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The Dawmac Premier Combine will need all their skill and determination this weekend to avoid outright defeat against Barooga after the Hawks dominated the opening day in Murray Valley premier grade on Saturday.

Winning the toss and batting, the Combine were immediately under pressure with the early wicket of Denis Hickey (2).

A team high partnership of 38 followed between Daniel Hickey (15) and Tom Sinclair (18) as the pair negotiated the fast and accurate bowling of Arif and Jaensch to get to the drinks interval with no further damage to the score card.

The refreshments failed to hit the spot however as the Combine were obliterated after the break.

Jaensch and Arif tore through the Combine batting. From 2/40 the Combine were all out for 64 with Arif taking 5/40 and Jaensch 5/10.

The Combine lasted just 28 overs. In need of an inspired performance with the ball, the Combine almost struck gold with a wicket in the first over, but Tom Walliss could not hold on to the hot chance which would have boosted the team’s confidence.

The dropped chance would not cost too much however as skipper Chris Shaw (2/20) removed openers in Stanyer (4) and Dimble (10) in quick succession to have Barooga 2/16.

Peter Magill bowled a Trojan like spell of 16 overs from the other end and was rewarded with a splendid 3/33. He snared Butler (10) and the vital wicket of Maley (12) before Walliss swallowed a catch off Rootsey (1) and suddenly Barooga were 5/48.

With their tails up the Combine went in for the kill. A half chance off Arif (51 n.o) whilst scoreless would have seen the greatest Combine catch ever from Daniel Hickey, but it fell agonisingly to ground. From there, Barooga took control.

Some power hitting from Arif and stonewall defence from Daniel Davis (32 n.o) took Barooga past the Combine first innings total and towards triple figures. At the close of the day Barooga were 5/124 and well in control.

Division 1

The Dawmac Combine have a big chase ahead of them against Barooga, but with 10 wickets still in hand, anything is possible.

Barooga batted first on their home deck but struggled early with some good bowling from Jack Yelland (4/52) and Jonathon Oliver (1/28) having the Hawks in trouble at 3/16.

From there however, O’Dwyer (139) and Smith (51) took control. A 98 run stand gave the Hawks the ascendancy.

O’Dwyer smashed 23 boundaries and three sixes in his knock and continued to plunder the attack after Smith was bowled by James Midson (2/31).

A further 82 runs were added by Sutton (23) and O’Dwyer as Barooga could do no wrong scoring at will.

Zac Nichols (2/80) broke the strong hold with two good wickets after Yelland had finally removed O’Dwyer but the damage was well and truly done. Eventually the Hawks innings closed at 271.

With six overs to negotiate prior to stumps, Yelland (4) and Lucas Peacock (6) ensured no late wickets fell as they saw off the opening bowling to close at 0/11 leaving 260 to win next week.

Division 2

Finley Division 2’s late season surge continued on Saturday with another strong win over Katamatite at the Tigers’ home ground.

Batting first, Finley started scratchy with Aaron Morham (0) out early. A 52 run partnership though from Andrew Taylor (13) and Marcus Jackson (70) gave the Cats a solid platform.

Jackson was brilliant with eight fours and a six to his credit. After Taylor was bowled, Lindsay Donkin (28) teamed up with the teenager to add a further 45.

Eventually the knock came to a close when Jackson was bowled by McCallum with the score 3/106.

His wicket triggered a major collapse as the remaining Finley batters struggled to get going. The Cats lost 7/42 to be all out for 148 in over 38.

With the competitive target on the board, the emphasis was now on bowling well.

Anthony King (1/13) and Taylor (1/15) bowled well early to have Katy 2/26. Some solid middle order batting from Tom Pendlebury (40 n.o) gave the Cats some minor concerns as the scoreboard ticked over nicely for the home team.

Enter Aaron Morham. In a destructive eight over spell, the spinner tore through the Katy middle order to all but seal an impressive victory.

He would claim a career best 5/14 as the Katy innings fell apart. Alister Clarke impressed on his Division 2 debut as well taking 2/15 as Katy were all out for 117 in 37 overs.

The Cats host Katunga on Saturday in Finley

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Saturday also sees the annual Pink Stumps Day for the McGrath Foundation.

The Combine will once again be supporting this great cause and be turning pink on the weekend with Division 2 playing on Saturday and Premier on Sunday in Finley.

Donations to this cause are extremely welcome and a raffle has been organised with some kind donations from the club’s sponsors. Get to the ground and support the McGrath Foundation.