VETERAN Steve Wood showed no ill effects from a strained calf on Saturday to become the latest in the Tallangatta production line of century makers.
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Woods and long-time teammate Andrew Lade shared another 100-plus partnership as the Bushies reeled in St Pat’s score at Xavier Oval.
Just over a month ago, the pair put on 180 against North Albury.
Wood joined Lade (twice) and Torquil McKillop with hundreds this year, while captain Mat Armstrong scored 90 in round one.
Just last week, versatile all-rounder Wood was restricted to just seven overs after injuring his calf muscle.
St Patrick’s captain Heath Naughton said the “old fellas” were proving to be unstoppable.
“They are tough to get out when they are in that sort of mood and the conditions favoured the batting side,” he said.
“The reality is that 300 is about par on that pitch and we were always going to struggle to keep them below 240.
“The pitch at Xavier is flat and the outfield fast.
“Unfortunately last week, we had to contend with a strip that was affected by the Thursday night downpour and did well to get to 243.”
Naughton stopped short of labelling Tallangatta the best batting side in the competition.
“They have a very strong line-up — most in the top order are more than capable of big hundreds,” he said.
“But there are several good batting sides in provincial and Wodonga is right up there.
“The pitches are much better and the outfields well maintained so 300 is not uncommon.”
Naughton said his bowlers had done little wrong on a placid pitch.
“We worked hard all day and it was great to get a few overs into big Cameron Furze,” he said.
“Another 10 overs next week and he should be firing again.”
Naughton said they would not be taking last-placed Wodonga Raiders lightly in the final game of the year.
“It’s is a real danger game for us,” he said.
“We need to keep winning and especially when it’s the last game before the break.
“You can’t relax in a one-dayer, you have to be on from the first ball, and we have already paid the penalty for that, losing to New City in a one-day game earlier in the year.”