Western Park’s favour. Not to be deterred, Gray kept his side in the contest, regularly finding the boundary (five fours and one six) as the runs required and overs remaining dwindled away. 

Unfortunately, the home side could not make the breakthrough they needed as Gray finished the day unbeaten on 53, helping his side to claim the four points. 

In the Western Park innings young power hitter Matt Roberts got his side off to a blistering start, top scoring with a boundary laden 61. Sam Cheeseman (29) provided ample support as the pair put on 89 in their opening partnership. 

With the score just into triple digits however, Roberts’ dismissal triggered a collapse that saw the Warriors lose 6/36 before limping through to the completion of their 40 overs.

It was Pratt and Gray who also dominated proceedings with the ball. Pratt claimed 2/29 with the new rock while Gray returned a miserly 2/17 off eight overs.

Jindivick 6/93 def Neerim District 10/89

Jindivick head the C grade ladder after defeating Neerim in a low scoring affair. Choosing to bat first the Stags found it hard to get going as Andrew Pyle (2/16) made an early breakthrough.

Danny Sheehan (33) and Dave Ferguson (15) steadied for the visitors before two quick wickets to Harrison Moore (3/23) gave the home side the upper hand. 

Runs were at a premium as Jordan Smith (2/12) and Jarratt Eastburn (2/1) tore through the middle order, dismissing Neerim for just 89. In reply, it was far from smooth sailing for the home team as the wily Jamie Gleeson (3/13) snared key wickets to keep his side in the contest. 

Skipper Sean Viotto (37) provided the bulk of the runs as the Jumping Jacks eventually got across the line after 30 overs.