Ward’s super six not enough for Rochy as Flames fire back

By Alexander Dabb

Nov 6, 2023

So close: Rochester’s Fraser Cleary runs back with the flight of the ball, but is unable to reel in the tough catch. Photos: Bruce Povey

Rochester has endured a tough day one in its clash against Kyabram Fire Brigade, trailing after both teams completed their first innings.

High fives: Rochester players celebrate the wicket of Miller Griffiths. Photo: Bruce Povey.

Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content

Losing the toss and being asked to bowl, Rochester started brightly as Sean Williams removed the dangerous Jack Donnell (11) early to have the visitors one down for just 26 runs.

In form: Adam Ward was on fire with the ball for Rochester, claiming 6-27 from 11 overs, including five maidens.

However, the Flames rallied with a fruitful partnership as Miller Griffiths (43) and Kaine Herbert combined for 74 runs before Griffiths was sent packing by Adam Ward.

Herbert reached his half-century but was removed shortly after for 60, which sparked a collapse as Ward hit his stride.

Top of off: Sean Williams releases a pacey delivery. Photo: Bruce Povey.

Beginning with Herbert’s wicket, Kyabram lost 8-20, including the final six wickets for just four runs, as Ward (6-27) cleaned up the middle and tail in an astonishing spell that yielded five maidens from his 11 overs.

But Rochy was unable to take advantage of the position it found itself in, as Donnell led a ferocious Kyabram bowling attack in a demolition job of the home side’s chase.

Faint edge: Angus Martin nicks a Robert Salter delivery.

Opening pair Brandon Byrne and Sean Williams were both removed rather cheaply to have Rochester reeling at 2-14 before Joel Bunce was also sent packing by Jackson Barnett (2-27) having managed just seven runs as Rochy flailed at 3-32.

Ward became the first Rochester batsman to reach double digits but was quickly removed by Robert Salter for 10 as Donnell began his assault on the tail.

Lone hand: Matthew Harrington was the pick of the Rochester batsmen, with a patient 21 in the middle order his side’s top score.

Donnell snared 4-10 from his six overs, whittling Rochester down to 9-60 before Tom Owen (2-13) ended Rochester’s innings by dismissing Dylan Cuttriss (12), with the home side all out for 77.

Steaming in: Rochester captain Dylan Cuttriss launches into his bowling action. Photo: Bruce Povey.

Matthew Harrington made a patient 21 off 55 as he tried to steady the middle order; however, he lacked support as Rochester fell well short at the end of the first dig.

Line and length: Myles Wade sends down a delivery. Photo: Bruce Povey.

With first innings points already in the bag, the Flames will chase an outright victory next week, sitting at 2-24 in their second effort at stumps on day one, with a lead of 86 runs.