Sport

Rochester takes the fight to unbeaten Moama

By Alexander Dabb

Jan 21, 2024

Got him: Rochester celebrates the dismissal of Moama’s Liam Stephens. Photos: Bruce Povey

Moama and Rochester are engaged in an enthralling battle at the halfway point of their two-day clash at Windridge Oval, with no clear leader at stumps on day one.

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Unbeaten ladder leader Moama won the toss and opted to bat first, with the opening duo of skipper Joel Murphy and Fraser Buchanan in hot form after a stand of 109 for the first wicket last week.

But it wasn’t to be against Rochester, with Murphy falling victim to Sean Williams (1-37) for just 10, while his replacement Michael Hill (5) was removed cheaply by Angus Martin (4-27) to leave Moama reeling.

Adam Ward (3-46) joined in on the act soon enough as Rochester tore through the top-order, claiming the scalp of Archie Teasdale (14), while Fraser Cleary (2-22) showed his class too.

Steaming in: Sean Williams delivers a rapid bowl.

Dismissing the dangerous Anthony McMahon (9) as well as Matt Saunders (7), Cleary put the home side right on top, as Moama tumbled to sit five wickets down.

But relief was found in the form of Buchanan, who steadied at the top of the order, facing an incredible 179 deliveries for his 54 runs in a defiant showing.

He was backed up by Jack Russell (50), who added a brilliant half-century upon his return to the side, to ensure the visitors posted a score they would have some hope of defending.

Eyes on it: Dylan Cuttriss settles underneath the ball to take a catch.

Martin snared the breakthrough wicket for Rochester, however, sending Buchanan packing, as he and Ward tore through the tail to wrap up the visitors’ innings, all out for 159.

With time left in the day, it meant Rochy would face a tricky six-over period before the umpires called the end of play, and it was one that it would not get through unscathed.

Fiery: Archie Teasdale ducks an Angus Martin bouncer.

Brandon Byrne and Jake Wright were sent out to the middle, yet Wright (7) would be back in the sheds soon after, as Michael Hill claimed yet another wicket in what is turning out to be a prolific season for the Moama seamer.

Byrne and Joel Bunce successfully navigated the treacherous final few overs to be not out at stumps, and will resume their chase next week with Rochester at 1-15.