A century from opener Ryan Cumberland propelled Wallan to an 18-run win over Sunbury United on the road at the weekend.
The win is the Magpies’ second of the Gisborne District Cricket Association Johnstone Shield season and has them in third place on the ladder.
After opener Reuben Rode was dismissed leg before wicket early on, Cumberland and Bryan Vance settled into a 77-run partnership before Vance was stumped for 38 with Wallan 2/82.
Brenton Hanson could not continue his form with the bat and was caught shortly after for 2.
Cumberland continued to keep the scoreboard ticking over, putting on a 49-run partnership with Russell Whittingham (14) and another 24 with Spencer Whittingham (17) before he was eventually caught after making 112 with Wallan 6/189.
Wallan’s momentum took a hit after Cumberland fell but the Magpies’ tail was able to guide the club to 221 before the innings closed.
Sunbury United made a valiant attempt to chase down the big total, but key wickets were able to secure the win for Wallan.
The Magpies struck early when Hanson bowled opener Harrison Knott for 4, but couldn’t capitalise on the momentum as the hosts put on an 85-run second wicket partnership.
Chris Vecchie took the breakthrough wicket when Adam Billinghurst was caught by Vance for 31.
Spinner Reuben Rode followed up quickly, bowling Nathan Bridgland for a duck to have Sunbury United at 3/98.
However, the hosts were able to put on another big partnership, with opener Bradley Wilson and David Falzon putting on a 56-run stand before Falzon was run out by Spencer Whittingham for 19.
Wilson fell shortly after, caught by Cumberland off Ryan Bonner, after making 54. Bonner followed up quickly, bowling Paul Attard for a duck to have the hosts 7/160.
Leif Louwen-Skovdam carried the load for Sunbury United towards the end of the innings, making 49 not out before the hosts ran out of overs and finished at 7/203.
Hanson and Bonner did the bulk of the damage with the ball, taking 2/22 and 2/21, respectively.
