Echuca maintains lead with victory over Swans

Batting first, South built a strong early position, but wasn’t able to go on to make a huge total.

After a run of inconsistent form with the bat, Asantha Singappuli moved to the top of the order, but was again left frustrated, falling for three.

Jayden Rosin (30) and Clayton Watson (27) were able to build a useful partnership for the second wicket, combining for 38 to get South past 50.

The Swans’ form batter of the season, Rathika Rajakumara, was next in and continued to shine, making 59 runs from 80 deliveries.

South looked in decent stead while he was at the crease, but once Rajakumara departed at 7-153, the innings soon followed, the remaining wickets falling cheaply as the Swans put together 159.

Echuca captain Simon Maddox was the top performer with the ball, taking 4-15, while Kale Edwards (2-42) and Aidan Young (2-28) took two wickets each.

Openers Brendan Moyle and Curtis Townrow set a solid platform for Echuca’s chase, putting on 99 runs for the opening wicket.

An attacking Townrow (52) departed shortly after notching his half-century, while Moyle (45) wasn’t able to advance the score any further before he too was back in the sheds.

With new batters at the crease, the Swans had a chance to pull the game back in their favour, the in-form Kobyn James (6) the next to fall.

However, James Grixti and Young were able to maintain their composure, both scoring 26 not out as they guided Echuca to a comfortable seven-wicket win.

AK Gunathilaka (1-39), Tristan Watson (1-34) and Singappuli (1-23) shared the wicket-taking duties in a beaten South side.

Echuca battles a desperate Kyabram Fire Brigade in the next fortnight, the Flames needing a result in the two-day game to keep their finals hopes alive.

Meanwhile, Echuca South has a bye before a critical match-up with Moama in the final round.