ON FIRE: Chris Mansell.
EXIES fast bowler Chris Mansell has celebrated his return to first grade by producing one of the best spells this year to lead his side to a comfortable five-wicket win against Hanwood.
Exies captain Marc Tucker said his pace ace has erred away from looking to blast batsmen out this season, but said once in rhythm his pace is just as high as it ever has been.
Proof was in the pudding at Hanwood Oval on Saturday as Mansell secured 5-28 off 10 overs with three maidens to strangle the home side out of the contest early.
After Tom Shannon and Michael McWhirter put on 29 for the first wicket, Mansell's first wicket signalled a collapse as Hanwood crumbled to be 5-36.
Mark Semmler (2-16) got in on the act as new Hanwood recruit Chris Milojevic attempted to save his side's fortune with a desperate 22 in the middle-order.
But it only delayed the inevitable as Cameron McFadden with 2-13 off five, helped wrap up the Hanwood tail, with the highest score of the innings being wides with 28.
Despite defending just 93, Hanwood looked to make life as difficult as possible for Exies with Dean Wynne, Michael McWhirter and Milojevic turning the screws early.
Tom Valeri and Jamie Winkler made just nine and four respectively, but given the small target, Exies only needed its top-order to make starts to get to the threshold of victory.
Opener Phil Burge poured in 16, Tucker and Justin Winkler added 10 and 12 respectively, with Theo Valeri and Alex Tucker guiding the side home for an important win.
Wynne (1-21 off eight) was solid for Hanwood while Dave Felton (2-22) did his best to give his side the come-from-behind win, but it wasn't to be.
Hanwood will look to get back in the winner's circle next round when they take on Panthers, while Exies will lock horns with the grounded Yenda Jets.
