Warracknabeal Herald » Sport

‘Rock’ recognised

superadmin — Mon, 13 May 2013 22:59:17 +0000

• WELL DONE: An impressive, longer than normal line of current and former teammates, friends, family, supporters and well wishers formed a guard of honour for Warrack Eagles reserves footballer Steven “Rock” Murphy as he ran on to the field for his milestone 500th game on Saturday (below).
Starting his career in 1985, Murphy is renowned throughout the Wimmera leagues, not only for his durability, excellent leadership and toughness, but also for his dedication, having missed just four games since 2000.
Playing in four premiership sides throughout his career, including Brim seniors in 1987, Jeparit Rainbow 1997, Warrack Eagles seniors 2002 and Warrack Eagles reserves 2012, Saturday marked another milestone for Murphy, who also marked his 297th game for Warracknabeal and the Warrack Eagles.
In commemoration of this remarkable achievement, Warrack Eagles’ vice-president David Stewart presented Murphy with a framed jumper and premiership photos.
Although the Eagles unfortunately lost to Dimboola on the day, Murphy who is a man of few words, was humbled by the accolade and replied in kind, thanking everyone, including all of the people behind the scenes.

Revengers return to form

superadmin — Mon, 13 May 2013 22:52:54 +0000

WARRACKNABEAL Revengers returned to form, on Saturday playing a winning game against Horsham Bombers, while the Hoops were ready for a win after losing to Nhill during round two.
From the first whistle the Revengers had control of the ball, passing it between Harry Butcher on the wing and Oskar Bennett in the centre.
Oskar, still recovering from a ball to the ankle last week, played an exceptional game of hockey and received the Werrigar Motel and Roadhouse award.
Brodie Dennes, who also played centre, took most of the free hits and was unfortunately penalised for lifting the ball.
The Revengers were fortunate to have a full card of players, which allowed them the opportunity to move players on and off the field for a rest as needed which worked well in the second half when the team started to tire.
The mens Hoops sidetook to the field this week against Horsham Hurricanes, with captain Marcus Williamson returning from injury.
The Hoops attacked during the start of the game, with the first goal, coming off a penalty corner. Following the first goal Horsham started their attack but were unsuccessful in scoring a goal.
Darius Cosgrove was green carded in the second half and Horsham scored a goal when the Hoops went for a big wind up and missed the ball, which then trickled across the line.

• CORNER: Warracknabeal Hoops players (from left) Barry Clark, Michael Clark and Darren Brown attempt to stop the ball during a short corner.

Results:
Juniors: Warracknabeal Revengers d Horsham Bombers, four-one.
Goals: Revengers: Royce Bennett, two; Breanna Langman, one; Brodie Dennes, one; Bombers: Ethan Mellor one.
Votes: Revengers: Royce Bennett, three; Toni Woods, two; Beanna Langman, one; Bombers: Lucy O’Connor, three; Ashleigh Fogerty, two; Nathan Sparke, one.
Women: Horsham Highlanders d Warracknabeal Women, four-two.
Goals: Warracknabeal: Breanna Langman; Highlanders: Lucy O’Connor, Mikayla Turvey and Ashleigh Fogarty.
Votes: Warracknabeal: Nakita Langman, three; Tiffany Bull, two; Megan Harley, one; Highlanders: Claire Barnett, three; Robyn Creek, two; Mikayla Turvey, one.
Mens: Warracknabeal Hoops d Horsham Hurricanes, three-one.
Goals: Hoops: Paul Slater, two; Marcus Williamson, one; Hurricanes, Paul Mackereth, one.
Votes: Hoops: Paul Slater, three; Marcus Williamson, two; Darren Brown, one; Hurricanes: Luke Brunckhorst, three; Paul Mackereth, two; Russell Marland, one.
Round four of WHA will be played at Yanac tomorrowwith the Warracknabeal Revengers taking on Dimboola Kookaburras at 11am; Warracknabeal Women v Kaniva Women; Warracknabeal Hoops v Kaniva Cobras at 12.30pm.

