By Jackson Russell
Wallan is well in control at the halfway point of its two-day Johnstone Shield match against Macedon after a magnificent double-century from Kieran Atkin led the Magpies to a total of 408.
Atkin and Ryan Cumberland combined for a 165-run opening stand before Cumberland was caught for 84 including 11 fours and a six.
Atkin put his foot down during a 91-run second wicket partnership with Spencer Whittingham (28) and a 105-run third wicket partnership with Lachie Shinn-Mahony (38), guiding Wallan to 3/361.
Middle-order wickets fell a bit more easily with the next four wickets falling for 36 runs with Atkin departing at 5/385 after making a club record of 209, with 20 fours and four sixes.
The Magpies finished their innings at 7/408 from 75 overs.
Macedon’s bowling attack was led by Chris Axton who took 3/50 from 11 overs.
Wallan coach Chris Vecchie said the opening partnership was the perfect start for the Magpies.
“It was an awesome effort for Kieran and a club record. He just batted awesomely. There’s not much more you can say,” he said.
“The two young fellas that batted with him, Spencer and Lachie, both had good partnerships with Kieran so it was a good experience for them to be out there with him.
“The job’s not done yet, we’ve still got to bowl them out and get the points we need this week.
“You’re confident but you never want to be overconfident. It’s a total we should defend. You want to go out there and get the 10 wickets and get the win.”
