New sensation takes Wollongong to the top

Wests Daniel Hutt had a good day with both the bat and ball last weekend.

ILLAWARRA CRICKET

Wollongong teenager Amit Balgi continued his top start to the season putting together consecutive half centuries in the opening rounds of the Illawarra Cricket competition to leave Wollonong alone at the top of the table after two rounds.

Despite a fine bowling from Northern Districts skipper Matt Salakas who took 4-41, Wollonong were far too strong winning by 34 runs after the butchers made 9-143 chasing a revised target after lightning interrupted proceedings.

Best for Wollonong were Balgi who made a clean hitting 64 and Aiden McCarten who knocked up a handy 44 while with the ball Tim Long continued his impressive start to the season taking 3-31.

Wests skipper Nathan Dodd showed some fine early season form with an impressive inning of 102 in his teams rain affected victory over Corrimal.

Taking part in a back breaking partnership with fellow opener Daniel Hutt (43), Dodd again proved himself as one of the most talented bats in the competition as he imposed himself on the hapless Corrimal attack.

Best for Corrimal in the lopsided performance was all rounder Dean Merola who took 3-43 before knocking up an unbeaten half century.

Meanwhile Port Kembla skipper Daniel Lee was desperately unlucky not become the second centurion of the weekend after being stranded on 98 not out as he played a lone hand in his side’s loss to Keira.

Chasing Keira’s revised total of 188, Port Kembla ran out of overs in another weather reduced match after mustering a reply of 9-175.

South African recruit Tuan Stanham was the pick of the batsman for Keira knocking up 76 on a handy wicket.

University and Balgownie shared the points in their fixture after rain caused the match to be abandoned with Balgownie at 2-54 chasing 229.

Draw for round three - Wollongong vs Port Kembla at North Dalton Park, Dapto vs Balgownie at Reed Park, University vs Corrimal at University Oval Northern Districts vs Wests at Hollymount Park East, Keira vs Helensburgh at Keira Oval.