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Lavington’s quiet achiever Matt Sharp has now passed 30 career centuries after his unbeaten 116 against New City.
It’s a remarkable record for the left-hander, who missed the last season and a half with football commitments, his marriage and travel.
“I was just patient, I bat for partnerships, ‘Soccy’ (Sam O’Connor) put on (64 runs), so I was pretty happy with that,” he said.
The bulk of Sharp’s tons were for Violet Town.
FORM RETURNS
North Albury captain Ash Borella is closing in on double figures for centuries.
The left-hander struck his ninth with 104 not out against East Albury.
Borella is now in his 10th season, so an average around one per year is highly respectable.
His highest score is 155 against Wodonga Raiders in 2015-16.
Robbie Jackson leads the way of the current batch with 14 tons during his 11-season stint at Wodonga.
St Patrick’s Luke Restall has seven since debuting for the club a decade ago.
‘KOSI’ CLIMB
Meanwhile, North have an embarrassment of riches in the bowling stakes.
Openers George McCormick and Haydyn Roberts sit third and fourth in the association wicket-takers with 27 and 23 respectively.
Mitch Koschitzke hasn’t been able to force his way in regularly, but he claimed 4-18 against East Albury in just his second provincial game.
Roberts was unavailable with injury and family commitments.
“With the side we’ve had, it’s been pretty strong in the bowling department,” Borella said.
CANNONBALL CAM
Wodonga’s leading wicket-taker claims the Bulldogs boast the association’s quickest bowler.
Byron Hales believes Cam Suidgeest has Lavington duo Ryan Brown and David Tassell covered.
“I reckon ‘Suidy’ is probably just above them, they’re all pretty close,” Hales said.
The former ACT-NSW Canberra Comets’ paceman has now taken 10 wickets in his last four games. He took eight in the first seven.
“He seems to have settled into the club and found his rhythm, he swings the ball a little bit,” Hales said.
OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS
St Patrick’s Paddy Parnell made the most of his chance against Wodonga Raiders.
The talented right-hander, who batted in the top order for CAW’s under 17 outfit, had had just four innings at number 9 and 10, prior to being promoted to number three.
He made 58 from 96 balls.
“Angus Kilby is away working, so a spot opened up,” captain Matt Crawshaw said.
“We know he’s capable now, so if a spot opens up he’ll be the one to take it.”
The Patties opened the bowling with brothers Isaac and Will Keighran.
KIEWA CLIQUE
Tallangatta has had a tough time in the past month, but teenage paceman Ryan Bartel continues to impress.
Bartel, who missed Kiewa’s district grand final two years ago due to Victoria Country under 15 commitments, sits ninth with 21 wickets.
He also took a good catch at point in the last over.
“As a former Kiewa boy, I thought he might look after me, but obviously not,” Belvoir captain Zac Simmonds laughed.
“I’d like to say it was flying off the bat, but I can’t. Ryan threw out his right hand and it stuck.”
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