It’s all about strength

superadmin — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 04:54:45 +0000

GOOD recruiting and additional pace, skill and strength could see Beulah easily defeat Woomelang Lascelles when the pair meet during round four of the Mallee Football League tomorrow.
Easily accounting for reigning premiers, Walpeup Underbool away from home, the Blues have added strength to what was an already strong line up.
It is going to be vital for the Cats to start well and match it with Beulah in the first term to get some confidence going if they are to have a chance of victory.
Unfortunately for the Cats, the Blues midfield dominated against Walpeup Underbool and they are going to be further strengthened by the inclusion of Steph Saunders, who did not play against the Roos last week.
Two players could also be included, with Eddie Keenan and Bill Keenan from the South Australian Football League joining the Blues.
Talented Cat Anthony Foott will be a welcome return and Rohan Coburn is a chance to play.
For Woomelang Lascelles to have any sort of a chance against Beulah, they will need to improve from their last performance; the Cats weren’t far off the pace against United, but inaccurate kicking and some poor decisions making let them down.
Even though the Cats have had two solid weeks on the track leading into this game, Beulah should be too strong at home.
And, with Woomelang Lascelles still missing a few through injury, they look too inexperienced at this early stage of the year to match it with the might of Beulah.
Jeparit Rainbow v Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers
Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers will be hoping to make it three wins without a loss so far this season when they take on the Lakers at Jeparit on Saturday.
The Tigers have finished runners up in the past two seasons and, with an injection of new blood, are hoping to go one better this year.
Proving unstoppable in their first win for the season at Ouyen, the Tigers followed that win up another four points after staving off a determined Hopetoun last week.
Against the Devils, the form of their midfield was erratic with Bill Barry and Lance Brown playing well early, while Matt Elliott and Darcy Ryan were excellent in the second half.
The ever-reliable Col Durie spent some time playing deep in the forward half and, with Joel Lloyd, kicked three goals.
Jason Collins is playing well across half forward for the Tigers, where his physicality creates opportunities for others, while Wes Harrison has been valuable, scoring acquisition goals, and their defenders, Stephen Lyons, John Guthrie, Ben Notting and Joe Summerhayes are in good form.
Jeparit Rainbow may have another new player available this week, with Warrack Eagles’ Adam Schulz to strengthen the Lakers’ defence.
Schulz will go some way towards making up for the loss of Adam Schumann, who is out with an injury.
The Lakers team needs to improve in several areas if they are going to have a chance of winning; In their first two games for the season they have only had one winning quarter in each game plus a few other bursts of good football.
They need to play more consistent football and apply more pressure over longer periods of time. Their ball movement into their forwards has been poor and the players need to choose better options as they are making it hard for their forwards to capitalise.
It is not all doom and gloom for Jeparit Rainbow however, new players are starting to fit in better and spectators can expect to see them playing a bigger role in the team.
Chris Meyer, Josh Murphy and Josh McCleary have featured among their best in the first two games, while Ryan Bulluss has kicked goals in both games. Simon Clugston is playing some of the best football of his career while young players Nathan Cocks and Tom Clugston have also been good contributors.
Hopetoun v Ouyen United
This match up has all the hallmarks of being a tight and torrid affair with both sides desperate for a win.
Ouyen United went missing against the Tigers in the first game of the season, but had a stirring win against a competitive Woomelang Lascelles the week after.
On the other hand, the Devils are winless, but not without some good form in their second half against the Roos two weeks ago.
The Demons should field much the same line up to the one that defeated the Cats, although Todd Barker is available after suspension.
They were exceptionally pleased with the form of their big name recruits, with Damien Cupido kicking eight goals, Laurence Angwin doing well in the ruck teaming with Leigh Gniel, and Jerry Wilson giving them a lot of run off his wing.
Looking for their first win for the season, the Devils’ prospects look brighter with the inclusion of Kyle George, and Ben Reid may also be a handy inclusion for this week after a run in the reserves last week.
This game could be a chance for Angwin to take control of the midfield and dominate because the Hopetoun ruck stocks look mighty thin.
With Riley Cook out with a broken jaw, it leaves the rucking duties to be shared between Brodie Glen, Simon Cook and Quentin Willmott and, adding to their big man woes, Bruce Wellington is also unavailable this week.
If the Devils are to have any chance, their defence will have to curtail the damaging Cupido.
Scott Heath is likely to get first go and with his pace he could keep up with the United full forward.
The Devils are a good chance to start their season rolling this week, but in the end, the United big name recruits should see them prevail, but it might not be by much.

