CRICKET
GIPPSLAND CRICKET LEAGUE
The Gippsland Cricket League season commenced on Sunday under challenging climatic conditions across the region.
There was no play for the scheduled match at Hallora between Warragul and Central Gippsland, but Traralgon achieved success in its first outing.
Traralgon (5/188) defeated Leongatha (121)
LEONGATHA skipper Tim Wightman won the toss and decided to bat first against Traralgon at Wonthaggi.
Last year’s premiers lost a couple of early wickets but recovered well to be 3-71.
It was all downhill after that as the host team lost their next seven wickets for the addition of only 50 runs to be all out for 121 off 41.5 overs. Tom Piddington was the top scorer for Leongatha with 30.
Traralgon was well served with the ball by spinner Ben Julin (4/22), John Keighran (2/3) and Connor Sloyan (2/16).
In reply Traralgon achieved a solid start of 56 between Lee Stockdale and Greg Munro (17).
Matt Dyke (19) joined Stockdale and the pair took Traralgon to a valuable victory.
John Keighran (28) capped off an excellent game, however Stockdale was clearly man of the match with an outstanding 88.
Traralgon finished on 5/188.
Barry Wyatt picked up 2-27 for Leongatha.
Bairnsdale (5/157) v Sale Maffra (Match abandoned)
BaIRNSDALE batted first at Bundalaguah against Sale Maffra after winning the toss and were in genuine trouble at 3-26.
However, a fine partnership of 82 between Ray Stevens (57) and Mikael Hulme (36) restored the situation.
Hailstorms intervened when Bairnsdale was on 5/157 off 42.2 overs when play was abandoned.
Simon Williams picked up 2-27 for Sale Maffra.
