mmg.com.au

Fire Brigade sounded an ominous warning to all flag aspirants on the eve of the Goulburn Murray Cricket finals by amassing 290 runs in its clash with Moama at Moama on Saturday.

A 114-run stand between openers Paul Newman and Daniel Kent set the trend for the day although at one stage The Flames were looking at an even healthier total to what they eventually achieved.

The Flames were an imposing 2/216, but the Moama bowlers led by Alistair McCann, who claimed 4/68, fought back well to limit the visitors to under 300.

For Brigade Paul Newman top scored with a stylish 88 and his opening batting partner Daniel Kent got 37 before skipper Dave Newman (48), Andrew Elborough and Mick Kent (23) kept the runs coming.

The game still has plenty of interest with Moama reaching 0/8 off four overs by the end of the day’s play.

■The other former KDCA side in the finals, Tongala, will push for maximum points this Saturday after achieving a huge first innings lead courtesy of a Jordan Souter century against battler Echuca South.

Souter, batting at number six, scored his maiden century in the new competition with a blistering 101 which included 11 boundaries and four sixes.

Souter’s breathtaking knock came after the Tongala bowlers had skittled Echuca South for just 61.

Skipper Adam Nunn with 4/9, Dave Currie with 3/8 and single wickets to Matt and Darin Ohlsen and Souter had the Echuca South batsmen back in the pavilion in just over 30 overs.

At one stage Tongala was battling at 4/45 in reply but a vintage Souter knock with support from Ben Scowen with 34 rectified the situation and helped Tongala to finally make 198.

Darin Ohlsen also contributed 32 opening the innings.

Tongala is in the box seat to push for a maximum points win when the game concludes this week.