TOURNAMENT favourites RSL and Nyah District both opted to bat first on the first day of their 2016-17 Swan Hill and District Cricket Association’s semi-finals on Saturday.
The Demons were bowled all out for 194 runs against St Mary’s Tyntynder, while RSL made 212 against Swan Hill.
Going into the second day on Sunday*, the Swans looked shaky on 2/16 after 16 overs.
Following a good innings which saw RSL coach Stuart Patterson hit 97 runs — including 13 fours and two sixes — RSL got on the front foot building their total.
He was helped out by captain Ryan Hinton who hit 23 runs from opener as Jack Cook found 20 runs himself.
Swan Hill were tight with the ball on the first day, bowlers just giving five extras.
Mark Thomson (2/73), Matt Lanigan (2/61), Brodie Larkings (2/13) and Arnold Kirby (2/13) were the best bowlers, heading up an attack which saw most of the RSL bowlers out for just a run.
Despite this good form from the Swans, Patterson still managed to get off to flyer.
After 66 overs, RSL were all out and it was up to Colin Laity (10 runs not out) and Lachlan Edwards (3) to anchor their side from top spots.
Laity went into the Sunday with 10 runs, while Edwards was sent packing for his 3 early on.
Adam Thomson was then out for a duck which left Laity and Lanigan (0 not out) ready for a second day on Sunday.
Meanwhile, premiership favourites Nyah District were bowling all out for 194 runs against St Mary’s Tyntynder.
The Demons’ captain Justin Toomey led the way with three sixes and 46 runs on Saturday.
The Bulldogs were in to bat late on the first day, ending 1/10 from 7 overs.
* Both matches continued yesterday.
