Soccer fans will be familiar with the ‘six-pointer’, a match where denying your opponent points is just as valuable as securing them for yourself.
This round 12 clash could then be known as a McMahon Shield ‘24-pointer’ for BLU and L-G.
Leitchville-Gunbower could have drawn level with the fourth-placed Lions had they picked up the win, but instead it was BLU which kicked clear with a seven-wicket victory, opening up an unassailable 24-point margin over its opponent.
On its home turf at Gunbower Recreation Reserve, Leitchville-Gunbower opted to bat first, but the Lions’ bowlers were up to the task.
Captain Joshua O’Shea was removed without score and the dangerous Tyler Jones (12) followed him to the sheds soon after, L-G starting in some strife at 2-14.
Josh Hawken proved a bright spot of the innings, doing the majority of the scoring in a steadying 34-run partnership with Harry Wright.
Wright did well to hold down his end while Hawken ticked the scoreboard over, but was eventually dismissed for seven by a Thomas Dicker gem.
When Liam Keath came and went without score, L-G was again in trouble at 4-54.
Simon Tatt came in with a defensive mindset and contributed only two to a 24-run fifth-wicket stand, happy to let Hawken move the scoreboard along.
Tatt’s defences were eventually breached and, shortly after notching his half-century, Hawken followed for 52.
There wasn’t much resistance left in the lower order, James Keath (21) becoming just the third batter to reach double figures as L-G limped to an all-out 114.
Remarkably, all six used bowlers picked up scalps for BLU, Dicker the pick of the bowling unit, taking 3-26.
Luke Thompson (2-19) and Liam Hamilton (2-9) added two wickets each.
Although its season was on the line, Leitchville-Gunbower wasn’t able to contend with a strong Lions top order in the second innings.
Opening duo Kade Pearse (38) and Regis Chakabva (37) made almost identical totals, getting their side well on its way with a 78-run opening stand.
In an interesting statistical note, this was the first innings this season in which Chakabva reached double figures but wasn’t able to go on to a half-century, having made seven previous 50+ scores after surpassing 10.
Liam Hamilton (18 not out) and Luke Thompson (12 not out) did the remaining work as BLU cruised to the total in 21 overs.
Simon Tatt (2-27) took two wickets, while Jye Keath (1-19) was the only other L-G bowler to make a breakthrough.
With a bye still on their schedule in the last two rounds, L-G is now mathematically out of finals contention, while BLU is the current favourite to claim fourth spot, a game ahead of nearest rival Echuca South.
The Lions have the bye in the next fortnight as two-day fixtures return to end the season, while Leitchville-Gunbower will host Tongala.
The Game
Leitchville-Gunbower 114 (Josh Hawken 52, Thomas Dicker 3-26) lt Bamawm-Lockington United (Kade Pearse 38, Regis Chakabva 37, Simon Tatt 2-27)
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