RSL opener Ryan Hinton confirmed himself as this season’s SHDCA’s best batsman, recording his second century in as many weeks.
Last week’s 127 against Ultima TUF was the second biggest knock of the season, only beaten by Kyle Symons’ 138 not out in the same game.
At the weekend, on a tricky pitch and against one of the best bowling attacks in the competition, Hinton calmly chased down Nyah’s total of 162 and, in doing so, brought up his ton to finish 100 not out.
RSL captain Ben Hallam told The Guardian he was in awe of his star opener’s talent.
“I’m sure all the Nyah boys would agree that it was a shocking deck, and the whole time it looked like he was batting on a different pitch,” he said.
“Josh Domaille (58) from Nyah batted well, but even he scrapped for every run, whilst Ryan made it look easy.”
The club legend has been a mainstay at the top of the Blues order for well over a decade, leading his side to flags and personal honours.
This experience had been a godsend for young captain Hallam.
“When I’m out there with him, I bat better – he’s been there and done it all – he just makes me a better cricketer,” Hallam said.
“In the field, he’s led the club over the past decade, so when there’s something I don’t pick up on, he’s all over it.
“The way he speaks to the younger blokes who we’ve been blooding this season is brilliant – he’s the first one to give people advice.”
With the bye and a guaranteed six points this week, RSL still have a sniff to make finals but would need Wandella to defeat Woorinen and St Mary’s Tyntynder to beat Ultima TUF.
If Saturday was to be their last outing of the season, there are worse ways to go out than beating one of the competition’s powerhouses.
Hallam said either way, his men had taken a massive step forward in the second half of the season.
“It’s not like we were playing bad cricket before Christmas, but afterwards, it seems to be we’ve found ourselves on the right side of close games,” he said.
“Everything has come together and our confidence has built as the season has progressed.
“After Christmas, I can’t fault the endeavour of the whole club – having those close games go our way makes it so much easier to go to training and be around the joint.
“We’ve given a chance to kids who’ll be better off for the experience and, should this week not go our way, next season they will know what it takes.”
Wandella vs St Mary’s Tyntynder
WHILE Hinton was the standout individual performance of the weekend, Wandella provided the best team one.
The Bombers confirmed themselves as a genuine flag contender, defeating the top-of-the-table Saints by 54 runs.
A month ago, this situation seemed unlikely after the Saints destroyed the Bombers in the Kookaburra Cup final, but since then, the Bombers are on a four-game winning streak and within striking range of a home final.
Seeing Gregory Dickson making runs has almost become fait accompli.
The Bombers skipper hit 55, but it was the 41 not out from Ethan McKnight that was just as crucial, ensuring the Bombers posted a competitive total of 175.
Against the best batting line-up in the competition it still looked below par, but a brilliant bowling performance led to the win.
All that’s required to confirm the home semi-final is to beat a Woorinen side this weekend who are just as desperate for a win.
Swan Hill vs Woorinen
WOORINEN kept their tenuous grip on fourth spot safe, chasing down 171 with ease against a competitive Swan Hill.
The equation was and still is simple for the Tigers – they simply must win to play finals.
There were nervous periods for the Tigers when Lachlan Edwards (71) appeared set to bat all day before spinner Dylan Smythe (4/41) dismissed the Swans opener.
From a strong position, the Swans fell 40 runs short of a par score when their middle order failed again.
Still, it would have mattered little with the Tigers chasing down the total with 20 overs to spare.
Gurmander Singh (63 not out) and captain Jason Mangiameli (56 not out) combined for a 114-run fourth wicket stand to get their side over the line.
It’s a virtual elimination final for the Tigers this weekend at home against the Bombers.
Win and they’re in – lose and one of, or both, RSL and Ultima TUF will jump them.
