Star Wodonga batsman Jack Craig cried after scoring his first provincial century in the thumping win of North Albury on Saturday.
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The 24-year-old debuted in 2010-11 and is having his finest season, racking up five half-centuries before the away game.
“It was a bit nerve-wracking really, I knew I was close, I couldn’t get it, I’ve had three or four 90s (in my career) and I just wanted it so bad, I’d really worked myself up,” he said.
“I got really excited, a bit emotional really, I could see how emotional the guys off the field were too and it was a bit of a teary moment there.”
The hard-hitting right-hander posted a neat 100 from 143 balls, racking up 11 boundaries and two sixes.
Craig leads the association run-scoring with 588 at 59 and now has three tons at all levels.
The win has pushed Wodonga above North into second spot with four rounds left.
Wodonga has a slighty tougher run home though as it meets runaway leaders Lavington in the final round.
A top two finish doesn’t guarantee a double chance, but Lavington’s domination means it’s highly unlikely the sixth-placed team could topple it in finals, so second spot should get through to week two.
Wodonga was teetering at 6-106, but a 78-run stand between Craig and the rapidly improving Cam Suidgeest pushed the score to 7-190 from its 50 overs.
“It was pretty difficult to bat on, it was low and the wicket was pretty crumbly and it was just doing a bit,” Craig said.
Former ACT star Suidgeest ripped through the dangerous Brendan Simmons for one and while captain Ash Borella blasted 33 from just 24 deliveries, including four boundaries, the right-armer also tore through his defences.
Tim Hartshorn and Haydyn Roberts produced the biggest stand, 42 runs for the sixth wicket, but Suidgeest was again outstanding to snare 4-27.
Early-season star Charlie Jackson snared 3-18.
“With the ball, we just bowled to our fields,” Craig said.
“He’s (Suidgeest) such a good player, he’s played high-level cricket and you can really tell, it’s exciting to watch.”
Wodonga has a one-game break on North, although the latter has a stronger percentage.
Wodonga will now host Tallangatta, while North Albury faces Albury.
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