Winning ways

Ben Cameron | Bendigo Weekly | 03-Feb-2012

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BOWL ON: Steve Harris bowls for United. Photos: ANDREW PERRYMAN
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Round Nine saw all games completed as predicted with Mandurang and Spring Gully being able to hang on for victory after giving their opposition sizeable targets.
United, who had already claimed first innings points, defeated  Sedgwick outright, Marong easily accounted for Axe Creek in their one day game and Maiden Gully were able to hold off Golden
Gully for a thrilling seven-run victory to keep their slim finals hope alive.
Mandurang, after setting Emu Creek the massive task of 396 for victory, won comfortably in the end, dismissing Emu Creek for 222 with skipper Simon Marwood leading the way with a well compiled 94.
Unfortunately, only Rod McCarthur offered any real support with 39, while Michael Healy and Kris Rakoula were the main destroyers for Mandurang with three wickets each.
Going into the Christmas break winless, reigning premier Spring Gully are still in the finals race with a hard fought victory over West Bendigo, dismissing the Redbacks for 220.
In reply to the Crows’ total of 284, Ken Bell (41), Dion Prange     (40) and Joel Purdy (32) led the way for West Bendigo while Geoff West (4/44) and Peter Stepien (3/78) were the leading wicket takers for Spring Gully.
After dismissing Sedgwick for 68 in the first innings, United declared on their overnight score of 2/151 then  routed Sedgwick again for 89.     
Former Sedgwick player Mick Frilay was the chief wicket taker  with four, with good support from Cam Davie who took two.
Scott     McKenzie (27) and Andrew Sharpe (24) were the only Sedgwick batsmen to show any fight in the second innings.
Maiden Gully held on for a seven run victory against Golden Gully to give themselves a chance of grabbing fourth spot, with some inspiring bowling from  wily veteran Mark Roberts (4/30) and some great support from Dave Becker (4/57).     
Shaun Burchell tried to get Golden Gully over the line with a solid contribution at the end,
finishing with 33 not out.
Marong proved too strong for Axe Creek in their one day clash after restricting Axe Creek to 9/129 with Jason Carbone (31) the leading batsman from their 40 overs.
Marong replied with 6/280 as Richard Murphy returned to form with 101 and Scott Ross continued his good run of late with a solid 84.
Travis Nolan was the best of the bowlers, taking 4/56.
Round 10 this weekend sees Golden Gully hosting     Mandurang, Emu Creek at home to Marong in a must win game and Axe Creek up against Sedgwick.
The two most significant games of the roud are the fourth-placed West Bendigo against the fifth-placed Maiden Gully, and the resurgent Spring Gully trying to continue its climb up the ladder as it hosts United.
b.Entertained

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