by Samuel Laffy
Trafalgar (2/236) def. Hallora (9/211)
The surprise packets of the summer – Trafalgar – delivered one of the more astonishing performances that Ships supporters are likely to witness on the weekend, taking home a 25-run win over Hallora on the back of dual centuries from Alex McKenna and Aiden George.
The duo combined for an unbeaten 215-run third wicket stand to help the Ships post an intimidating 2/236 from their 40 overs.
The final score was in stark contrast to how the innings began however, with Liam Durkin (edging behind for just 1) and Riley White (out for 0 in similar circumstances) both sent packing early in a fiery opening spell from Aiden Phillips.
However, outside of Grant Duncan's parsimonious spell (leaking just 15 runs from his eight overs), the remaining Halloran bowlers were treated with disdain as McKenna (112*) and George (101*) merrily made their way.
The duo mixed watchful defence with glorious strokeplay and were largely untroubled by anything the Kangaroos threw at them.
McKenna reached his century first, walking at Harrison McConnell and blasting a lofted drive to the long-on boundary, whilst George was made to sweat in reaching three figures (having been ahead of McKenna for much of his innings).
It took until the final over of the innings for him to reach the milestone, but a nudge into the vacant mid-wicket infield saw him reach 100.
Michael Fitchett then provided Trafalgar with the perfect start, removing Aidan Phillips first ball.
Mitchell Smith (31 from 32) and Gamini Kumara (59 from 55) did their best to rebuild the innings, and Kumara in particular looked capable of single-handedly carrying Hallora to victory.
The duo took the score through 3/141 and despite run rate pressure victory was still possible.
However, Aiden George – not content with his unbeaten knock – induced the mistake from Kumara as a slog-sweep found the fielder on the fence.
The very next over Smith was dismissed, bunting a return catch to David Bremner, and the Halloran chase petered out, finishing 9/211.
As noted by Liam Durkin, the performance – and the season overall – defied even the wildest of dreams.
"Some of the best one-day batting I've seen in my time… Alex hit some huge sixes square that cleared the footy fence. Our cobbled together first XI is undefeated with no Jackson Noonan and after only surviving relegation by default. You would have got odds of 500-1 for that to happen preseason," he said.
 

Drouin (4/127) def. Ellinbank (123)
"Our first two games were disappointing because we weren't happy with any part of our cricket, especially after a strong preseason. Yesterday felt like the real Drouin style of cricket."
Many Hawks' supporters would have been nervous heading into their round three clash with Ellinbank after struggling in their first two rounds of the summer but, as noted by Drouin captain James Wilcock above, their six-wicket win over Ellinbank marked – potentially – a turnaround in the fortunes of the club moving forward.
It was a win that came on the back of an excellent bowling performance, with Troy Lehman (3/16 from 7) and Simon Gardiner (3/32) leading the way to make life difficult for the Eagles.
Only Curtis Howell (who batted with tremendous poise on his way to 51) was able to truly make his mark, while many of his teammates endured disappointing stints at the crease.
Nick Fairbank (a scratchy 17) would be particularly disappointed, and the manner of his dismissal – dancing down the track only to be stumped off Tom Brown – reflected Ellinbank's day. "Our bowlers set the tone clearly and kept the pressure through the middle overs which helped limit their score," Wilcock noted.
Their eventual total of 123 seemed short of what was required, and the 77-run opening stand between Damon Healy (45) and Trevor Gardiner (49) put the result beyond doubt. Gardiner's powerful drives through the off-side were a feature of his knock. Pressure was applied throughout by the Eagles' attack, and they ensured that Drouin weren't able to waltz to victory through some dedicated bowling, but the Hawks nonetheless reached their target in the 33rd over.

Catani (6/161) def. Longwarry (99)
Catani have long prided themselves on punching above their weight and their efforts on the weekend only consolidated that reputation, as the Cats notched their third win in succession against Longwarry, with the Crows XI left hapless against a disciplined attack.
Catani – batting first - posted 6/161 on the back of a wonderful 55 from Ned Harrison (and 38 from James Vela), as the batters refused to wilt against the normal wicket-taking ways of the Longwarry attack.
Recognising the importance of 'runs on the board', the ability of Catani's batters to adapt as the game went on was crucial in posting a challenging total.
Knowing that early momentum was a key factor in Longwarry's chances of victory, Cameron Brown was the main instigator with ball-in-hand early in the Crow's pursuit, disturbing the stumps of Randall Mitchell and claiming the key scalp of Yash Samarasinghe for a first-ball duck.
From then on Longwarry lost their mojo, with only Jonah Serong (28 from 53) able to maximise his stint.
Daniel Glover (2/15 from 7), Cody Miller (3/27 off 8), and James Vela (2/16) took full toll of a demoralised Longwarry XI to dismiss them for 99.
Next weekend sees the Crows face Trafalgar – who have also out-performed preseason expectations to date – and the chance to be unbeaten after four rounds will ensure their clash will be keenly watched by WDCA faithful.

Western Park (5/228) def. Iona (72)
Another week, another regulation win for Western Park.
And whilst that might sound flippant it's an accurate reflection of the manner in which the Warriors have set about their quest for a scarcely believable fourth consecutive division one premiership.
Indeed, Gavin Roulston all but sealed the game in the very first over of the contest – with Jackson Clerks sent over the fence three times, the scoreboard 0/23 off one.
Roulston (61 from 55) slowed down somewhat following that, but the Irish import combined with Greg Munro (a third consecutive half century, this time 68 form just 78) for a 92-run opening stand that took the pressure off the middle and lower order.
Joel Batson (33) and Sanjaya Gangodawila (25*) enjoyed valuable time in the middle, and Andrew Thompson (who notched 9* in his division one debut) took advantage of the relaxed situation, as noted by Sam Batson
"We spoke as a group at drinks and for Joel in particular it was important to get some time in the middle. 'Ganga' was scratchy but also got some time. 'Garry' Thompson didn't look out of place at all despite not really playing much above division three – he's going to get some great chances this season."
The trio ensured Western Park posted a strong total, making 5/228 from their 40 overs.
In reply, the Swamp Tigers were never in the hunt and at one stage looked like they might not even make it to drinks.
Sam Batson (3/18) and Matt Garner (2/21) ran through the top order and reduced Iona at one stage to 5/7.
Some lusty hitting from Carter Davis (35 from 27) and watchful knocks from Michael Taylor (14) and Richard Hobson (12) added respectability to the scoreboard.
Pleasingly, Tom Fawcett (2/2 from 3.4) snared his first division one scalps – the first of what are likely to be many to come.