Rochester’s bowlers were on the mark on day one of their under-16 clash against Cooma at Windridge Oval.
With a top-two finish on the line in the final round of the home-and-away season, Liam Edge, Jordy Rasmussen and Matt Harrington were pivotal in rolling Cooma for 85 runs on Friday night.
Rasmussen led the way with 3-20 off eight overs, while Edge and Harrington each claimed two wickets to fire Rochester into an imposing position.
Ben Bloomfield, Hamish Stewart, and Lachlan Joyce chimed in with a wicket apiece in a rounded bowling performance, dismissing Cooma in the 35th over of the innings.
Lachlan Werner top-scored with 14 for the Two Blues, with Hunter Fawcett contributing 13.
Rochester will begin its run chase on day two of the game this Friday, February 17.
Meanwhile, Bamawm-Lockington United will require 155 for victory on day two to help keep its place in the top four.
Facing up to the undefeated Moama, Charlie Mundie starred with 3-35 and Finn Palmer claimed two wickets on day one, but James Mason’s 37 not-out and pivotal scores to Rhys Drennan (33) and Luke Stone (29) ensured BLU will have its work cut out for it.
The Lions sit tied on premiership points with Kyabram Fire Brigade, but the Flames’ hopes of usurping BLU took a hit as they were dismissed for just 45 against a rampaging Tongala.
Half-centuries to Mitch Peterson and Ky Henson alongside a 42-run knock to Easton Carlile saw Echuca reach 6-190 in its match-up against Echuca South.