Angus Martin delivered a captain’s knock of 104 against top-of-the-table rivals Moama. Photos: Bruce Povey.
Photo by
Bruce Povey
With first innings points already secured, Rochester’s captain courageous Angus Martin delivered a century to ice its contest with Moama, who now find themselves in prime position to finish as minor premiers this season.
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After getting the jump on the Mowers in the first day of round 13 and securing first innings points, Rochy looked to double up and push its lead at the top of the table further.
Play resumed with Angus Martin and Jake Wright at the crease, the latter being the first to depart for the day, being caught behind by Fraser Buchanan for 16.
Martin and new batter Oliver Williams put on an 88-run partnership spanning 30 overs that well and truly put Rochy over the top.
The pair broke the back of Moama through the middle overs, where Williams, while managing to hang around while Martin dominated, only contributed 24 runs from 93 balls.
After functioning as an accumulator at one end, Williams was ultimately bowled by Saunders.
Not long after Williams’ dismissal, Martin raised the bat, delivering a captain’s knock for his side and functioned as a warning of the might of Rochy to the rest of the competition.
Not long after the relief of toning up, Martin left the ground a hero after being caught by Russell Stockdale off Liam Stephens’ bowling on 104.
Rochester’s innings was wrapped up just an over after Martin’s wickets, with both Adam Ward (14) and Myles Wade (0) departing within three balls of each other.
Oliver Williams developed a significant partnership with Martin.
Photo by
Bruce Povey
With the game essentially over, Moama decided to have another bat, to get some overs under its top-order batsmen and to face Rochester’s bowlers, exposure that could be helpful if they are to meet in finals.
The Mowers’ openers, Michael Hill and Fraser Buchanan, put in solid digs, with the latter beginning to build back some form in the lead-up to the post-season.
The pair put on 71 runs for the first wicket before Hill was caught by Sean Williams off Jake Wright’s bowling for 43.
Archie Teasdale continued his lean streak of runs, adding just three before Sean Williams hung on to another one, this time off Jesse Cuttriss.
Buchanan was able to raise the bat for a well-earned half-century, eventually navigating through the innings unbeaten, finishing with 53 from 95 deliveries.
Liam Stephens also ended his stint not-out, tallying six in 21 balls.
While many would have anticipated a closer match between two of the McMahon Shield’s heavyweight sides, this is potentially not the last time the pair of teams will meet, with a rendezvous in the finals still well and truly on the cards.
Around the grounds, Kyabram Fire Brigade held strong away from home to defend its 186 run total against a high-flying Echuca opposition.
The hosts resumed on day two at 2-26, but were stopped nine runs short of victory with only Aidan Young (74) gritting his teeth during Echuca’s loss.
For the Flames, Jackson Barnett (4-59) shone with the ball alongside Riley Carver (3-8) and Robert Salter (3-61).
Elsewhere, Tongala chased down Leitchville Gunbower’s 90-run total with ease before reaching 178 all out and securing the point in style.
