Brumbies close the gap

Clarkefield’s Thomas Balmer had a busy Saturday, involved in three dismissals on the field and making 52 with the bat. Picture: Damian Visentini

Clarkefield is back on the winners’ list in the North West Metropolitan Cricket Association’s Vic Kyte Shield, thanks to some strong top order batting against Aberfeldie St Johns.

Chasing their second win of the season, the Brumbies started the day in the field at Clarkefield Recreation Reserve.

The Brumbies got the early wicket of Scott Nicholas, and managed to get frequent wickets throughout the innings.

Chasing late runs, St Johns at one stage lost 4-22, slipping to 9-168. They finished their 40 overs at 9-180.

David Falzon and Graham Booney took two wickets each for the Brumbies.

St Johns’ Daniel Siomos finished 59 not out.

The Brumbies innings started the same as St Johns with one of the openers falling for a duck,

After Vincent Muscat lost his wicket for just four runs, Thomas Balmer and Tom Brophy set about chasing the target.

When Balmer was out for 52, Chris Boyle joined Brophy at the crease, and the pair put on a 98-run partnership to get the Brumbies within sight of victory.

Brophy went out for 39, with just three runs for the win.

The Brumbies finished their innings at 3-182, with nearly 10 overs in hand. Boyle top-scored with 71 not out.

The Brumbies stay in seventh place on the ladder, but they are now only percentage outside the top four. They play Craigieburn at Highgate Reserve this week.