Wade claims five, but Rochy unable to put out Flames

By Alexander Dabb

Nov 13, 2023

Doesn't tickle: Matt Harrington cops a blow to the arm during his well made 42. Photos: Bruce Povey

A much-improved second innings performance from Rochester has saved the side from outright defeat at the hands of Kyabram Fire Brigade at Windridge Oval.

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The match resumed with the Flames 2-24 in their second innings, having secured first innings points on day one after posting a total of 139 and bowling Rochester out for 77.

Whack: Angus Martin hits one out of the middle.

With the top scorers from the first innings in Miller Griffiths and Kaine Herbert at the crease, Rochester required an early breakthrough, and it is exactly what it got.

Myles Wade removed Herbert for 10 to reduce Kyabram to 3-46, before Adam Ward (3-47) claimed the scalp of Griffiths for 26 to keep Rochy in with a sniff.

Robert Salter (28) and Brenton Sheppard (23) made important starts for the visitors. However, it was Wade who ensured that Rochester remained in the contest, claiming an excellent 5-25 to help his side bowl Ky out for 130.

Flicked away: Oliver Williams plays one to the leg side off his pads.

It meant that 163 was required for Rochester to win, which it set about doing, albeit with a shaky start.

Sean Williams, a centurion already this season, was dismissed for eight, before Brandon Byrne (21) joined him in the pavilion to leave Rochester in trouble at 2-37.

Well bowled: Rochester celebrates another Kyabram wicket.

Joel Bunce (10) was dismissed by Jackson Barnett (2-23) shortly after and it looked as though an outright win was Kyabram’s for the taking, however once again Matthew Harrington stepped up.

Alongside Angus Martin (19), the pair put on 50 for the fourth wicket, but disaster struck when Martin and Ward (0) were removed with consecutive deliveries to leave Rochy 5-96.

Watching: Brandon Byrne keeps a close eye on the ball.

Harrington made it to 42 before he was caught off the bowling of Jarrod Chapman (1-11), and Rochester eventually finished on 6-116, with the day’s play coming to an end before either side could manage to claim the outright win.

Big haul: Myles Wade claimed five wickets during Rochester's second effort with the ball.

Rochester remains winless since its shock defeat of Echuca in round two and will look to cause another upset next week when it takes on the unbeaten Moama away from home.