WODONGA held on in a remarkable run chase that went right to the line against East Albury at Alexandra Park yesterday.
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The Bulldogs had posted a mammoth 344 on Saturday, with big-hitter Trent Ball leading the charge on 93, James Tonkin amassing 83 and Robbie Jackson 61.
After a shaky start where they found themselves at 2-5, Ball and Jackson steadied the ship with a 116-run partnership before Aleem Mahmood removed Ball seven runs shy of his century.
Mahmood was in the action again when he ran out Jackson at the bowler’s end by getting a fingertip on a James Tonkin drive.
He then came in at first drop yesterday and smashed 89 with 12 fours and a six to get the Crows off to a flying start, before Kris Milosta made 95 to spearhead the late assault on the total, but it wasn’t to be as the home team finished at 9-325.
“It was a great win, especially against East Albury, who’ll be up at the top as well,” Ball said.
“So to get one over them and get us off to a good start where we’ve won both games is a good place to be.
“Going off last year the weather comes into it when you get near finals and you can’t afford to drop any games.”
Despite his solid contribution, Ball said he was disappointed not to reach triple figures.
“I was pretty shattered,” he said.
“I’d got off to such a good start off 72 balls so I had the rest of day to bat — I threw away a big score really.”
Ball said he hadn’t played in a game where both teams had hit more than 300.
“It was great batting by both teams,” he said.
“The bowling and fielding probably wasn’t so great from either side, but the batting was good to watch on both days.
“After tea Kris Milosta got 95 — until he came in we were probably travelling pretty well, and Mahmood slapped them — but I don’t mind that, it will be good for my rep side.
“He batted well, he’ll make a lot of runs this year.”
The outfield was lightning fast, which made for plenty of boundaries — and in an ominous sign for bowlers, batsmen across the competition are lapping up the flat decks.
“There’s so many good bats in the competition,” Ball said.
“It’s going to be a long summer for some of the bowlers I think.”
One batsman who enjoys piling on the runs was Jackson, who made his second straight half century.
“He didn’t look like getting out,” Ball said.
“But Tonkin was actually run out by Jackson last week so he did say what comes around goes around.”
It was a great win, especially against East Albury, who’ll be up at the top as well. So to get one over them and to get us off to a good start where we’ve won both games is a good place to be.
TRENT BALL