A Grade:

Drouin 8/129 def Ellinbank 128
An enormous all-around performance from Cam McPhan has seen Drouin pip Ellinbank at the post at the Drouin Rec Reserve on Friday.

Bowling first, it was all Drouin in the early stages, as Mitch Goodwin (3-13) broke through the Eagles top order with ease.

To steady the ship, the away side relied on Ben Spicer (33) and Jeremy Gray (35), the pair outstanding giving Ellinbank a fighting chance. From 6-70 the Eagles crosses three figures before a sublime hat-trick from McPhan (3-20) swung the momentum back in Drouin’s favour with Ellinbank bowled out for an under-par 128 in the final over.

In response, Drouin’s top-order fared in the same vein as Ellinbank’s, as it was the Eagles turn to create havoc with the ball.

Wilson McGillivray (2-19) and Sean Masterson (2-27) each took vital wickets, but it was an early dropped chance of McPhan off the bowling of McGillivray that proved the pivotal moment, as the right-hander from Bairnsdale made them pay.

With wickets tumbling at the other end, Drouin’s skipper turned the heat up on Ellinbank’s bowlers and with a late flurry, pushed the Hawks over the top with two wickets to spare, himself finishing with a spectacular 67* to hand Drouin its first victory this season.
 

B Grade:

Neerim District 5/132 def Hallora 130
A brilliant innings from Kody Wilson has seen Neerim overcome a young and gallant Hallora side.

Bowling first, the Stags found resistance from Brayden Norman (27) and Aidan Phillips (23) early, but a bevy of starts cost the Kangas dearly as they struggled to find a match-winning knock.

Aaron Fawcett (3-22) and Matt Kelliher (3-24) did the job for the home side as the pair, along with Rhys George (2-24) and Dane Fawcett (2-30) restricted Hallora to an under-par 130.

In reply, Neerim found themselves in serious trouble early, as a pair of runouts put them on the back foot and left them 4-50.

However, a startling and vicious knock from Kody Wilson (64*) wrenched his side back into control and they never let it slip as Neerim District marched home to win by five wickets.

Longwarry 61 def by Western Park 4/62
A young Western Park side featuring several juniors has accounted for Longwarry on the weekend.

Bowling first, the young Warriors took control early and were never troubled at any point in the contest.

Four bowlers, Matt Garner, Tyler McMillan, Jacob Konstanty and Jack Barnes took multiple wickets, as no Longwarry batsmen could get going as they were bundled out for just 61.

In reply, Western Park found themselves in trouble early as Shayne Gillings (2-6) looked to create a massive upset as Western Park fell to 4-33.

However, the cool heads of Tyler McMillan (19*) and Lane Ward (11*) sealed the deal for the away side with plenty of overs to spare.