WELL HIT: Delatite’s Blair Kipping gets the ball away as Merton wicketkeeper Travis Stefanos keeps an eye on it, in the Trewin Shield match at Merton on Saturday. PHOTO: Pam Zierk-Mahoney
Written by By DAVID FOSTER.
THE course of events between Merton and Delatite in division two of the Benalla and District Cricket Association lies at an intriguing juncture.
Batting first at Merton, Delatite was off to its best start of the season as Tom Breadon and Michael Saunders knuckled down against a tight Merton attack.
With the scoreboard showing 78, Saunders was the first to go, his 23 determined runs proving invaluable as Breadon gradually accelerated to his fourth half century in a row.
He was eventually dismissed for 57.
In the middle order Daniel O’Brien exhibited careful enterprise in a fine 20 while Aaron Madsen quickly reached 17.
The lower order yet again failed to fire.
Delatite was all out for 149.
Travis Stefanos enjoyed a glorious afternoon behind the stumps.
He whipped the bails off for three successful stumpings including both openers and also gloved three catches.
Merton captain Rohan Berriman stemmed the Delatite run tide, starting the rot by taking the first wicket and capturing a wonderful 5/36 with his tantalising deliveries.
Jarrod Cummins provided excellent support with 3/23 and Bruce Dick chipped in with 2/18.
In reply top team Merton didn’t have it all its own way.
Delatite prevented any significant momentum although Mark Noye 22 and George Noye 13 held out for a while.
At stumps Merton reached 5/73 with Scott Stefanos on seven and Bruce Dick on four to continue on Saturday.
Tom Breadon 2/17 and Blair Kipping 2/28 bowled with vim and vigor for Delatite.
Rohan West also took 1/17 as part of a spirited team display.
With the batting potential of the Stefanos brothers, along with James Octigan, Merton could well reach the required 77 runs for victory, but with Delatite’s bowlers on a roll the task may prove to be a big challenge.
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