WHEN Lavington star James Tonkin found himself trudging off Xavier High School Oval during the first over on Saturday, it was always going to be St Patrick’s day.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Tonkin had terrorised the Patties in their previous three confrontations with scores of 54, 116 and 118 and skipper Heath Naughton knew their chances of winning had improved dramatically with Tonkin out for a duck.
The Panthers stumbled their way to 129 before former Lavington opener Trent Ball blazed 51 off 10 overs to put St Patrick’s in control at 2-75 by stumps.
“I don’t think we have got ‘Tonky’ (Tonkin) out for two years,” he said.
“I was rolling the wicket on Friday night and thinking it would be nice to get him out at some stage during the day.
“It was a real bonus to get him in the first over.
“We managed to get through their top-order and have put ourselves in a solid position.”
Ferntree Gully recruit Mark Butters captured the wicket of Tonkin and followed up with the scalps of Liam Scammell, Tom Stead, Aaron West and Cameron McCormack on his way to taking 5-48 off 23 overs.
Kane Arendarcikas provided the ideal foil with 3-30.
Lavington, who won the toss and batted, struggled to come to terms with St Patrick’s attack with only Andrew Taylor occupying the crease for any length of time with 75.
Then it was Ball’s time to shine.
With only 13 overs remaining before stumps, Ball went on the attack with his quick half-century taking the pressure off Luke Restall, Braedon Hensel and Arendarcikas who are yet to bat.
“The wicket was a belter and it was a good performance by everyone,” Naughton said.
“Mark Butters and all of our bowlers did a top job.”
Durham youngster James Weighell scored his maiden century for Tallangatta as the Bushies smashed 7-349 against East Albury at Rowen Park.
Weighell hammered 100 with support coming from Vince Moran (95), Matt Armstrong (65) and Taylor Whitford (64) on a wicket loaded with runs.
The young East Albury attack was powerful to stop the assault with Grant Lewis (2-112) and Kev McDonnell (1-82) sticking to the task during a long day in the field.
North Albury is in control against Belvoir after making 302 at Bunton Park.
The new-look Hoppers were led to the formidable total by Greg Daniel and David Farrell, who made 78 each, while Josh Warren-Marmo (37) and Ash Borella (34) kept the runs ticking over.
Brad Freake, Ryan McNeil and Justin Russell grabbed three wickets each for the Eagles.
