Todd’s terrific ton

After Katamatite posted an impressive 8/189 from their 45 overs, the right-hand opening batsman smashed 20 boundaries and two sixes on his way to an outstanding 130 not out.

The effort saw Deni surpass the target with 11.4 overs to spare, finishing 3/191 after 33.2 overs.

Todd has come close to scoring a ton for the Rhinos on a couple of occasions but he had not been able to crack three figures, his best effort being a 98 not out against Finley in 2016.

While it was his first century for the Rhinos, he is no stranger to a ton, having scored many during his years in the now defunct Deniliquin District Cricket Association.

Todd has posted impressive scores of 176 and a 153 in separate grand finals for Juniors in the DDCA, as well as a couple at Bendigo Country Week, however his unbeaten knock against the Tigers is one of his personal favourites.

‘‘We needed one of the top four to make a big score to have a chance at chasing the 190 down, and lucky enough I was the one who was able to do it this week.

‘‘It was pleasing to finally get my first hundred for the club as I got close a couple of years ago.

‘‘I went pretty hard in the first 10 overs with the field restrictions in place and got a couple out of the middle early, but didn’t really settle in until around the 10th over.

‘‘It’s up there with one of the best wins with the Rhinos I’ve had, the side we took over with the young guys in, they fielded great and we took most of our catches.

‘‘To chase the score down going at close to six an over with more than 10 overs left against a top four side just topped the day off.’’

After losing the toss they were forced to bowl first, and it looked as though it could be a long day for the Rhinos.

Katamatite openers Andrew Erickson (57) and Jamie Magowan (30) managed a 66 run opening partnership before the latter was trapped in front by off-spinner Evan Pocock (3/30 off nine).

Pocock would strike again soon after, removing the dangerous Ash Saunders (11) and Jeremy Van Zuyden (seven) to have the Tigers at 3/97.

Katamatite steadily built a solid innings despite playing-coach Brayden Beaton being dismissed on 12 runs by Boddie Arthur (1/23 off five).

Erickson helped his side to 144 runs before young Dylan Rotherham (2/40 off nine) had him out caught for the fifth wicket.

Solid knocks from Tom Casha (21) and Shannon Pool (23) helped the home side finish at 8/189 at the end of their 45 overs, before Todd put on his outstanding display for Deni.

While his work with the bat was a clear match winner, the Rhinos skipper also credited his bowlers for a solid win.

‘‘Hoges (Andrew Hogan) hurt his back and only bowled four overs so to keep them to 190 in the first place was a superb effort,’’ Todd said.

‘‘We dropped a couple of chances off Dylan Rotherhams’s bowling and didn’t take a wicket until the 20th over, so Brodie Bennett (0/24 off nine) and Evan Pocock played a big role in restricting the runs in the middle overs.

‘‘They kept the pressure on the batsmen which forced them into some rash shots and we were able to take those catches.

‘‘It’s huge to grab a win from one of these first two games against what I think will be two of the top four sides as it puts us in a good spot.

‘‘But in saying that we need to keep playing well and get some consistency moving forward both with personnel and performance to give us the best chance to grab a few more wins in the one day matches.’’

The Rhinos will continue their season with another road trip this weekend when they take on Cobram-Yarroweyah United on Saturday.