Demons too strong

superadmin — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 04:54:02 +0000

A ROUND one game against reigning premiers Horsham Demons proved too big a task for the Warrack Eagles A Grade to overcome on Saturday.
The Eagles were the faster team out of the blocks in the first quarter, racing to a three goal lead early on.
In her first full game for the A Grade side, Briodi McKenzie showed plenty of maturity and skill, and quickly settled into the goal ring against more experienced opposition.
At the other end of the court, Jane Richardson and Kerry Schultz were applying plenty of pressure to Horsham’s young and talented goalies, with both showing plenty of strength under the ring.
The Eagles could have taken the lead into the first break, but turnovers throughout the court proved their downfall and the Demons were able to capitalise on this and scores were level at the first break.
The second quarter saw the Eagles all court defence shut down many of Horsham’s drives into attack.
Centre Sarah Spicer, wing attack Petah Winsall and wing defence Emma Koschitzke were dogged in their defence down the court and, when the turnovers came, were dynamic in their attack of the ball.
Goalies Meg Hewitt and Briodi McKenzie steadied under enormous physical pressure from their opponents and were able to help the Eagles to a three goal lead at half time.
Making some changes after the break and rotating the midcourt in the hope that fresh legs would help, with unseasonably warm weather taking its toll, Maddison Peters and Tianee Carlin took to the court in defence.
Meanwhile, Emma Koschitzke slotted into centre with her sister Sarah taking the wing attack bib.
In what is known universally as the premiership quarter, Horsham flaunted their talent and experience and quickly levelled the scores.
A growing confidence by the Demon’s shooters saw an onslaught of goals and, by the last change, Horsham had secured a six goal lead.
More position changes took place in the last quarter for the Eagles, and they were confident they could chip away at the Demon’s lead.
An injury to Jane Richardson early in the last quarter led to the Eagles rearranging their team once more, and both teams seemed to struggle with the physical demands of the high paced game and the heat of the day, with the low scoring quarter reflecting this.
The Eagles were outscored 8-6 in the final quarter and, although defeated, were heartened by their performance against the powerhouse Horsham side.
The injection of youth into the team, blended with the experience of the senior players, will surely set the Eagles up for a promising year on the court.
Final score: Horsham Demons, 44 d Warrack Eagles, 36.
Commercial Hotel best on court:: Briodi McKenzie; North West Ag award: Kerry Schultz.

• EYES: Warrack Eagles A Grade netballers (from left) Tiarni Carlin, Kerry Schultz and Maddison Peters keep their eyes on the ball during Saturday's fierce round one clash against reigning premiers Horsham Demons.

Team set for 2013

superadmin — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 23:11:06 +0000

WARRACKNABEAL Hockey Club members have started training in preparation for the 2013 season.
Club members have taken their gear out of storage, polished their boots and are set to improve on last years results.
The club trains at Anzac Park on Wednesday evenings, with juniors training from 4.30pm-6pm and women and men from 6pm-7.30pm.
Minkey coach Tiffany Bull said the Minkey program will teach children, up to about the age of 12, the basic skills required to play mixed junior hockey.
“Minkey training started yesterday atAnzac Park for all children aged up to about 12 years,” Tiffany said.
“Hockey training is open to anyone who has an interest in hockey and is considering joining one of the three teams,” she said.
The first round of matches will be played on April 20.

