Round four saw Tocumwal host Barooga in the Murray Valley Cricket Association C-grade competition.
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As usual, Lachie McDonald lost the toss, and Tocumwal were sent into the field.
The home side started with some good bowling and some half chances going down early.
McDonald finally got the breakthrough, and Paul Stevens followed it up in the next over with two wickets in two balls.
Barooga started to bat well before Toby Chappell claimed two wickets in two overs.
During the 10 overs, it was a good battle, with Barooga batting well and Tocumwal bowling well.
The Barooga captain, Sean O’Kane, brought up his 50.
Once he retired, our very own Adam Hughes made an impact, picking up two wickets quickly and put us right back on top.
McDonald brought himself back on and picked up the remaining wickets to bowl Barooga out for 136.
After an excellent spread for afternoon tea, Tocumwal headed out to bat.
Chappell and Brandon Meloury got the home side off to a great start before Chappell was caught off a reverse sweep for 23.
Bryce Meloury joined his brother at the crease for a solid partnership of 74 before Brandon made his 50 and retired.
In his first game of the year, Aaron Shepherd was in next and made a quick four.
Bryce (24) and Sam Bennett (3) fell quickly, leaving McDonald and Daniel Bennett needing 14 runs to win.
McDonald was uncomfortable at the crease, but with Bennett’s guidance they got the total with five overs to spare.
It was a great win by six wickets.
Highlights included Brandon with another 50 to add to his total, and McDonald picking up 4/6.
A great team performance and excellent win.
Plenty to build on for the team moving forward from here.
Under-17s
Under-17s played the first night of their two-day match against Katunga.
Being sent into bat after losing the toss, Tocumwal set about their innings.
Tom White and Sam Bennett got off to a quick start with 15 off the first three overs.
White was then caught behind, and Bennett followed two overs later.
When James Winn was run out, the team found themselves 3/21.
Declan Cameron and Lucas Baron steadied the ship with a small partnership before Cameron was dismissed in the 19th over.
Lachie Packer joined Baron at the crease, and the two young lads set about racking up desperately needed runs.
With Baron scoring 21 runs before being caught out, Packer set about scoring a strong 32.
With very handy contributions from Archie Chellew, Chase Dickins and James White, Tocumwal were 8/120 at the end of the innings.
The boys batted their 40 overs after being a few wickets down early.
Next week it's Tocumwal’s turn with the ball, and early wickets will be on the menu.
Under-15s
Tocumwal played Cobram, at Cobram, for day one of their two-day match.
Tocumwal won the toss and elected to bat.
The Bloods produced a superb batting performance on day one, finishing with a commanding 4/240 from 40 overs.
An outstanding opening partnership between Archer Chellew (71 retired not out) and James Winn (34) set the tone early, with both batters rotating the strike beautifully and running between the wickets with real intent.
When the first wicket eventually fell, Chase Dickins (57) carried on the momentum with another composed innings, combining patience and power to keep the scoreboard ticking.
Late in the day, Lucas Grieves (27 not out) added valuable quick runs to lift Tocumwal to 240 and ensure the Bloods finished strongly.
The batting intent, communication, and running between wickets were a real highlight. It shows how far this group has come this season.
The platform is now set for next week when the match continues.
The Bloods are determined to back up their efforts with the ball and finish the job.
Under-13s
The Bloods continued their strong start to the season with a dominant home win over Katunga on Friday night.
Bowling first, Tocumwal produced a disciplined display to restrict Katunga to 7/47 from 20 overs.
Sam White (2/1) was outstanding with the ball, while Max White, Joel Harrison, Lucas Bell, Henry Tuck, and Charlie Wilson all took wickets.
Nate Dickins was miserly, bowling two maidens in a row, and the team backed up well in the field.
There were still a few too many extras - 17 wides and three no-balls - but it was a clear improvement on the last couple of games as the bowlers start to find their rhythm.
In reply, Joel Harrison led from the front with a classy 20 retired not out, supported by Nate Dickins (13) and Sam Borg (10 not out).
The Bloods chased down the target in just six overs, for a convincing nine-wicket win.
It was a great team effort all round with tighter bowling, sharper fielding, and confident batting.
The player of the match was Joel Harrison, who won the Tocumwal Ice Creamery Award.
A-grade: Bye.
Under-11s: Bye.