Hanwood’s Kris Hicken looks to keep this one out on his way to a 50 on day one of his side’s two-dayer against Exies.
Cricket
A STRONG batting performance headlined by Kris Hicken has Hanwood in a good position after day one of their two-day clash with Exies.
Hanwood clearly embraced the return of red-ball cricket on Saturday, with Hicken (50) the pick of the bunch with the bat.
The opener smacked six boundaries and lasted more than 100 minutes in the middle as his innings helped Hanwood on its way to a total of 188.
Jason Bertacco was also a handy contributor with a quickfire 45 that included seven fours and one six, while Brendon Hicken also scored his 28 from just 24 balls.
Bertacco and Kris Hicken combined for a damaging partnership of 40 runs for the fourth wicket, putting their side in the frame for a potential upset over one of Griffith's traditional cricketing powerhouses.
It was an important performance given fifth-placed Yenda's surprise showing against the table-topping Coro Cougars on the same day.
All up, Hanwood held out for just a tick under 46 overs before a strong Exies attack was able to clean up the batting order.
Skipper Marc Tucker toiled for 16 overs, but was rewarded with two key wickets that of Bertacco and Hanwood captain Dean Catanzariti (five) while Nathan Jones scooped 4-20.
Exies were forced to bat one over before stumps were called, with Glen Bock seeing every ball off without danger.
He will resume this Saturday on four not out with Dave Hennessy, who has not yet faced a delivery, at the other end.
