AK Gunathilaka was devastating to the Echuca top order, taking the game’s first three wickets. Photos: Matthew Kappos
The Echuca derby, which turned pink in support of the McGrath Foundation, didn’t disappoint on Saturday with some big hitting and strike bowling on display between rivals Echuca and Echuca South.
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Four-time McMahon Shield-holder Echuca travelled to Echuca South Recreation Reserve needing the points after a middling campaign this season, but a fifth consecutive Goulburn Murray Cricket A-grade crown may be slipping from its grasp after the Swans put together a powerful home performance.
South captain Rathika Rajakumara won the toss and sent the visitor in first, a decision that looked like a masterstroke after his side had two wickets in as many overs to start the game.
Brendan Moyle found the boundary with the first delivery of the match, but went no further, out for four, while Aidan Young lasted two balls, both nicking off to the bowling of AK Gunathilaka and into the safe hands of the Swans’ captain in the cordon.
Curtis Townrow got Echuca back on track and then some, blasting the attack around the park for fun over the next six overs with five fours and four sixes.
AK Gunathilaka watches with bated breath as a Brendan Moyle edge finds its way into the slips cordon.
Photo by
Matthew Kappos
Suddenly, Echuca was 2-62, but Townrow’s luck would run out a run short of a half-century, Gunathilaka striking for the third time as the Echuca opener departed for 49 from 25 balls.
The loss started another slide for Echuca, Charlie Hinks the next to fall at the hands of Asantha Singapulli, James Grixti following off the bowling of Shaun Haffenden.
Ben Henson dug in alongside Anthony Dennis, but when Dennis went for 17 Echuca was heading for disaster at 6-113.
Thankfully for the visitor Archer Carlile proved a willing partner to Henson and the duo ground out a gruelling 69-run partnership over 19 overs.
Henson was determined to keep his wicket intact, but his 104-ball stand ended in infamous fashion as he was run out four runs short of a 50.
Carlile (42) departed in the 45th over, leaving the tail to inch Echuca to 9-226 from its 50 overs.
Gunathilaka’s early work set him up for innings-best figures of 4-51, while Haffenden took two wickets and Singappuli and Simon van Duinen one each.
The South chase looked tenuous for the first 20 overs or so, but the composure of the Swans stars eventually shone through.
The opening pairing of Jayden Rosin (23) and Ben Eade (9) made a moderate contribution, but when captain Rajakumara joined Singappuli at the crease at 2-52, the innings swung decisively.
Effectively balancing the need to score and maintaining their wicket, the pair cruised on at just less than a run a ball, adding the 175 needed to get the Swans home.
Singapulli would notch his second century of the season, finishing on 107 from 114 balls, while Rajakumara passed 50 for the third time this campaign, making 81 from 80.
Archer Carlile (1-26) was the lone Echuca bowler credited with a wicket, the second coming via run out.
Echuca South maintained its grip on second place with the win, while Echuca will need luck to favour it over the final four rounds, now sitting two wins out of finals.
South has the bye this week, while Echuca visits Tongala Recreation Reserve.
The Game
Echuca 9-226 (Curtis Townrow 49, Ben Henson 42, AK Gunathilaka 4-51) lt Echuca South 2-227 (Asantha Singappuli 107 not out, Rathika Rajakumara 81 not out, Archer Carlile 1-26)
