A pair of centuries

Playing Tocumwal in round six of the Murray Valley Cricket Association competition, a win was vital for Deni with Barooga and Nathalia all around the same points.

It was a bright start by Tocumwal with Pat Bennett striking early, having Dean Edge adjudged LBW in the second over.

But the Tocumwal lads were about to witness and be on the receiving end of a batting masterclass.

The next wicket did not fall until the 45th and last over of the innings.

Brad Todd and Andrew Hogan added 312 for the second wicket.

Brad Todd carried his bat, posting an unbeaten 173 which included 15 fours.

Todd’s hitting was powerful with three sixes hitting high up the trees at the golf course end.

Another six at the DNA end landed on the bonnet of former Rhinos teammate and current Port Adelaide AFL player Todd Marshall — an expensive day at the cricket for Marshy.

Todd’s score was a club record, as was the second wicket partnership.

Hogan was magnificent in his return to form. He scored 125 and was dismissed with just five balls remaining in the innings.

This was his sixth MVCA hundred. Hogan was severe on any short and wide deliveries, and his innings included 18 fours and one six.

The physical and draining effort by Todd and Hogan was inspirational to their teammates.

The scores at the drinks break was 1/112 (after 15 overs), and 1/176 (30 overs).

The Rhinos scored a massive 155 in the final 15 overs.

The final score was 3/331 after the 45 overs. The run rate was 7.36 per over.

The run chase was always going to be hard for Tocumwal.

Hot conditions and chasing so much leather was always going to affect the batter’s concentration and energy levels.

Brodie Bennett was back in the team this round and showed why he is regarded as one of the best bowlers in the MVCA.

Bennett finished with the incredible figures of 7-28 off five overs.

Bennett struck early for the Rhinos. Charlie Hillier took a sharp catch at third slip to dismiss Cody Deegan. Bennett continued to attack the stumps and bowled Michael Roberts.

Rhinos keeper Dean Edge held the catch from Andrew Arthur, while Bennett had reduced Tocumwal to 3-10.

Reilly Rennick hung around for a while before skying a high ball to mid-on.

Harry Hillier sprinted from mid-wicket to take a very nice catch.

Two overs later, Andrew Lean was dismissed with Harry Hillier taking another sensational catch this time low and hard at mid-wicket.

This was leg spinner Peter Wilson’s first wicket for the club.

Bennett bowled the ninth over and took three wickets narrowly missing a hat-trick.

He did not need much help from his teammates with Luke Dinan bowled, and Kalle Stewart and Connor Crowley both LBW.

For most of the Tocumwal innings, Ben-nett bowled with the majority of his teammates in the slips cordon. It was a sight to see.

Tom Oliver was the pick of the Tocumwal batters, unbeaten on 24, including three fours and a six.

Wilson ended the Tocumwal innings with Todd taking a sharp catch at first slip.

Unfortunately, Lachlan Scott was unable to bat after sustaining a knee injury while fielding.

Tocumwal were dismissed for 62 in the 12th over.

The Rhinos players were full of praise for the Tocumwal team.

Three consecutive wins has pushed the Rhinos into third place, and significantly improved their percentage.

The next game for the Rhinos will be a must-win encounter on January 8, against Nathalia.

Other A grade results: Cobram 8-210 def Nathalia 9-136, Katamatite 3-57 def Katunga 54 and Barooga had the bye.

MVCA Ladder: Cobram 24 points (5.34 per cent), Katamatite 24 (2.27 per cent), Rhinos 18 (1.67 per cent), Barooga 15 (0.84 per cent), Nathalia 12 (0.97 per cent), Tocumwal 6 (0.24 per cent), Katunga 3 (0.42 per cent).

Todd and Hogan were not the only cricketers celebrated in the A grade clash against Tocumwal on Saturday.

The match also marked Boddie Arthur’s 100th with the club.

Club president Tim Hillier paid tribute to the cricketer, who debuted with the Rhinos in 2013.

Hillier said Arthur’s milestone is a fine achievement, and included the 2019-20 Premiership.

Other Rhinos to have reached the 100 game milestone are Dean Edge, Brad Todd, Andrew Hogan and Anthony Bradley.