A CAREER-best 96 from Walbundrie shearer Blake Lieschke saved the Tigers from a shock loss to bottom-placed Culcairn at Walbundrie on Saturday.
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Chasing a formidable 8-230, the home team reeled in the winning runs with just seven balls to spare thanks to fine knocks from Lieschke, Mason Collins (57) and Andrew Lewis (34 not out).
The victory saw Walbundrie go into the Christmas break in fourth position on the ladder and well placed for a dash at the premiership.
The pencil-thin Lieschke's 96 came off 79 balls including 11 boundaries.
"We were 3-20 so it was good to make 230 from there," Collins said.
"Blake has batted really well the last two weeks.
"I haven't seen him bat better.
"We bowled poorly, but Blake and Andrew Lewis summed the game up really well and got us over the line."
Culcairn's innings was based around a superb 79 from former East Albury batsman Daniel Rooke.
Rand was forced to work hard before defeating Lockhart by four wickets.
Opener Mark Kreutzberger topscored with 62 as the Pigeons chased down Lockhart's score 4-194 which included a fine unbeaten century from Brad McMillan.
Osborne defeated TRYC, Walla accounted for Holbrook and Henty brought down Brock-Burrum.
The ladder is: Rand 48, TRYC 36, Osborne 36, Walbundrie 36, Walla 30, Lockhart 27, Henty 24, Brock-Burrum 15, Holbrook 12, Culcairn 6.