Textbook: Rochester’s Joel Bunce crunches a drive through the cover region on his way to a half-century. Photos: Bruce Povey
Tongala and Rochester are locked in an enthralling battle at stumps on day one of their two-day clash, with neither side able to take a definitive advantage.
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With the game being played at Tongala Recreation Reserve, the home side won the toss and opted to bowl, and was off to a flying start when captain Alex Williams (2-26) removed Rochester opener Brandon Byrne for a three-ball duck.
Serious pace: Lachlan Caldwell claimed 4-33 as Tongala tore through Rochester’s batting line-up.
Joel Bunce joined the returning Sean Williams at the crease and the two set about compiling a solid total, with Williams putting together a hard-earned 38 before he was dismissed by Oscar McKeown (1-25)
Tongala capitalised on a new batsman at the crease, with Angus Martin (18) and then Jesse Cuttriss (21) making short cameos, before Travis Johnstone (2-7) sent Joe Hamilton packing for a golden duck as Tongala started to fire.
Mine: Jessie Johnstone hangs on to a catch to remove Rochester’s Sean Williams.
Lachlan Caldwell cleaned up the tail, taking 4-33 including the all-important wicket of Bunce, who made a superb 50 from 162 deliveries as he tried to save his side.
However, it wasn’t to be as Rochester was ultimately all out for 158.
After a highly successful innings with the ball, Tongala was subjected to a nasty, nervous 11 overs before stumps.
Catching practice: Rochester opener Sean Williams skies his shot, which was caught, seeing him dismissed for 38.
Rochester’s bowling attack was on the money, making life hard for the home batsmen before Brandon Byrne (1-1) managed to bowl Caldwell, with his five runs coming from 36 deliveries.
Stephen Townsend ended the day 11 not out from 34 balls, illustrating the intensity of the final few overs.
Sweet spot: Rochester’s Angus Martin makes contact with the middle of the bat.
The match is delicately poised ahead of day two, with Tongala set to resume at 1-21, 137 runs behind Rochester’s first innings total. But it is far from being in a commanding position.
Fast start: Tongala players celebrate the wicket of Rochester opener Brandon Byrne, who was dismissed for a duck.
The Game
Rochester 158 (Joel Bunce 50, Sean Williams 38, Lachlan Caldwell 4-33) vs Tongala 1-21 (Stephen Townsend 11 not out, Lachlan Caldwell 5, Brandon Byrne 1-1)
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