A STARRING performance from Gilbert Valley’s Kym Vandeleur (101) has put his side in a strong position heading into day two of its Barossa and Light Cricket Association A1 matchup at Tanunda.
The Bulls, so far winless through 11 matches, also got respectable contributions from opener Riley McInerney (28) and wicketkeeper Caleb Schwartz (23) on its way to a 8/203 total – the highest A1 total on the weekend.
Christian Gattermayr (4/53) and Trent Goers (3/42) were asked to perform most of the heavy lifting with the ball for the Magpies, before the pair also survived the day’s remaining four overs to reach stumps at 0/13.
Tigers battle Blues
Nuriootpa is in with a chance of handing the visiting Angaston its first regular season loss of the season after some sharp work late in the day left the away side 2/28 at stumps, chasing 135.
It was looking grim for the Tigers early, falling to 5/24 before the crucial pairing of Mitch Norton (51) and Jake Heinze (39) came to the crease and combined for 90 while soaking up over 200 deliveries.
In a balanced bowling attack, Aaron Murphy (3/34) led the way, while Jack Henke (1/4, three maidens from six overs) was extremely economical.
With 10 overs of daylight remaining, Daniel Doecke took two crucial wickets to swing the game right back up-for-grabs going into day two, with Nuriootpa needing a win to potentially break into the top-four.
Cockatoos
bowling for finals
Sandy Creek is in a dangerous position sitting in fourth spot, with percentage the only thing keeping it in its finals spot, and will have to stop South Gawler in its tracks if it wants to control its own destiny.
After winning the toss and choosing to bat on Eldred Riggs Reserve, runs never flowed freely for the Cockatoos, with Rhys Handtke’s 30 from 100 deliveries illustrating how the Lions were unwilling to give anything away for free.
Led by David Golder (3/43), South Gawler dismissed the visitors for 138, and with its remaining 11 overs, went on the offensive, racing to 2/52 before stumps.
The hosts will need 87 runs to lock in its finals spot, while also opening the door for Nuriootpa to jump into fourth.
Timely wickets
help Mallala
With both teams out of the finals race barring a miracle, Mallala made the trip to Freeling and was sent in to bowl by the hosts.
Sam Angus (4/54) dismissed both openers for 27 and 26 respectively, with nobody else able to top those scores as the Water Hens were bowled out for 146.
Not to be rushed, Mallala crawled through the remaining 20 overs
with openers Jake Birchmore (13 from 63 deliveries) and David Cawrse (6 from 57 deliveries) flexing their patience.