• PRACTICE: Warrack Women team members Tiffany Bull (left) and Cassandra Schilling practice their moves for the first round of Wimmera Association Hockey to be played on April 20.

Opener creates big wins

superadmin — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 23:09:45 +0000

BIG margins were the order of the day during round one play of the Mallee Football League season 2013 on Saturday.
Walpeup Underbool, 137 d Jeparit Rainbow, 77
Early premiership favourites Walpeup Underbool started their campaign for back to back flags with a good, all over the ground performance, and a 50 point victory at Rainbow against a determined, but ultimately outclassed, Jeparit Rainbow outfit.
When Wade Champion snapped an early goal in the final term for the Roos, it gave them a six goal break. From this point, they were able to sustain their run in the warm conditions, and kicked away to a strong win.
Champions Kyle Munro and Chris Chubb were too strong in the Roos forward line all day, booting 14 goals between them, and it was the depth and greater experience of the Roos that got the Lakers in the end.
Jeparit Rainbow supporters would have had little or no idea what to expect before the game as their side lined up with eight new players. Coach Luke Werner, one of the Lakers’ best players on the day, saw some positives from the game, commenting: “I was pleased with the form of our recruits.”
“The margin blew out in the second half, but the efforts of the younger members of the team and new players was encouraging,” he said.
Walpeup Underbool started the game well, pushing forward and giving themselves several early shots on goal. In his first game for the Roos, Ben Fisher showed his class when he snapped a terrific goal after his side had earlier missed several chances.
Jeparit Rainbow quickly replied through Chris Farrell but, even at this early point in the game, it was Walpeup Underbool who appeared to be working harder in the warm conditions, giving their forwards plenty of opportunities, and kicking out to a handy five goal lead at the first break.
Ben Fisher, Chris Chubb and Matt Palmer were combining well through the centre for the Roos and Jeremy Brown was strong across half back.
The Roos missed chances to go further at the start of the second term and the Lakers were able to capitalise through their spread and run to work their way back into the game.
Walpeup Underbool needed to lift and it was Kane Munro, leading from the front, who provided the spark after moving onto the ball in the third term, also combining well with Chubb to win multiple clearances.
The Roos’ quick movement of the ball into their forwards was making things difficult for the Jeparit Rainbow backline.
After half time the Jeparit Rainbow team let their concentration slip, allowing their opponents run loose at times.
Nevertheless, they played some good passages of football and, no doubt, an injury to Andrew Watson in the third quarter hampered the Lakers’ efforts.
Ben Zanker has returned from Nhill for the Lakers, and was prominent, kicking three goals, playing on and off the bench.
Of the other new players, Ryan Bulluss from Coolangatta kicked two goals playing midfield and forward Josh McCleary, Greg McLeish and Nathan Millard, also from Coolangatta, all played serviceable games considering none of them had met their Lakers teammates before Saturday.
Simon Clugston played well in a number of positions, as did veteran Heath Clugston, and mention must be made of Tyler Edelsten who tried hard in the backline.
Walpeup Underbool have continued on where they left off in 2013 and it will take an extraordinary effort by any of the other Mallee sides to topple the reigning premiers.
