A 114-run opening partnership had Tallarook take the win over Pyalong in Saturday’s Seymour District Cricket Association, SDCA, match.
Electing to bat first Pyalong had a 32-run effort before the first wicket of the day fell, followed by a second that had the side 2/37.
Joseph Ryan was sent out for a duck by Xavier Arandt, followed by Sean Delaney with a duck of his own.
A 45-run partnership for Pyalong gave the side some energy before Matthew Pratt was sent out, followed by Dermott Clancy putting another duck on the board for Pyalong at 6/86.
Pyalong put nine more runs on the board before three quick wickets – including two more ducks – had the side 9/95 before ending the innings 10/112.
Kalon Winnell and Dale Short had three wickets for Tallarook as the side cut through Pyalong’s batting order.
Tallarook captain Lachlan Watts said the side started bowling slow but picked up.
“We really let Pyalong off the hook early with some poor fielding despite some good spells of bowling – particularly from Xav Arandt,” he said.
“After drinks, we picked up six wickets for less than 30 runs, so it was great to be able to turn a poor start around.
“Kal Winnell and Blake Munari-O’Dwyer pulled the scoring back well and allowed us to keep them to a very gettable total.”
Tallarook’s opening batsmen – Andrew Dundon and Joshua Rudge – stepped up to the crease and never left, making 114 runs together.
Dundon had 71 not out while Rudge had 33 not out as Tallarook took the win 0/114 to 10/112.
“Andy Dundon was absolutely sensational with the bat, with Rudgey playing second fiddle for once,” Watts said.
“They both batted very maturely and to their strengths. Chasing down a score of over a hundred without losing a wicket is a fantastic turnaround from last week.
“We’ll be looking to put our best foot forward against Yea before heading into finals.”
Eastern Hill continued its strong SDCA campaign defeating Yea 4/216 (45) to 10/97 (35.1), while Alexandra came out on top over Avenel 10/180 to 10/128.
In the final round of the regular SDCA season, Yea will host Tallarook, while the Eagles head to Avenel, and Alexandra will play Seymour at Chittick Park and Pyalong have a bye.
