Future Bushrangers go to battle

Fresh off a round one loss, victory was essential if the Emus boasted finals aspirations.

Chasing the North West Wizards’ total of 9-238, the Emus started strongly with a half-century to Hamish Burrill before two quick wickets brought Rayner to the crease.

Still 141 runs adrift, Rayner set about chasing the total down in as little time as possible, ensuring the Emus would not fall short.

Passing the total with three overs to go, Rayner (117*) moved beyond a hundred, and to the top of the competition run-scorers’ list with 144.

Earlier, Central Highlands batsman Patrick McKenna registered the third century of the competition, scoring 120 from 134 balls as his side posted 8-225 against the Mallee Murray Bulls.

In reply, the Bulls looked comfortable at 4-133, before a string of late wickets ended their hopes of a successful chase.

At Melbourne University, Northern Falcons suffered a heavy defeat at the hands of the unbeaten Western Spirit.

The Falcons had the ascendancy early, dismissing the Spirit for 143 courtesy of Nishal Perera’s 5-30.

The Falcons chase was disastrous, however, failing to recover from 3-14 to be dismissed for just 86.

Victorian under-17 representative Kieron Elliott was the chief destroyer, taking 5-29 from just five action packed overs.

Barwon Rockets loss to the Western Waves means they must win today and rely on other results to go their way in order to advance to tomorrow’s quarter-finals, with a similar predicament facing all teams in Group B.

In Group C, the Falcons and the Emus are presently locked in a battle for second place, while in Group D both the Outer East Eagles and South East Bayside Breakers are assured of advancing tomorrow.

Games continue across Melbourne from 10am this morning.

To follow the scores as they happen be sure to follow @CVPathway on Twitter and to Like the CV Pathway Facebook page.

To see full results from the Under-18 Victorian Bushrangers Pathway Championships, click here.