East Belmont speedster Jack Jenkins took six wickets to put his side on top of its round 10 encounter against Lara on Saturday January 6.
Left-armer Jenkins took 6/34 from 13.5 overs to have the Cats all out for 135 on day one at Lara Reserve.
However, Lara hit back to have East Belmont three down for less than 25 runs on the board, but a steadying partnership between Josh Lacey (39 not out) and Will Hiser (27 not out) saw the side to 3/89 at stumps.
Jenkins said the ball came out of his hand nicely after skipper Shane McNamara elected to bowl first.
“I can’t complain after a break, so it was nice to feel pretty fresh and get the chance to bowl first and get a few,” he said.
“We weren’t too sure how the wicket was going to play – there were a few bare patches and a little bit of grass at one end.
“So I think it was just that we had a few new debutantes as well, so we can get them in the game early and get amongst it.”
The plan worked.
Jhye Baxter and Casey Young started well enough for Lara, but Jenkins dismissed the entire top order, including dangerman Dan Weigl for a duck.
“He’s been a good player for a long time, so to get him out early on is always a good result,” Jenkins said.
“It sort of dipped back into him. Just one that swung back down the line and he left it and lbw so we were all happy with that.”
Along with Jenkins, off-spinner James McMahon took 2/23 from 10 overs.
Daniel Blatherwick and Casey Young then sent a tremor through the East Belmont camp with three quick wickets, but Lacey and Hiser steadied the ship.
“We always always back ourselves,” Jenkins said.
“We’ve got a deep batting line up so hopefully one or two partnerships can help get the job done. You always want your big guns to get runs at the top, but we’re confident that someone can always contribute and step up.”
NORTH GEELONG has already secured first-innings points against South Barwon.
Tom Webster (5/31) and Connor Hagan (3/21) helped skittle the Swans for 104 despite a rearguard 41 not out from Brad Hauenstein.
Layton McCann (68 not out of 74 balls) and Sam Hall (60 from 59) then launched a blistering assault that allowed the Magpies to declare at 1/143 and South Barwon will resume at 1/4 on day two.
NEWTOWN & CHILWELL ended day one slightly on top of St Joseph’s.
Jack Riding top scored with 54 for Joeys, but 3/30 from quick Archie Bain had them back in the sheds for a sub-par 150 all out.
The Two Blues will resume at 2/50 with Pat McKenna on 25.
A MARATHON 30-over effort from Clinton Ford has helped Grovedale to a strong position against Highton.
Ford took 3/40 from 30 overs and spinner Bailey Sykes grabbed 3/38 from 18 to have Highton all out for 160 despite a fine 64 from Brady Somers.
Grovedale will resume at 1/43 on day two, 118 runs adrift of victory.
