Exies and Coro pick up wins in GDCA third grade

The Cougars won the toss and batted first but lost two quick wickets with Jack Hutchinson (0) and Mark Bennett (0) falling in the second over to the bowling of Sam Toscan to see the Coro side sitting on 2/7.

Toscan (3/9) struck again to remove Rhys Carnell (3), and it looked like Coro might be under pressure, however, Ben Signor, and Kyle Bennett had other ideas.

The pair were able to put on a massive 157-run partnership in a 20-over period which lifted the Cougars into a commanding position before Bennett (67) was dismissed by Hugh White (1/35), and Signor (96) followed closely behind.

Jake Rand (13) added some late runs before they declare with their score on 6/201 after 32 overs.

While Toscan (1) fell to the bowling of Jake Rand (1/8) early in the innings, James Clarke and James Buchanan looked to lay the foundation for a tough chase.

While Buchanan (56), Clarke (17) and Tom Munn (18) were able to get starts, it was going to be tough for the Nomads to keep up with the scoring rate and they reached the end of their innings at 5/132 to hand the Cougars a 69-run win.

Leagues and Exies played out a close battle which was decided on the final wicket.

The Panthers made a solid start with Joel Harris and Harshbir Singh able to lay the foundation with a 28-run stand before Harris (6), Singh (16) and Oscar Nolan (3) falling in quick succession.

The bowling of James Roche (2/15) and Jacob Testoni (2/12) helped to restrict the run scoring from the Panthers, and Michael Cudmore (11) and Ryan Minato (15) were the only remaining batsmen to get double digits.

The top order from Exies put them in a strong position with Roche (16), Hayden Forner (12), Nate McGregor (11) and Ryan Bock (11) laid the foundation.

Leagues fought back with Joel Harris (3/6), and Angus Gunn (2/8) were able to slow the scoring and put the pressure back on Exies. Jaylan Gatto (13*) was able to be the guiding force Exies needed to see them come away with a one-wicket win.