Superb bowling yields Rochy points against Tongala

By Alexander Dabb

Dec 11, 2023

Up and about: Rochester celebrates the wicket of Travis Johnstone. Photos: Bruce Povey

A superb bowling display has seen Rochester walk away from its two-day away clash against Tongala with the points.

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Having bowled Rochester out on day one for 158, Tongala resumed its innings at 1-21 at Tongala Recreation Reserve on Saturday, with Stephen Townsend and Ryan Smith at the crease.

It was tough going for the home side early, as Townsend faced 22 deliveries but managed to add just one run to his total before he was dismissed, caught and bowled by Rochy captain Dylan Cuttriss (1-16).

Tongala skipper Alex Williams joined Smith at the crease, with the pair finding runs hard to come by as Rochester kept the pressure on.

Quick gloves: Hudson Kellett survives a stumping attempt by Oliver Williams.

The 26-run partnership was broken when Smith (16) was caught off the bowling of Sean Williams, with new batsman Luke Smith (2) and Alex Williams both trapped in front shortly after to have Tongala in strife at 5-65.

Hudson Kellett and Keagan Miller found themselves at the crease much earlier than they would have liked, however did well in their efforts to salvage the game for Tonny.

Kellett reached a team-high 25 before Jesse Cuttriss had him caught, breaking a 40-run stand and reducing Tongala to 6-105.

The wicket of Kellett would set off a disastrous collapse in the tail, with a ruthless Rochy claiming the final four wickets in quick succession to bowl the home side out for 111.

Sean Williams finished with 4-22 to be the best of Rochester’s bowling attack, with Brandon Byrne (2-12) and Angus Martin (2-27) also claiming multiple wickets as the visitors secured a 47-run first innings victory.

Rochester batted for another 12 overs, reaching 3-45 before the end of play with Brandon Byrne on 27 not out.