Woomelang Lascelles, 130 d Hopetoun, 71
In a good display of fine weather football, the rampant Cats started off their 2013 campaign with a wonderful win against the disappointing Devils at Hopetoun on Saturday.
With scores only one point apart at the main break, Woomelang Lascelles stormed home in the second half outscoring Hopetoun by 13 goals to four, to record a meritorious 59 point victory.
The game was still up for grabs at three quarter time with only 15 points the difference, but the Cats were just too good in the end and ran away with the game in the final term.
Jayden Lonergan was a star up forward, taking strong marks, kicking incredibly well and ending with five goals. Dwayne Hamlyn, in his first game for his new club, played a team oriented role, scoring two goals himself and fitting into his side’s game plan perfectly.
It was Hamlyn’s creative play all day that went a long way towards gaining the Cats their opening win for the season.
With Hopetoun one point up at half time, it appeared as if the Cats might be chasing the Devils and they did not look the goods.
Trent Donnan did a lot of damage through the midfield, winning plenty of his own football and using it well, while Aaron Lonergan was well held early, but came into it as the game progressed and played a good second half.
Hopetoun’s Ben Reid withdrew before the game with injury, severely hindering his side’s backline.
The Devils had their chances to take a grip on the game at various times, but poor disposal causing costly turnovers in the forward line made it easier for the Cats’ defence to repel any attacks.
This game was played in fantastic spirit, with both sides attacking the football incredibly fiercely for a round one hitout.
After half time, the game opened up and that was when Woomelang Lascelles were able to get right on top in what was a brilliant start to their year, with promising signs after several years in the Mallee football wilderness.
The Cats looked good and will be a force to be reckoned with this season.
SLNT, 131 d Ouyen United, 81
Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers left behind their disappointing 2012 grand final fadeout as they methodically and relentlessly tore apart a slow, listless and, at times, error-prone Ouyen United outfit that seemed to lack any system or any sort of game plan.
The Tigers played to position beautifully and had winners all over the ground, running all day to crush the Demons in front of a large crowd at Blackburn Park.
The Demons were expertly stifled by the well-drilled Tigers who had the game pretty much in their keeping at half time, despite some wasteful football in front of goal.
While the Demons briefly fought back with a couple of bursts of good football, the Tigers seemed to be able to kick goals when they needed them.
United looked dangerous once in the first term when Pete Caldow and new recruit Damion Cupido goaled, and again, just before half time when Cupido kicked two long left foot gems within two minutes of each other, but it didn’t last.
Wes Harrison playing on a flank and Cliff Ryan at full forward with five goals each proved to be headaches for their Demon defenders all day and the Tiger onball brigade led by captain Col Durie, ruck rover Bill Barry and ruckmen Dan McEwan did well.
The Tigers’ forward line had winners everywhere; twice in the second term they were able to trade handballs between Bill Barry, Lance Brown and Darcy Ryan for easy goals, completely mesmerising their opponents, and the second half was remarkably similar to the first, and the final margin of 50 points could have been more.

