The Flames romped to a 10-wicket win Goulburn Murray Cricket’s McMahon Shield at Tongala Recreation Reserve, the Blues’ batters unable to get out of second gear while batting first.
It was a tenacious and resilient innings from Tonny, but that staying power wasn’t coupled with run scoring, as the host managed 81 runs from 42 overs at the crease, scoring at less than two an over.
The scorecard read well for Fire Brigade’s bowling unit, the standout Hunter Fawcett, who took an incredible 4-6, bowling five maidens in his eight overs.
Cooper Fawcett also had a good performance, taking 2-14, while Oliver Hughes (2-20) joined him with two wickets.
With a modest 82 required for victory, the Flames’ openers showed a singular determination, rolling to the target without loss, and in less than 20 overs.
Fire Brigade’s leading run-scorer, Miller Griffiths, was a single short of another half-century, making 49 not out, while Oscar Carver proved a willing deputy, posting 23 unbeaten.
The big victory was a needed boost to the Flames’ quotient, after their chief rival for fourth place, Rochester, also earned a 10-wicket win at the weekend.
The two sides are currently level on points after seven wins each, Rochester holding the edge on quotient 1.244 to 1.172.
With four rounds to go the Flames will hope to take advantage of an early bye, having four more opportunities to earn points this campaign compared to Rochester’s three.
With that advantage in mind, should Fire Brigade defeat Rochy in their clash at Northern Oval on Saturday, it would be in prime position to secure a finals berth.
Meanwhile, this result mathematically ends Tongala’s finals hopes, the Blues with three wins and 10 losses.
The opportunity to play spoiler remains and a desperate Echuca will visit Tongala Recreation Reserve on Saturday, the four-time champion needing every point it can muster in the last month if it hopes to make finals.
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