BLASTERS: Griffith Red’s Max Jones (pictured) and Nathan Richards combined for a partnership of 45 runs that ultimately guided their side to Ross Shield glory.
Cricket
A COMMANDING 45-run stand between Max Jones and Nathan Richards was the catalyst for Griffith Red’s tight Ross Shield win over Griffith Blue on Wednesday night.
Batting first, the Red side struggled to sit 4-58 until Jones and Richards came to the crease and took firm control of the match at Exies No.1.
Between them, they smashed five boundaries and stemmed the domination of Blue bowler Luke Docherty (6-11) long enough to post a competitive total.
Their partnership ended when Richards (23) was clean bowled by Docherty, but Jones (20) carried on as Red finished up all out for 106.
Assisted by some wayward bowling, Blue looked good value to chase it down but the side could not keep its run rate up to speed, losing by 15 runs.
Middle-order bat Will Kennedy (25 retired) made the game’s highest score but only one of his teammates – opener Blake Testoni (14) – made it into double figures.
After 20 overs, the side was 8-91 with Docherty (five not out) and James Harrison (one not out) the unbeaten men in the middle.