• HELD: A Jeparit Rainbow player grabs his opponent as he dives to get the ball.

Ailsa stop Bangerang three-peat

superadmin — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 00:52:03 +0000

AILSA shook off predicted crowd favourite Bangerang to claim the 2013 Yarriambiack Tennis Association grand final on Saturday.
Coming off two straight premiership wins, Bangerang was aiming for a three-peat of wins but were always going to struggle against the minor premiers who dominated the home and away season.
Ailsa proved to be the stronger team on the day, only letting the opposition win three of the 24 sets played.
Ailsa captain Rob Lehmann said his side enjoyed a “comprehensive win” against perennial grand final winners Bangerang.
“We put up a strong team performance on the day,” he said.
Bangerang captain Scott Stewart said: “We knew it was going to be tough for us and were trying to limit the damage to as little as possible.
“Unfortunately, we just couldn’t do it on the day against one of the best sides we have played in a long time,” he said.
In the mixed, Bangerang didn’t get a look in, with Ailsa claiming all six games.
Dan Krahe and Ellie Baxter defreated Brian and Emma Koschitzke, 7-4; Brad Krahe, Lauren Lehmann d Scott Stewart, Julie Koschitzke, 7-5; Phil Huebner, Wendy Hewitt d John Hadley, Georgia Hallam, 7-2.
Tom Hewitt, Alex Morcom d Shaune Winsall, Lauren Blinman, 7-2; Jacob Tarran, Alison Fernandez d Liam Stewart, Petah Winsall, 7-3; Rob Lehmann, Carolyn Morcom d Matt Richardson, Alyssa Stewart, 7-1.
Mixed score: Ailsa, 42 d Bangerang, 17.
Bangerang fought back in the mens, with S. Winsall, L. Stewart d T. Hewitt, J. Tarran, 7-4, and S. Winsall, M. Richardson d T. Hewitt, substitute D. Liu, 7-5 however, Ailsa was fast to retaliate, claiming the remaining games.
D. and B. Krahe d B. Koschitzke, S. Stewart, 7-3; P. Huebner, R. Lehmann d J. Hadley, M. Richardson, 7-3;
B. Krahe, P. Huebner d S. Stewart, J. Hadley, 7-3; D. Krahe, T. Hewitt d B. Koschitzke, S. Winsall, 7-4; J. Tarran, R. Lehmann d L. Stewart, M. Richardson, 7-4.
D. Krahe, P. Huebner d B. Koschitzke, J. Hadley, 7-2; B. Krahe, J. Tarran d S. and L. Stewart, 7-4.
Mens score: Ailsa, 58 d Bangerang, 37.
Never giving up, Bangerang continued to fight for a win in the womens, claiming one set when Emma and Julie Koschitzke d Ellie Baxter and Lauren Lehmann, 7-5.
But, it was Ailsa which again dominated the set, claiming the remaining eight games.
W. Hewitt, C. Morcom d G. Hallam, A. Stewart, 7-1; A. Morcom, A. Fernandez d L. Blinman, P. Winsall, 7-nil; L. Lehmann, W. Hewitt d J. Koschitzke, G. Hallam, 7-5.
E. Baxter, A. Morcom d E. Koschitzke, L. Blinman, 7-3; A. Fernandez, C. Morcom d P. Winsall, A. Stewart, 7-2; E. Baxter, W. Hewitt d E. Koschitzke, G. Hallam, 7-2; L. Lehmann, A. Fernandez d J. Koschitzke, P. Winsall, 7-3, and, capping off Ailsa’s day, and securing the 2013 premiership, A. and C. Morcom d L. Blinman, A. Stewart, 7-nil.
In an absolute runaway win, Ailsa ended the day as 2013 premiers with a score of 161 games, defeating Bangerang, 77.

• RETURN: Bangerang's Brian Koschitzke (centre) runs to return the ball to Ailsa opponents Dan Krahe (left) and Ellie Baxter during Saturday's grand final.

Saints celebrate back-to-back success

superadmin — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 00:50:30 +0000

ST MARYS is again the toast of Wimmera-Mallee Cricket Association after claiming back-to-back premierships on Saturday.
After its breakthrough success last season, the Saints have again added some silverware to its cabinet, proving too strong for minor premier St Arnaud at Birchip.
St Marys had put its success into plan with a dominant first two days of the grand final when it built an 88-run lead on first innings and resumed on Saturday with a 90-run lead and all 10 wickets in hand.
Its early work was not lost on club president Mick Gunn who praised the players on their back-to-back success.
Gunn, who will step down as club president after 18 years service, heaped praise on the club and its success with premierships in both its senior and junior grades.
“It’s just a great effort from all concerned to win both the junior and senior premierships,” he said.
“Breaking a 31-year drought last season and winning again this year is just a great effort by the boys”.
Looking to bat out the day and snuff out any chance of a St Arnaud fightback, openers Nick Germano and Kane Taylor resumed at the crease.
St Arnaud struck early when in the third over of the day Germano was dismissed for six off the spin bowling of Sam Dyke.
Tim Germano entered the fray and, with Taylor, provided an important 53-run partnership for the second wicket as the Saints made its way to 61 and, importantly, prevented any more wicket lost in the first hour of play.
Dyke struck again when he had Taylor caught by Jason Mullins for 32 to give the spinner his ninth wicket of the match.
The fall of wicket brought Peter Lehmann to the crease and, after missing out in the first innings, was again the key wicket to St Arnaud’s chances.
But the big hitting allrounder was not going to miss out for a second time and went about building a pivotal innings that would see it through to the end of the game.
Small, but important partnerships were built, as the Saints occupied the crease for vital amounts of time.
A 17-run stand with Germano, 17, for the third was followed by another 25 runs for the fourth wicket with Tim Bell, eight, before a 16-run stand with Jack Heenan, one.
All throughout, Lehmann held up one end and delivered the knockout blow when he enjoyed a 23-run stand for the sixth wicket with Matt Hartnett, who again provided an important innings of 17.

