ROVERS finally ended its three year drought with a win against Churchill in an extraordinary second day of play in Traralgon and District Cricket Association third round action on Saturday.
Starting day two at 5/ 97 Rovers were bundled out for 110; John Keighran was the catalyst with 5/29.
Churchill was 22 runs ahead then went out and belted a quickfire 3/145 off 34 overs with Matt Harvey making 60 not out and Ryan Wilk 46 not out.
Rovers was sent back into bat with a target of 167 off 52 overs.
Rovers were cruising at 0/90 before the dreaded collapse occurred.
Simon Duff (49) and Mark Thompson (45) were crucial and at 9/165, still needing two runs to win, the atmosphere was electric.
Churchill needed one wicket for an outright and Rovers two runs for its first win in three years.
It was Rovers who had the last laugh with Nilshan Tillakeratne standing tall making 41 not out.
Paul Metlikovec took 5/48.
Centrals v Ex Students
CENTRALS resumed at 4/60 and batted much better this week to reach a total of 168 all out.
Corey Pollard (42 not out) and Stuart Brooks (28) battled hard for Centrals while the opposition spinners Lee Stockdale and Michael Warne each took four wickets.
Ex Students needed 52 for an outright win and top spot on the ladder and did it easily racing to 0/53 off 13 overs with Barney Webber (42 not out) and Jordy Gilmour (10 not out).
Gormandale v Imps
GORMANDALE resumed at 4/173 and all eyes were on Skipper Adrian Burgiel who needed just four runs for his century.
He didn’t disappoint as he became the TDCA’s first centurian for season 2012/13.
It was a master class innings, but celebrations were cut short when he was bowled on 100.
15 year old Tate Marsh stole the show in his first A grade match to register a brilliant 51 in even time.
The Tigers declared at 8/244.
Scott Aitken took 4/50.
The Tigers never looked likely to score the outright as Imps dug in and scored 5/154 in the second innings before stumps were draw.
Harry Warwick (52) and Brad Sizeland (37 not out) batted well for Imps.
Toongabbie v Traralgon West
TOONGABBIE declared 10 runs ahead and put Traralgon West back in to bat hoping for a outright win.
The West battled hard in the second innings and saw out the day to reach 165.
Jason Vanberkel top scored with 32, while Ben Edebohls made 27.
Jason Veneman was superb for the Rams with 6/63 off 23 overs.
CATS v Raiders
IN the big clash at Yinnar last year’s runners up CATS were too good bundling Raiders out for a paltry 92; only Michael Higgins with 25 and skipper Brad Knowles (33 not out) showed any resistance.
Ryan Foulkes with 3/18 was best for CATS.
Batting a second time CATS were in no danger as they reached 2/83.
Dan Nichols (38 not out) and Brett Chapman with 36 not out were best for CATS.
