Echuca rolls L-G middle order to set up win

The second-wicket partnership between opener Tyler Jones (42) and Scott Lucas (61), worth 88 runs, had the host sitting pretty at 1-96.

However, once Jones fell and Lucas followed 20 runs later, L-G experienced an almighty batting collapse, losing its final six wickets for 30 runs.

Charlie Hinks was a key Echuca contributor with the ball, ripping through the middle order and finishing with 4-22 as his side bowled out the host for 147.

Brendan Moyle helped get Echuca’s momentum rolling with the partnership-breaking wicket of Jones, taking 2-28.

The surface was tricky to score on and Echuca had its fair share of difficulties in the run chase.

Progress was slow and the loss of a couple of early wickets had the game still in the balance at 2-39.

Archer Carlile and Charlie Hinks would combine to add a useful 40, Archer making 29 before he was replaced by first Easton and then Rory Carlile.

Rory Carlile played aggressively upon his introduction, smashing two sixes and three fours on the way to 38 unbeaten, while Hinks would tough it out for the remaining runs, finishing with 39 from 86 as Echuca made the target inside 43 overs and with six wickets in hand.

The wickets were shared among the L-G bowling group, Blake Gibson boasting best figures with 1-17.

Echuca remains in contention for the top four, levelling the ledger at 3-3, while Leitchville-Gunbower is quickly losing touch with the mid-table group at 1-6.

Echuca will have a ‘home’ fixture against Rochester at the champion’s adopted home ground of Windridge Oval, while L-G gets its bye this week before returning to action on December 6 when it hosts Tongala.