• TOP: St Mary's batsman Peter Lehmann made a top score of 74 not out during their winning grand final clash against St Arnaud on Saturday.

At 6-142, Lehmann hit out with a couple of lusty sixes before time was called on the game in the last over before lunch to signal the start of the celebrations by jubilant Saints players.
After 39 overs, St Arnaud called time on its challenge as the Saints built a lead of over 250 runs with two hours left to play.
Lehmann remained unbeaten on 74 as Dyke bowled unchanged for 20.2 overs to finish with 3-88 to give him 10 wickets for the match, while Torin Pietrie claimed 3-43 off 11 overs.
Association president Gary Living presented Saints skipper Brenton Cheney with the premiership shield and celebrated with team-mates on its back-to-back success.

Saints earn right to defend title

superadmin — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 22:06:04 +0000

ST MARYS will defend its Wimmera-Mallee Cricket Association premiership title after advancing to the season’s final on Sunday.
The Saints eliminated Donald from the premiership race, claiming first innings points at Rich Avon.
This year’s finale will see the Saints play minor premier St Arnaud who will contest its first grand final in just its second year in the competition.
St Arnaud took out last year’s runner-up Wycheproof-Narraport on its home turf at St Arnaud.
At Rich Avon, Donald won the toss and batted its way to a healthy start with openers Jake Leith, 20, and Matt Gilmour, 10, putting on 20 runs for the first wicket before Saints skipper Brenton Cheney claimed the first of three successive wickets.
Cheney dismissed Gilmour, and Dion Hawkes in quick succession before claiming Leith as Donald was reduced to 3-33 before slumping to 7-58 as Cheney, and Justin Knorpp combined to keep the pressure on the batsmen.
A 27-run stand for the eighth wicket between Josh Gilmour and Daniel Schaper helped steady the shaking ship before Schaper lifted the total past the 100-run mark with a 25-run stand for the last wicket with Brent Gilmour.
Schaper remained unbeaten on 32 as Donald was dismissed for 110 from 51.5 overs.
Cheney was the pick of the bowlers to finish with 4-39 off 19 overs, while Knorpp was miserly in a 12-over stint that yielded 3-10 including eight maidens.
St Marys’ reply got away to a good start as openers Nick Germano, 22, and Adam Schulz, 10, put on 32 for the first wicket before the Saints finished day one in a strong position at 2-57.
Sunday’s resumption saw Kane Taylor and Peter Lehmann resume at the wicket and built their partnership to a stand of 27 before Taylor was dismissed for nine.
Lehmann then built a match winning partnership with Tim Bell for the fifth wicket as the pair put on 60 runs, clipping the required runs to take first innings points before Bell was dismissed for 18.
Lehmann fell shortly after for a top score of 72 before another 31-run stand for a seventh wicket between Jack Heenan, 29, and Matt Hartnett, six, put the Saints in a powerful position.
The Saints finished its innings at 185 off 52 overs with Leith finishing the best of the bowling attack to claim 4-29 off five overs.
Brayden Ison, 2-60, and Brent Gilmour, 2-17, were other multiple wicket takers.
Donald returned to the crease for a second innings, finishing the day at 6-85 as Schaper maintained his good form with a top score of 43.
On the turf wicket at St Arnaud, the home side made its way to the season decider when it claimed an outright victory over Wyche-Narraport.
Batting first, Wyche-Narraport produced an indifferent batting card that saw opening batsman John Grylls post nearly half the runs, as no other batsman made double figures.
Grylls guided the innings with a top score of 45 as Wyche-Narraport was bowled out for 98 against a tidy bowling display that lasted 35.4 overs.
Opening pacemen Bruce Hando and Torin Pietrie combined to claim nine wickets with Pietrie claiming three of the first four wickets to fall.
Pietrie finished with the impressive figures of 5-26 off nine overs, while Hando was equally destructive to claim 4-40 off 14.4 overs.
St Arnaud’s reply followed the trend of its last games of the home and away season when it chased down testing totals.
Falling to 4-34, St Arnaud again delved into its batting depth through its middle order where Hando produced a guiding hand of 33 after it was reduced to 7-76.
Looking to score 22 runs with three wickets in hand, St Arnaud found its target when Carl Torney and Jason Mullins produced a 28-run stand for the eighth wicket, clipping the required runs in the process with Torney making 24 as St Arnaud finished day one at 9-116.
Sunday’s resumption saw St Arnaud take its total to 126 with Sam Dyke remaining unbeaten on 17.
Wyche-Narraport’s Corey Jones toiled hard with the ball to finish the best of the bowling attack with an impressive 7-51 off 14.4 overs, while skipper Matt Nicholls, Nick Coles and Ricky Allan claimed one wicket each.
Trailing by 28 runs on first innings, Wyche-Narraport returned to the wicket and through some aggressive batting batted its way back into the contest.
Scoring at over eight runs an over, Wyche-Narraport plundered 197 runs off 24 overs before declaring with eight wickets down.
Nick Coles was the instigator with the bat, clipping a powerful 78, while Ash Durie, 25, and Corey Jones, 20, made runs at the top of the order, and George Turner, 18, and Nicholls, 31, finished with some lusty hitting in a 31-run stand for the ninth wicket.
Hando and Dyke finished with four wickets apiece.

