Playing on their home pitch, Tongala is in a strong position against the champions, ending day one at 4-62 in response to Echuca’s 117 first innings score.
The Blues dug in for a 35-over stint at the end of the day, Adam Nunn (11 not-out) and Darin Ohlsen (5 not-out) set to resume proceedings next weekend, chasing the 56 runs required for first-innings honours.
The day started with Echuca winning the toss and electing to bat first, but the pitch at Tongala Recreation Reserve had some tricks to play.
“I don't think it was a bad toss to lose, it could have gone either way,” said Tongala captain Alex Williams.
“I probably would have batted as well but knowing Tonny's pitch it gives you a little bit early and I think we were able to capitalise on that.
“On the flip side when we went into bat I didn't think the ball was doing as much as it was when we went in to first bowl.”
A quick boundary got Brendan Moyle off to a quick start, but his innings was quickly cut short, gone for just six off Williams’ bowling.
He was quickly followed by James Grixti, who failed to trouble the scorers, but remaining opener Curtis Townrow was determined to keep the scoreboard ticking over.
He and Kobyn James added 36, with Townrow doing most damage, hitting eight fours and belting one beyond the rope, striking at 139.39 in his innings.
James departed and Townrow eventually holed out, finishing four short of what would have been an impressive half-century, and Echuca were 4-56.
“He's a pretty special talent Curt (Townrow), sees the ball really well, so if you can get the back of him early you're in good stead and we were able to get him,” said Williams.
“He still got 40-odd which is a pretty good knock but once you get the back of him you can slow the run rate down a bit and then put the clamps on.”
After Townrow was removed the run rate slowed significantly for Echuca. Charlie Hinks dug in for a 63-ball stint that yielded 28 runs, but none of his remaining teammates could reach double figures, despite many facing 20 to 30 deliveries.
The champions managed to extend their innings into the 45th over before the wicket of Kale Edwards brought their time at the crease to a close on 117.
Townrow (46) and Hinks (28) were the only batsmen of note for Echuca, while Williams (3-30) and Lachlan Caldwell (3-41) each took three wickets.
With 35 overs remaining in the day, Tongala had plenty of time to set about chasing down the Echuca total.
The Blues started on the back foot after Hudson Kellett was trapped in front by Edwards for a first-ball duck, but the rest of the order were determined not to lose their wicket cheaply.
It was slow going, and the run rate finished the day below two, but Tonny found itself 4-62 at stumps, losing Williams (4), Jayden Tucker (13) and Matt Ohlsen (25) along the way, leaving Adam Nunn and Darin Ohlsen to resume the innings next Saturday.
Edwards (2-21) is the pick of the bowlers so far for Echuca, with Nathan Elliott and Charlie Hinks also picking up wickets.
Given the rate of scoring, it seems unlikely the game will result in an outright win for either side and so the equation of 56 runs, with six wickets in hand for Tongala will be the crucial metric for who walks away with first-innings points.
“We should be confident that we'll get the runs but Tonny's Achilles heel has been our batting for the last few years,” said Williams.
“We'll go to work this week and make sure we go about it the right way and get the 55 runs required.”
The Game
Echuca 117 (Curtis Townrow 46, Alex Williams 3-30, Lachlan Caldwell 3-41) vs Tongala 4-62 (Matt Ohlsen 25, Kale Edwards 2-21)
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