Greta/Branxton first grade opening batsman Josh Dagg got a massive monkey off his back when he posted his maiden club top grade century in the match against defending premiers Mulbring at Mulbring Oval last Saturday.
Having been dismissed in the 90s three times in his long and prosperous career, the former skipper was not going to let another opportunity slip by as he caressed the four-piece to all parts of the picturesque Mulbring ground, raising the bat in the 37th over to eventually remain unbeaten on 110 out of his team’s total of 8-204.
His innings included 13 boundaries, but unfortunately it was not enough to get his team home as Mulbring surpassed the healthy total in fairly comfortable fashion.
Greg Andrews was the only other Greta/Branxton willowman to make any sort of impression with 33 in what really was pristine batting conditions.
Left-arm orthodox bowler Cameron Ross was the best of the Mulbring attack with 5-45 off 10, receiving good support from former Wine Country stalwart Darren Sutton who took 3-48 off 10.
Although missing five regulars, Mulbring got out of the blocks nicely in reply and were cruising at 0-72 after 13 overs.
But two quick wickets before the drinks break and two after saw the match now evenly poised at 4-114.
But the experience of veteran Chad Lewis shone through with an unbeaten 49, along with a match winning performance of 45 not out from Ross steered the Marlins to victory without further loss and five overs to spare.
Jason Varoxis (17) and Andy Carmichael (15) made starts at the top of the order, while Drew Olsen set up the victory with a well-timed 69 facing the new ball.
Nathan Holz was the pick of the Blues attack with 3-48 off seven.
Wine Country v Peden’s Hotel
Wine Country recorded their first victory of the season by disposing of Peden’s Hotel by 78 runs at Allandale.
Batting first the home side posted a healthy 7-209 from their 40 overs, with former association president Mark O’Hara finding some old form with an unbeaten 54.
He received good support from Steve Abel (44), Stephen Hedger (35), Luke Jeans (25) and Nathan Wright (14).
Ben Read (2-42 off 8), Matt Hopley (2-54 off 8) and Dale Johnston (2-36 off 10) picked up a brace of wickets each for Peden’s.
The Piranhas were all out for 131 in reply, with Read completing an excellent all-round game with his team’s top score of 32.
Wyong import Adam Vernon was next best with 23, while Neil Harvey (16) and skipper Mick James (15) made starts.
Alan Heath was the best of the Wood Duck attack with 4-29 off 10, Rob Sidebottom took 3-34 off 10, meanwhile Steve Abel (2-19 off 7.1) switched from pace to spin after tweaking a hamstring in his third over.
Bellbird had the bye.
