By Jackson Russell
Wallan’s First XI was able to score a win in its first proper taste of action on Saturday after rain washed out its previous two Gisborne and District Cricket Association matches.
The Magpies scored a 31-run away win over Bacchus Marsh 2 in Pool B on the back of a six-wicket haul from 16-year-old spinner Reuben Rode.
Wallan finished its 40 overs at 5/139 with solid contributions coming from Lachie Shinn-Mahony, Brenton Hanson (25) and Rode (22).
The Magpies were off to a hot start with the ball, with Hanson and captain-coach Stevie Bell both taking early wickets to have Bacchus Marsh under the pump at 2/6.
Opener Connor Ascough and Hamish Garner put together a 38-run partnership before Ascough was bowled by Jai Weshal for 28.
That triggered a middle-order collapse, with Rode taking the next five wickets for just five runs as Bacchus Marsh fell to 8/52.
While the Bacchus Marsh tail was able to stop the momentum before Rode’s left-arm finger spin struck again, dismissing Mark Hooper caught and bowled for his sixth wicket of the day.
Bell finished off Bacchus Marsh, dismissing top-scorer Brenton Payne for 45 as Bacchus Marsh was bowled out for 108.
Rode took 6/27 from eight overs with three maidens while Bell took 2/10 from 5.3 overs with two maidens.
Bell said it was good to finally play after two washouts, and praised Rode’s performance.
“For a young kid to get six wickets in a one-day game is a pretty decent effort, especially against a side that consistently plays finals as well,” he said.
“He definitely showed his bright future. Even his effort with the bat to make 22 opening the batting, I was happy with that as well.
“We had four under 17s playing and this competition allows the kids to have a chance to taste what ones’ cricket is about and reach the standard to play ones’ cricket.”
Romsey’s Pool A match against Gisborne 1 was washed out after just 14 overs, as was Romsey 2’s Pool C match against Macedon 1.
Lancefield 1 also failed to get on the park with their Pool D match against Gisborne 3 washed out.
Wallan 4 defeated Hanging Rock 3 by forfeit in its Pool F match while Lancefield 2 had a four-wicket win over Bacchus Marsh 6.
