An unbeaten century to 16 year-old Charlie Paton set up victory for the Deni Rhinos in their two-day game against Tocumwal at the weekend.
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Paton and opener Harry Hillier (59) added 80 runs for the second wicket partnership, setting the foundation for a winning score.
The match was round 12 of Murray Valley Cricket, and with Rhinos in sixth place on the ladder and Tocumwal just one place further down in seventh, a close match was anticipated.
It was also a milestone game for Lochie Holloway, playing his 50th senior Rhinos club game.
Tocumwal won the toss and elected to bowl.
Had the Rhinos won the toss they were going to bat first, with Tocumwal’s decision possibly based on their strike opening bowler, Andy Arthur, being unavailable on Sunday.
Openers Boddie Arthur and Harry Hillier were very solid on a pitch that was a little inconsistent in bounce.
The pair added 36 for the first wicket before Arthur (10) had one keep low and was adjudged LBW.
Hillier brought up his first A-grade half century in the 38th over, even though coring was difficult with the Tocumwal bowlers very accurate.
Hillier’s innings came to a close when a mistimed cut shot was caught by Dinan at gully.
His excellent knock included six boundaries.
At lunch (53 overs) the Rhinos were 2/136 and had a further 27 overs to bat.
Tocumwal needed wickets to stop a potentially big score, but instead Paton and Andrew Hogan finished the innings in style adding 104 runs in just 19 overs.
Paton finished unbeaten on 107, an innings that surpassed his previous career high score of 64 and was his maiden century.
It included 14 boundaries.
Such was Paton’s dominance that he hit 10 boundaries (40 runs) while going from 50 to the century.
During the innings he hit 14 fours, a three, 11 twos and 26 singles in a massive effort for a 16 year-old.
Andrew Hogan continued his good season form with 42 not out as the Rhinos declared at 2/240 after 72 overs.
Best bowlers for Tocumwal included quick Arthur (12 overs 0-21), leg spinner Andrew Lean (18 overs 0-48) and off spinner Peter Harrison (7 overs 0-14).
The Rhinos were hoping for a couple of quick wickets in the final eight overs of the day following the declaration, which was a tactical move hoping to take advantage of tired Tocumwal batters.
Jake Herberte struck an early blow for the Rhinos having Tom Oliver LBW in the fourth over and Tocumwal were 1/14 at stumps.
The Rhinos struck early on Sunday with Herberte again successful, bowling White for one.
Wraight and Lean changed things for Tocumwal adding 44 for the third wicket, scoring multiple boundaries with classy drives.
Prem Muppidi then started his second spell which was sensational.
Muppidi bowled both Wraight (29) and Lean (23) in consecutive overs and Tocumwal were 4/70.
Harrison and Dinan added 42 runs for the fifth wicket taking the score to 112.
Scoring continued to be difficult with excellent bowling from Muppidi, Holloway and Arthur.
The pair toiled hard, batting for 21 overs before Hogan’s spin brought about the dismissal of Harrison with a sharp catch at short mid-wicket by Arthur.
Dinan went in the next over with Hogan taking the catch at first slip from an Arthur delivery.
He had bowled seven overs for only seven runs.
Packer was stumped by sharp work from Jonty Tubb in Arthur’s next over, then Rennick and Bennett played some aggressive strokes trying to break the deadlock.
Arthur and Tubb combined again to dismiss Rennick. Tubb is having a great season behind the stumps with 21 dismissals.
Muppidi trapped Haynes LBW and Tocumwal were 9/138.
Bennett and Mangion took Tocumwal past the follow-on score of 140 before Jake Herberte claimed his third wicket with a full ball to Mangion to have Tocumwal all out for 143.
All the Rhinos bowlers were superb. Arthur (10 overs 3-12), Muppidi (12 overs 3-22) and Jake Herberte (9 overs 3-19) being the leading wicket takers.
The Rhinos had 27 overs to bat to finish the game and sent out the players who did not get a bat in the first innings.
Peter Wilson made seven in his return to the Rhinos adding to his impressive effort in the field.
Jake Herberte welcomed the opportunity and scored an A-grade career high of 22.
Hamish Baker continued his great junior form and scored 20 including four boundaries.
Holloway also made his highest A Grade score of 25, with three boundaries including a lofted cover drive.
Dean Herberte finished unbeaten on 24 including 16 off the final over of the game.
The Rhinos won the game by 97 runs.
They have next weekend off and then play Berrigan in a two-day game.
MVCA A-grade ladder: Nathalia 78 points, Barooga 70, Katamatite 56, Cobram 56, Berrigan 45, Rhinos 36, Tocumwal 16, Finley 6.
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