McKenna’s ton gets Highlands win

Facing the North West Wizards, the reigning champions won the toss and elected to bat.

With support from Patrick O’Malley (66), McKenna, the under-19 state captain, provided a superb knock of 142 to lead his team to a total of 8-295.

Despite half-centuries from Dan Syson (58) and Samuel Laffan (56*), the Wizards were unable to reach their target, completing their innings on 8-226.

The Highlands’ Nicholas Strangio was the pick of the bowlers, claiming 4-59 from 10 overs.

In other results, the Inner East Emus were all out for 168 with the Barwon Rockets’ Nicholas Fairchild claiming 4-22 from 10 overs.

A century from Curtly Balshaw (101) saw the Rockets surpass the Emus’ total, reaching 8-233.

The South East Bayside Breakers set the South East Sharks a total of 8-181, with the Sharks’ Louis Gillies taking 3-23.

Some potent bowling from the Breakers’ Ben Earney (3-13), Jack Rutter (3-5) and Shea Gribben (2-15) saw the Sharks all out for 100 in the 34th over.

In similar circumstances, the Northern Falcons set the North East Knights a total of 9-133.

Although the Knights started well, it was some tight bowling from Nish Perera (4-8 from 10 overs) that saw the Falcons bowl out the Knights for 88.

At Central Reserve, the Inner South East Scorpions sent the Outer East Eagles in, dimissing them for 64 with Josh Bartlett claiming 4-23.

Despite a four-wicket haul from Tyson Freeman (4-8), Bartlett led the way with Nicholas Blaich (40), notching an unbeaten 43 to see the Scorpions to a total of 7-160.

After winning the toss and electing to bat, the Northern Rivers crunched 9-266, with Will Arnell (87*) and James Billington (62) top-scoring.

In reply, the Mallee Murray Bulls’ Aidan Calarco top-scored with 52, however, the team fell short of the target and were bowled out for 187.

At Casey Fields, Harrison Thackray (56) and Matthew Hibbs (40) combined to lead the Gippsland Pride to a total of 8-204, with the Southern Pioneers’ Tanner Stanton taking 3-34.

An unbeaten 53 from Ashan Wijayakumara and contributions from Zach Allen (48), Mitchell Cox (39) and Stanton (38) saw the Pioneers reach 4-217 and claim victory.

In the final game of the round, an unbeaten 68 from Kieran Elliot saw the Western Spirit set the Western Waves a target of 6-175.

A five-wicket haul from Stefan Sidari (5-25) saw the Spirit dismiss the Waves for 166.

To view all of the results, click here.