McMahon Shield | Whirlwind partnership helps BLU navigate tricky run chase

By Josh Huntly

Dec 11, 2022

Whack: BLU’s Luke Thompson belted 10 boundaries on his way to a match-winning 73 not-out. Photos: Steve Huntley Photo by Steve Huntley

Bamawm-Lockington United inflicted Leitchville-Gunbower’s first defeat of the season on Saturday to climb back into the top four of the McMahon Shield.

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Resuming at 4-53 with Rathika Rajakumara and James McPhee at the crease, BLU was dealt an early blow in pursuit of Leitchville-Gunbower’s first-innings total of 100.

Vikai Kelley struck a double blow early on day two for Leitchville-Gunbower, dismissing both batters in quick succession to leave the home side teetering at 6-56.

With two fresh faces at the crease in Luke Thompson and Joseph Holloway, it looked as if the visitors were on the way to snaring their third straight victory.

However, Thompson and Holloway had other ideas, with their partnership proving decisive to hand BLU its second win of the season.

Thompson led the charge with 73 not out, belting seven fours and four sixes in a swashbuckling counter-attack against the flow of play.

Howzat: Vikai Kelley looked dangerous with ball in hand, snaring 2-17. Photo by Steve Huntley

Holloway helped the men in maroon safely navigate the remainder of the run chase with a solid 21, confirming the first-innings victory.

Thompson and Holloway compiled an 84-run seventh-wicket stand before Jaspar Wilson-Kier sent Holloway packing.

BLU was eventually dismissed for 156, bringing Leitchville-Gunbower back to the crease in pursuit of an outright victory.

But BLU paceman Jeremy Felmingham blitzed the batting line-up with 4-11, while Simon Van Duinen claimed 3-20 off his 14 overs to help dismiss Leitchville-Gunbower for 95 in the 45th over. Tyler Jones top-scored with 33.

With limited time left in the day’s play, both skippers agreed to shake hands, confirming BLU’s second win of the season.

BLU has now jumped into third on the McMahon Shield ladder, with a one-day clash against Cooma next Saturday set to take it into the Christmas break.