Echuca South claimed a huge victory over last season’s runner-up Rochester in round three of the McMahon Shield. Photos: Bruce Povey.
Even a triumphant hundred at the top of the order by Sean Williams couldn’t get Rochester over the line against a well-rounded Echuca South unit in round three of the McMahon Shield.
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Winning the toss and electing to put runs on the board early on its home deck of Windrige Oval, Rochester got off to an unbelievable start.
Brandon Byrne and Sean Williams combined at the top of the order, putting on 133 for the first wicket after navigating 32 overs.
Sean Williams raises the bat for a hundred. Photos: Bruce Povey.
Byrne was the first to depart, being stumped by Jayden Rosin off Simon Van Duinen’s bowling for 30 before Angus Martin (0) was caught and bowled by Van Duinen three balls later.
After raising the bat for a sensational 102 from 111 balls including 12 fours at a strike rate of 91.89, Williams was caught by Ben Eade off Ben Walker with his side at 4-170 off 34 overs.
Rochester celebrate the wicket of Asantha Singappuli. Photos: Bruce Povey.
Oliver Williams (7) didn’t hang around long as Tim Bubb (32) and Jake Wright (37) steadied the ship, getting their side to 218 before the tail went hell for leather.
During the closing stages of the first innings, Cale James (3) and Matthew Harrington (9) were the last meaningful contributors outside an unbeaten Judd Cuttriss (5 not out) batting for the first time in A-grade.
AK Gunathilaka pulls hard. Photos: Bruce Povey.
Rochester were bowled out on the final delivery of the first innings, with Van Duinen taking best figures of 3-44 and Echuca South chasing a large target of 236 for victory.
Swans opener Jayden Rosin (4) survived eight deliveries before Rochester got the breakthrough as Bubb hung onto a catch off Angus Martin’s bowling.
Sachin Peiris made an unbeaten 47. Photos: Bruce Povey.
Clayton Watson and Asantha Singappuli batted on for five overs before the former headed back to the sheds for 18.
Bubb held on to another one, this time off Sean Williams’ bowling.
Under pressure, Singappuli and Swans captain Rajakumara dug their heels in to build an 80-run partnership for the third wicket - taking their side to 114 before the latter was ultimately brought undone for 35 going after a ball by Jesse Cuttriss.
Rochester captain Angus Martin took 3-43. Photos: Bruce Povey.
After tallying yet another half century, Singappuli (60) was also dismissed by Cuttriss, spooning one to square leg where Judd Cuttriss was waiting with safe hands.
Brendan Lewis and Sachin Peiris picked up where the other two left off, keeping the scoreboard ticking over.
Asantha Singappuli raises the bat for 50. Photos: Bruce Povey.
Lewis (34) contributed well but was ultimately dismissed off Cale James’ bowling as Peiris continued on with the tail.
Angus Martin snared two quick wickets, Ben Walker (9) and Ben Eade (2) in successive overs before AK Gunathilaka (17 not out) and Peiris (47 not out) got the visitors home with three balls and two wickets to spare.
Cale James made three, before being bowled by Sachin Peiris. Photos: Bruce Povey.
Despite the loss, Rochester remains in second heading into round four, while Echuca South round out the top four with quotient the only separator.
Rochester will travel to Cohuna Recreation Reserve to face Nondies in round four, while Echuca South will face defending champions Echuca at Moon Oval.
Tim Bubb hangs onto the catch. Photos: Bruce Povey.
The Game
Rochester 235 (Sean Williams 102, Jake Wright 37, Simon Van Duinen 3-44) were defeated by Echuca South (Asantha Singappuli 60, Sachin Peiris 47 not out, Angus Martin 3-43).
