But despite the pair missing out on centuries on Saturday, Baranduda put itself in a commanding position against Wodonga when it spanked 9-274 before declaring after just 59 overs.

Hardman, who smashed 96 at the top of the order, wasn’t too concerned about missing the magical milestone.

“That happens,” he said.

“That’s what cricket’s all about, isn’t it?

“It was a good team effort on the day.”

Hardman’s 96 was followed up by another impressive showing by Pearce in the middle order.

He piled on 98 before being caught off the bowling of Clinton DeBortoeli. Captain Mitch Ryan also chipped in with 37.

Paul Webb toiled hard for the Bulldogs, taking four wickets.

Wodonga is 1-34 in response.

Hardman said it was important that the Rangers made their score count with a strong showing with the ball.

“Most definitely,” he said.

“That’s our best score for a few years and we’ve really been striving to put a good innings together.

“We had a plan to spend plenty of time at the crease.

“Now we just need to do the little things, from a team point of view and back the bowlers up.”

Elsewhere, Kelvin Bailey crunched 135 as Kiewa piled on the runs against Barnawartha-Chiltern.

With star batsman Ash Sutherland (72) and Jarrod Murphy (52) doing their bit, Kiewa closed the day at 9-328.

Caleb Boxall took four wickets for the Miners.

At Yackandandah, 90 from Andrew Creamer steered Dederang to a competitive 165. Graeme Martin took 5-24.

Yackandandah is 0-21 in reply.

In the round’s other games, Howlong’s clash with Mount Beauty could get interesting with an outright win on the cards for both teams.

The Spiders were skittled for just 83 but turned the tables on the Power by rolling them for just 75.

Howlong’s Curtis Biggs was the chief destroyer with the ball, taking 6-23.

Eskdale looks in the box seat against Bethanga, despite making just 148.

They have the Saints 3-23 with a day left to play.