Echuca has overcome its lowest total of the season on day one of its clash against Bamawm-Lockington United to find itself in a dominant position at stumps.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
The reigning premier travelled to Bamawm Recreation Reserve to take on BLU, winning the toss and electing to bat.
Having put 243 runs on the board when the two sides met during a one-day clash to open the season, it would have fancied its chances of repeating the feat.
But it was a poor start from Echuca, with opening pair Brendan Moyle (13) and Ewan Davidson (10) dismissed cheaply to be two wickets down without many runs on the board.
Luke Thompson struck again for BLU soon after, with Matthew Hinks falling victim for 21 runs.
A consistent performer this season, Kobyn James yet again proved invaluable for Echuca, notching an impressive 55 in trying circumstances to ensure his side put up a half decent showing, before he too found himself walking back to the sheds after a Thompson delivery.
Alongside Werner Brand, who claimed 3-27, Thompson was the pick of BLU’s attack, spearheading the home side with figures of 5-20 and clearing the Echuca lower order with ease to have the visitors all out for 134.
But you can’t keep a champion side down, which is exactly what Echuca proved when given the opportunity with the new ball.
BLU opener Liam Hamilton was the first to find that out as he was dismissed by Rylea Jones (1-18) for just four, before Hurricane Hinks was unleashed upon the unsuspecting Lions’ top order.
With his side seemingly well behind after a dismal showing with the bat, Hinks claimed wickets each and every way in a manic seven-over spell, tormenting his opponents en route to figures of 4-18.
By the time his wrath had subsided, BLU was reeling at 5-41, a far cry from the powerful position it found themselves in at the innings break.
Gregory (14 not out) and Kade Pearse (3 not out) survived the carnage to remain at the crease at stumps, with a shell-shocked BLU set to resume its innings 93 runs in arrears on Saturday.
The Game
Echuca 134 (Kobyn James 55, Matthew Hinks 21, Luke Thompson 5-20, Werner Brand 3-27) vs BLU 5-41 (Gregory Pearse 14 not out, Luke Thompson 12, Matthew Hinks 4-18)