Game changer: Werner Brand plundered an unbeaten century to power BLU to victory over Echuca South. Photos: Aidan Briggs.
Photo by
Aidan Briggs
An unbeaten century to Werner Brand has helped Bamawm-Lockington United hand Echuca South its first defeat of the McMahon Shield season.
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Winning the toss and electing to bowl, BLU sent the home side in and a great tussle played out over the following 45 overs.
Jeremy Felmingham (3-16) delivered an early blow to Echuca South, claiming the scalp of Tristan Watson (7) before Brand dismissed Jayden Rosin (26) shortly after to have the host side two down for just 36 runs.
Sandun Rathnatunga (38) and Asantha Singappuli (42) rallied for the home side, piling on a terrific 87-run stand to drag their team back into the contest, but when they were both sent packing within minutes of each other, the match sat evenly poised at 4-125.
Important contribution: Asantha Singappuli was Echuca South’s top scorer, putting 42 on the board
Photo by
Aidan Briggs
Clayton Watson’s knock of 25 helped advance the score, however BLU bowled well at the death to restrict Echuca South to 7-182 from its allotted overs.
Felmingham and Luke Thompson (2-41) were the pick of the bowlers for the visitors, doing well to regain control towards the end of the innings.
With a competitive although not overly imposing target of 183 put on the board, Echuca South struck twice early to give itself a leg up in the fight.
Singappuli (1-37) claimed the dangerous Regis Chakabva (7) while Liam Hamilton was given his marching orders by A.K. Gunathilaka for just 13, with the chase in trouble at 2-35.
Solid knock: Sandun Rathnatunga put 38 on the board for Echuca South.
Photo by
Aidan Briggs
But Declan Pearse and Brand were more than up to the task, and in striking similarity to the Echuca South innings, put on 90 for the third wicket in great haste, until the demise of Pearse on 42 at the hands of Rathika Rajakumara ended the fruitful partnership.
Echuca South was unable to capitalise on the breaking of the stand, with 3-125 quickly turning to 3-186 and the end of the match thanks to Brand.
Line and length: Luke Thompson sends down a delivery for BLU.
Photo by
Aidan Briggs
Belting 101 not out off just 81 deliveries, including 11 boundaries, Brand powered BLU to win number two of the season as it looks to progress further than its semi-final exit last season.
The Lions will host a red-hot Moama next week at home, while Echuca South will travel to Rochester with eyes firmly set on a redemptive win.
The Game
Echuca South 7-182 (Asantha Singappuli 42, Sandun Rathnatunga 38, Jeremy Felmingham 3-16) lost to BLU 3-186 (Werner Brand 101 not out, Declan Pearse 42, Rathika Rajakumara 1-29)
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