• CHARGE: St Marys skipper and opening paceman Brenton Cheney follows through in his delivery stride as Donald batsman Brad Guild backs up on the weekend. Cheney took 4-39 from 19 overs. Photo courtesy Buloke Times

St Arnaud’s run chase for outright points again saw its batting talents come to the fore as it chased down its required target on the back of an unbeaten century to opener Kurtis Torney.
Torney dominated the innings to remain unbeaten on 103 as St Arnaud posted 173 runs for the loss of just three wickets.
Torney shared important partnerships with Torin Pietrie, 45, putting on 90 runs for the second wicket before posting a 40-run stand with Dyke who made 11.
This year’s B Grade grand final will be contested between Wyche-Narraport and Donald after both claimed respective wins over Birchip and Hopetoun.
At Birchip, Wyche-Narraport made its way to the grand final when it defeated minor premier Birchip in a thriller that came down to the second last over of the innings.
Birchip made 7-104 off its alloted 40 overs before Wyche-Narraport replied with 5-106, clipping its winning runs in the 39th over.
Ben Brady was best with the bat with an unbeaten 51 for Birchip, while Jed Bish produced tidy figures of 3-5 off eight overs for Wyche-Narraport.
At Boolite, Donald opening bat Jarred Newell clipped 89 as Donald posted 8-157 which proved a winning score as Hopetoun could only muster 58 with David Letts claiming 4-11 off 5.4 overs.

Record breaking run

superadmin — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 02:41:40 +0000

• RECORD: Breaking the 2008 record of Warrnambool during Sunday’s Western Zone Championships, hosted at Anzac Park, were Warracknabeal Fire Brigade senior running team members (from left) Shaune Winsall, Mark Peters, Paul Winsall, Cameron Whelan and Marcus Williamson. Recording a time of 18.11 seconds in the hose and ladder fives, Warracknabeal managed to shave an astounding 2.18 seconds off Warrnambool’s time of 20.29 seconds. Right, Shaune Winsall finds the target during Sunday’s meet. More photos and a full wrap up of Warracknabeal’s junior and senior team results will appear in a future edition.