Moama remains on top of the Goulburn Murray Cricket throne after narrowly avoiding a late-order collapse at the hands of Echuca’s bowling attack on Saturday, stumbling over the line chasing down 121.
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Seemingly cruising at 5-103, the Magpies lost four cheap wickets for a mere 16 runs, but managed to settle the nerves at the right moment and secure the points.
Instrumental for Moama was skipper Jack Russell, whose steadying innings of 43 off 61 deliveries helped, while a sturdy knock from Jordan McGregor (29) proved key at the death.
At Tongala Recreation Reserve, the Blues sealed victory against seventh-placed Lockington-Bamawm United with an all-round performance with the ball.
Chasing 207, LBU opener Chris Smith looked in fine touch at the top of the order, but when he was trapped leg before wicket on 19 by Adam Nunn, the visitors struggled to resume with much solidarity.
With runs coming in dribs and drabs from the LBU batsmen while wickets constantly fell, Tongala eventually ripped through the rest of the line-up to have the side all out on 132.
Nunn was among the best with the leather taking 3-29 alongside Josh Thurston’s 3-23, while Daniel Coombs and Matt Ohlsen took two apiece.
Rochester produced a stunning win against second-ranked Kyabram Fire Brigade, following on from an astounding bowling performance the week prior to produce a four-wicket win at home.
Chasing a paltry 82, Rochester secured victory with five wickets in hand and went on to post 6-176 from 80 overs at the crease.
Rising star Waugh George proved almost immovable from the pitch, notching 44 runs from a mammoth 204 deliveries.
Charlie Ryan had some fun late in the innings with 81 not out from 111, while Rob Salter snared 3-28 for the Flames.
Cooma was dominant against Echuca South and reeled in the required 127 runs for victory with ease.
Stephen Barrett (100 from 167) and Liam Thorne (83 not out from 250) spent hours at the crease together for the Two Blues, racking up runs for fun in the process.
