CRICKET

CLV PREMIER A

By LIAM DURKIN

 

LOCAL cricket wrapped up before the Christmas break at the weekend.

The calendar was not entirely kind this year, with the last game of 2025 falling just five days before Christmas, leaving clubs with a host of unavailability’s.

Many players also had work breakups last Friday, meaning a few rocked up to park cricket not in the most desirable state.

Cricket Latrobe Valley’s A Grade divisions completed Round 8 two day matches, and players now have three weeks off before the resumption.

 

ALWAYS good to have an early beer – provided you are on the winning team.

Morwell decided not to play on after getting past Centrals’ first innings total at Keegan Street.

The Tigers were only 73 runs behind with all 10 wickets in hand when play resumed, and ended up winning by seven wickets.

The home side completed the task in little more than 20 overs, and could have pressed on to set up an outright, but decided to bank six points for a first innings win.

Blair Clymo added a handful of runs to his overnight score of 54, while Kris Fortuin registered a half-century in his 300th game,

Blake Mills whacked an unbeaten 40 off just 27 balls. Tyron Gamage had some success for the Lions, taking 2/57 off 19 overs – one of only two Centrals bowlers to bowl more than 10 overs.

 

IMPERIALS had to make do with first innings points, after going for an outright against Moe.

With the game already won heading into Day 2, the team from Catterick Crescent resumed at 7/169 – a lead of 36.

The lower order took the score to 215, with Aaron Johnstone making 28 against his old side.

With a lead of 82 and around 60 overs left in the day, the home team decided to bowl again.

The Lions however negotiated the remainder of the day, although not before a scare after being precariously placed at 4/77.

Moe gave a better account in its second dig, with five players reaching scores above 20.

Anubhav Anubhav was subbed in for Day 2 and made 33. Chris Robinson came in at eight and stroked an unbeaten 29 (six fours), while skipper Matt Hibbs (30), Benn Zomer (28) and Callum Grant (27) got some valuable time in the middle.

Todd Mann however led the honours, taking 5/58 off 22 overs.

It wasn’t a cheap second innings five-fa either, with the veteran quick taking the first five wickets, including a genuine snick-off of Andrew Philip to the keeper, which doesn’t happen often.

 

EX STUDENTS annihilated Glengarry.

The Sharks opted not to bat into Day 2, giving the Magpies all day to chase 261.

A procession of wickets played out at Terry Hunter Oval, with the visitors routed for just 99.

Only Cam Graham (44 off 123) was able to provide any resistance, as all five Ex Students bowlers used took wickets.

Adam Brady added to his career tally with 4/23, alongside new ball operator Mitch Harris (2/12) and spinner Lee Stockdale (2/28).

Perhaps most alarmingly for Glengarry, five players were bowled.

Thanks mainly to Graham, the Magpies faced 58 overs, and while Ex Students enforced the follow on, players shook hands after 12 overs in the second innings as it became clear no outright result could be achieved.

 

CHURCHILL won by more than 100 runs against Toongabbie.

The Rams entered the day already 1/1 at Roger Reis Oval, and despite starts from five players, the task soon became insurmountable.

Rob Wheildon essentially ensured the home side only had to bat once, making 31 off 180 balls, while opener Sam Moran did his best with 29 off 76.

The approach was perhaps tailor made for Steve Warr, who cashed in against the defensive batting, taking 4/32 off 21.5 miserly overs.

Ryan Harvey (2/23) and Chris (Willow) Williams (2/40) also chipped in.

Perhaps spare a thought for Toongabbie’s Tom Hood, who was already dismissed and had to rock up on Day 2 after fielding for 80 overs on Day 1.

Surely the epitome of ‘wasted Saturdays’.

 

EX STUDENTS heads the ladder at the halfway mark on 30 points.

Only two points behind however is Imperials – something not many would have predicted upon their promotion to Premier A.

Churchill, also promoted to the top grade this season, is fourth on 22 points, four behind third-placed Morwell.

Moe is fifth on 21 and Glengarry sixth on 17. The Magpies may need to get a move on to play finals, although are expected to welcome Nat Freitag back after the break.

Toongabbie and Centrals are both winless, and could unfortunately already be headed for relegation.