Twin Brigade centuries put Stanhope on the back foot

NOVEMBER 21, 2012 4:18am

Fire Brigade reacted to its first loss for two seasons in no uncertain matter on Saturday.

Fire Brigade reacted to its first loss for two seasons in no uncertain matter on Saturday when its batsmen, led by century makers David Newman and Andrew Elborough, posted an imposing 6-365 in its Goulburn Murray Cricket clash with Stanhope at Stanhope.

Newman and Elborough capitalised on a dominant start by Flames’ openers Paul Newman and Trevor Watts, who posted a 61-run stand.

Paul Newman cracked seven fours and a six in a whirlwind knock of 57 from 64 deliveries, while Watts scored 30 before being removed by Matt Hodson, who claimed the Brigade’s first three wickets.

But just when Hodson looked to be getting Stanhope back into the game, the Dave Newman and Elborough batting show took centre stage and kept the Stanhope bowlers — and fieldsmen — toiling for the rest of the afternoon.

The pair both scored centuries in a 210-run stand for the fourth wicket.

Newman was finally out for a stellar knock of 113 after 161 minutes at the crease. He hit eight fours.

Elborough cracked 104 in 144 minutes with 10 boundaries as the Brigade total swelled to 6-365 at stumps.

Hodson toiled tirelessly with the ball for Stanhope and his 22 overs unbroken marathon spell reaped 3-72, as well as earning the praise of Brigade skipper Dave Newman.

‘‘He bowled really well,’’ Newman said.

Stanhope skipper Brad Lowe said he wanted his batsmen to concentrate on occupying the crease for its 80 eligible overs this Saturday ‘‘and see what happens.’’

Finely balanced

Cooma’s batsmen need 195 runs to beat Bamawm-Lockington United this Saturday.

Stand-in Cooma skipper Michael Hill was content with his bowlers’ effort to restrict BLU to 194 on the back of some tight bowling from brothers Liam and Mitch Barrett.

Mitch’s 15.4 overs produced five maidens and the outstanding figures of 4-22, while Liam conceded just 22 runs from his 14 overs in which he claimed two scalps.

Spinner Hamish Roberts also bowled well to claim 2-47 from 21 overs, including six maidens, while Wil Jackson removed danger man, star veteran all-rounder Greg Pearse, for a top score of 58.

Cooma’s openers Nick Hubble and Will Jackson faced two overs at the end of the day’s play and will be looking to give their side a good start in what looks an achievable run chase this Saturday.