By Jackson Russell
Wallan has a decent run chase on its hands after day one of its Johnstone Shield match against Sunbury United with the hosts finishing at 9/206 at stumps.
While Wallan was able to take wickets with consistency, Adam Billinghurst’s innings of 76 not out allowed Sunbury United to post a reasonable total.
Wallan had the hosts in trouble at 5/69 before Billinghurst entered the fray and steadied Sunbury United’s innings.
Billinghurst was able to put together a 69-run partnership with Jesse James before he was caught by Steve Bell off Kieran Atkin’s bowling for 28 with the hosts at 7/148.
Sunbury United’s tail was able to hold onto their wickets long enough for Billinghurst to lead the side to a total of 9/206.
Coach Chris Vecchie led the Magpies’ bowling attack with 3/36 from 14 overs with six maidens while Steve Bell and Jai Weshal took two wickets each.
Vecchie said it was a strong total and Wallan would have to bat out its overs to get there.
“To get that total, we’re going to have to bat most of the day and utilise our 75 overs and if we can do that then we’re confident we can get a win,” he said.
“They got a pretty big partnership together which has happened in the last few weeks, so that’s something to work on going forward.
“Our bowling effort as a team was pretty good. We had a number of guys chip in and build pressure which enabled guys to take wickets. Everyone who got the ball did their bit.
“Our plan is to bat as deep as we can and hopefully the runs will take care of themselves.”
