Opening batter Fraser Buchanan has given Moama the upper hand in its two-day clash against Leitchville-Gunbower, as well as its race to the finals.
Buchanan whacked a watchful 115 runs off 224 deliveries — with 11 fours and a six — as Moama posted an imposing 259 runs, while Kirk Teasdale added a half-century of his own to build a defendable total.
It’s Buchanan’s first ton of the season after posting two half-centuries during the season — 79 against Echuca South and 76 against Rochester.
Buchanan’s vigil lasted until the 73rd over in a marathon innings.
He strode to the crease following the wicket of Brad Jones, and after a bright start to the innings alongside captain Jack Russell, Moama lost both batters in the same Blake Gelletly over.
Billy Gallagher was next to depart, caught off the bowling of Simon Tatt with Moama 3-77.
Teasdale then joined Buchanan at the crease, and the pair went to work compiling a game-high 109-run partnership.
Gelletly (3-54) and Tatt (3-40) continued to take the wickets for L-G, but it was James Keath who finally extricated the prized scalp of Buchanan.
Duane Johns (21) and Clay McGregor (20) kept the scoreboard ticking over for Moama to finish on an intimidating 259.
11°C