PREMIUM
News

Rhinos too strong for Bloods

Tocumwal fell to premiership contender Deniliquin in Murray Valley Cricket Premier Grade action on the weekend with the Rhinos proving far too strong.Batting first the Bloods started promisingly enough with Reilly Rennick (22) and Daniel Hibberd (11) having a 36 run opening partnership.Hibberd was first to be dismissed, run out when a superb throw from Ben Irwin caught him short of his ground.The Rhinos bowled well, removing Rennick soon after and then setting to work on the middle order.Ranji Oliver (22) battled hard as always but was not able to find any support as wickets began to fall.In a horror stretch the Bloods lost four wickets for one run and slumped to 6/68.Lumberjack Andrew Jones (22) set about putting something on the scoreboard to defend with a blistering knock.Two towering ‘sixes’ were the highlight of his innings as the tail battled hard in the closing overs.Andy Arthur (14 not out) chipped away late as the Bloods reached 9/117 from their 45 overs.In reply the Rhinos got off to a flying start before Brad Todd (seven) was well caught at cover by Oliver off Arthur (1/29 off six).Dean Edge was proving the sticking point with a cavalier 44 posted.The Bloods’ bowling was good but the Rhinos’ batting was just better.Young slinger Patrick Bennett (2/15 off three) produced a gem of a spell to take two prime wickets for the Bloods as the Rhinos reached 4/96.Bennett ripped through Edge before trapping Brodie Bennett (21) in front.Leg-spinner Andrew Lean (1/21 off 3.4) snared a late pole but Andrew Hogan (26 not out) comfortably got the Rhinos home with six wickets to spare after 19.4 overs.The Premier Bloods host Cobram-Yarroweyah United on Saturday while Division One resume after the bye against Finley.The Under 16s Bloods were defeated by Cobram on Friday night by seven wickets.Reaching 6/76 the Bloods were led by Jack Andrew (26) and Patrick Bennett (11) with the blade but were unable to stop the Tigers’ batting who reached the target losing just three wickets.Zac Dixon (2/8 off three) snared a brace for Toc with the ball.The Under 16s start two-day play this week travelling to Nathalia.