MOWBRAY controlled the opening day’s play of their first grade two-day match against Launceston on Saturday.
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Launceston captain Rowan Smith elected to bat first at NTCA Ground No.1, a decision his batsmen did not back up with actions – all out for 128 in 60 overs.
The Lions were in early trouble at 2-4 in the third over with opener Aram Cox and first drop Tom Bennett both falling for a duck to Eagles paceman Rik Considine.
Last-round centurions Zac Oldenhof and Alistair Taylor tried to steady the ship before they both fell for 17 to Jarrod Freeman in different fashion.
Freeman ran out Oldenhof and then trapped Taylor LBW either side of Justin Reeves dismissing Cameron Lynch for just two to have Launceston 5-48.
Maison Castonsen (10 off 42 balls) and Smith (11 off 68) fought hard before tailenders Matthew Woods and Luke Badham put on a 49 run last-wicket partnership.
Woods was the last man dismissed for 21, leaving Badham unbeaten on 29.
Considine finished with 3-38 from 18 overs, Reeves collected 3-21 and Freeman picked up 2-37.
Mowbray will resume day two next Saturday at 3-100 just 28 runs behind Launceston with captain John LeFevre 24 not out and Clinton Reid unbeaten on 29.
Travis Wallace hit a nice 32 before he became the first of Smith’s three victims as Alex Jordan (0) and Rohan Pooley (1) fell cheaply.
Smith claimed 3-26 from eight overs.
“I’m pretty happy that we’ve put ourselves in the game,” LeFevre said.
“Hopefully we can get 30 more runs and move past Launceston and then set ourselves up as there is still quite a bit of cricket to be played.
“Rik Considine right from the first over managed to pick up a couple, which really put is in a good position.
“Apart from Rowan Smith through the middle their only real partnership was at the end where they put on 49 runs, which was obviously pleasing for them and not what we wanted.”
WESTBURY also dominated with the ball at NTCA No2 Ground to put them in a strong position against South Launceston.
Shamrocks opening bowlers Jacob Kooran and Jonathon Chapman made going tough as regular wickets tumbled.
Sean Harris hit 33 off 52 balls including six boundaries to top score for the Knights but his departure at 3-44 sparked a reasonable collapse.
The hosts lost 6-32 with Casey Young (23 not out) the innings’ lower-order mainstay as eight South batsmen failed to reach double figures – bowled out for 105 in 50.1 overs.
Kooran ended up with 5-32 from 14.1 overs, while Chapman was honest with 3-41 from his 102 deliveries.
In reply, Westbury worked their way to a 10-run lead at the close of play with Shaun Leatherbarrow unbeaten on 33 and wicket-keeper Daniel Murfet nine not out.
Dave Rogers was the start with a fast-paced 64 including 10 fours and a six to help the visitors to 2-115 off 39 overs. Smith (1-16) and Liam Johnson (1-15) were the Knights’ best bowlers.
“It was a good day for us but it means very little if we don’t come back and have a good first hour next week,” Shamrocks skipper Michael Lukic said.
“The bowlers did use the conditions well to set the game up for us and Jacob Kooran bowled a really good spell. It was a real joint team bowling effort, especially from the quicks.
“Now only to be two wickets down it is a really good opportunity for some batters next week to spend some time at the crease.”
TOP PERFORMERS | Day 1
- Dave Rogers (WEST) 64
- Jacob Kooran (WEST) 5-32
- Justin Reeves (MOW) 3-21
- Rowan Smith (SOUTH) 3-26
- Rik Considine (MOW) 3-38
- Jonathon Chapman (WEST) 3-41