Launceston's James Kingston square-drives off the back foot in front of South Launceston keeper Nathan Philip during yesterday's encounter. Picture: WILL SWAN
A CENTURY to Westbury captain Dane Anderson put his side in a strong position at stumps on day one of their two-day NTCA clash against Mowbray at Shaws Oval yesterday.
Anderson hit a magnificent knock of 189 as the backbone of the Shamrocks' innings that saw them finish the day at 8-343.
Opener Sean Stevenson made 45 and was part of a 137-run partnership with Anderson for the second wicket.
Mowbray bowlers toiled hard in the absence of captain Clinton Reid and with left-arm pace bowler James Storay sidelined with a side strain.
Justin Reeves was the best of the Eagles attack returning figures of 3-47 and Gavin Provis picked up 2-14.
Westbury coach Adrian Tudor was very happy with his side's position at stumps.
``Our openers weathered the new-ball storm with the wicket having a green tinge but hard underneath and set it up for Dane to show his wares,'' he said.
``We set ourselves to bat four sessions and we're over the moon.
``We had a bit of a wobble in the middle order but we're in a good position and whether we bat on next week for a fourth session will be up the weather and we will have to wait and see.''
GEORGE TOWN and Riverside shared the honours on the first day of their clash at Crothers Oval with the game evenly poised at stumps.
Riverside made 165 after being sent into bat with Tom Garwood top scoring with 58, Zac Towns making 26 and Alex Kerrison 20.
Garwood helped rescue the innings after the Blues lost four quick top-order wickets to slump to 4-46.
Gavin Nutting bowled a superb early spell to claim all four and finished with the excellent figures of 5-52, off his 21 overs, with seven maidens.
Liam Johnson backed him up picking up 4-61, to bowl well and clean up the tail.
The Saints finished the day at 5-112, at stumps, still needing a further 54 runs to take first innings points.
Daniel Newton was the mainstay of the innings, finishing 44 not out and coach Rohan Pooley contributed 21.
Aaron Campbell was the best of the Blues attack, taking 3-20.
``It was a fairly competitive day of cricket,'' Pooley said.
``We had a bit over a session batting at the end of the day and Daniel Newton batted well. ``We had a few batsmen make starts who failed to go on but we're happy with the day's play although we should have been two or three down and not five.''
Pooley said he was confident they could finish the run chase next week with Newton and Zac Barber at the crease and Robbie Crane to come - but the first hour would be important.
SOUTH LAUNCESTON was in a good position at the NTCA No. 2 Ground against Launceston.
The Knights bowled the Lions out for 103, with Kyle Bowie taking four wickets and Mark Stewart two.
South was 4-120 in reply at stumps with opener Chris Hay scoring 49 and Nathan Philip 49 not out.
``We bowled well to areas we'd been concentrating on so the lads did a superb job there and were good in the field,'' coach Ben Austen said.
``We just want to press on next week with the bat and build some partnerships for the final six wickets.''
NTCA
BEST WITH THE BAT
Dane Anderson (Westbury) 189
Tom Garwood (Riverside) 58
Chris Hay (South) 49
Nathan Philip (South) 49
BEST WITH THE BALL
Gavin Nutting (George Town) 5-52
Liam Johnson (George Town) 4-61