Greta/Branxton first grade co-captain Joey Butler belted an unbeaten century to guide his side to victory over Peden’s Hotel at East End.
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In a day for the Joeys, Bellbird second grade opening batsman Joey Millington also notched a ton. He set up victory for his team by smashing fifteen boundaries opening the batting to also remain unbeaten on 118 from 125 balls.
In pursuit of a competitive 203 for victory, Butler caressed the first ball of the innings past mid-off for four, then after surviving a sharp chance at slip when he was on 12, he proceeded to hit a further thirteen boundaries and two maximums in a masterful batting display. His drives through the off side as good as you will see.
It was his maiden century in club colours, after scoring a century in rep cricket at Singleton last year, then coming agonisingly close on this very ground with 99no as well last year.
The Blues cruised to victory inside 34 overs, with Butler carrying his bat on 117 from just 113 deliveries.
Carrying on from his return-to-form half century the previous week, Josh Dagg played a supporting role 46no in the nine-wicket victory.
Darren Thomson also found form in his unfamiliar role of opener with 39. Dale Johnston was the sole wicket taker for Peden’s with 1-40 off 6.
Earlier in the day The Piranhas compiled a healthy 9-202 from their mandatory 40 overs.
Opener Mark Crowfoot batted beautifully for 69 before he was dismissed from a classic diving one handed catch at first slip by Dagg. He was well supported by Scott Bendeich (31), Ben Read (24), and a cameo 40no from Johnston at number nine.
Martin Shearer was the pick of the Blues’ attack with 3-37 off 10, with co-skipper Nathan Holz (2-54 off 8) and Thomson (2-38 off 10) taking a brace of wickets each.
Mulbring remain undefeated at the top of the ladder following their convincing eight wicket victory over Wine Country at Mulbring.
Batting first, the Wood Ducks were all out inside 26 overs for 132. Dave Plumridge led the way with 31, with Eian Harris (23), Luke Jeans (19) and association president Stephen Hedger (18) all making starts.
Ben Neaves continued his great start to the year with the four-piece, this time collecting 4-36 off 10.
Willie Watson (2-44 off 9.5) and skipper Cameron Ross (2-28 off 10) supported with a couple of wickets each.
The home side made light work of the run chase, reaching the modest target in the 29th over, losing just two wickets. Opener Drew Olsen remained unbeaten at the apex of the order with a patient 55, with Ross (36no) and Brock Gilmour (29) doing enough to get the Marlins home. Brad Turner (1-44 off 10) and Dean Elliott (1-14 off 4) were the wicket takers for Wine Country.
In the final match of the round, Bellbird bounced back to keep Supporters winless after five rounds, thrashing them by 111 runs at Carmichael Park.
The Tigers batted first and amassed 6-273, with Ben Fairlie timing the ball beautifully with a run-a-ball 88. Skipper Drage wasted no time as per usual with a typical 61, with Joey Barber (52no), Luke Weekes (20no) and Nick Wilson (19) all cashing in on the favourable batting conditions. Andrew Nicolai (1-69 off 10), Zach Sneesby (1-60 off 9), Jordan Goldman (1-43 off 10), Mick Gates (1-67 off 8) and Jamie Larsen (1-30 off 3) all took a wicket each.
The Goannas were all out for 162 in reply, with Luke Morris leading the way with 44.
Pete Brennan (30), Andrew Nicolai (26) and Gates (18) were among the runs, while Barber (4-48 off 7 including the prize wicket of his dad Troy for a duck), Billy Orr (3-34 off 6) and Ben Troke shared the wickets.
