CENTRAL Gippsland made a triumphant return to Melbourne Country Week in division four, with two wins from three games.
Moe’s Rob Phoenix was the standout player of the carnival and finished the week at the top of the bowlers tree and third on the run scorers list.
The CGCA skipper claimed 10 scalps at 12.40 to finish four wickets clear of the next best bowler, and made 104 runs with a top score of 49.
Rhys Holdsworth was one run shy of Phoenix’s total with 103 in three appearances.
After a bye in round one, Central Gippsland put Shepparton to the sword in a tight tussle and won by eight runs after posting 200 batting first.
Andrew Philip (50), Holdsworth (45), Phoenix (41) and Rob McKinley (34) all chimed in with the willow, while Phoenix tore through Shepparton with 6/26.
Albury Wodonga spoilt the CGCA party when it defeated the Gippslanders comfortably in round three, but Phoenix’s men rose from the ashes to defeat Seymour in their final fixture.
Central Gippsland made 214 batting first, and held Seymour to 208 thanks to 4/26 for Chris Johnson in his only game for the week and Phoenix (4/44).
Warragul won the championship.
