Millicent Blacks Hats 9/222 d. Kingston 10/70


A game-changing partnership of 102 for the eighth wicket enabled reigning premiers Millicent Black Hats to return to the winners’ list on Saturday in round 10 of the Millicent/Naracoorte Cricket Association.


The ladder leaders had looked in deep trouble on their home ground at Norm Facey Oval when bottom-placed Kingston had them reeling at 7/118.


The seasiders had captured four wickets and conceded just 14 runs with a sub-150 run chase on the cards.


However, Jaxon Cushion and Ryder Lindner had other ideas.


With the benefit of sweltering conditions, a fast outfield and some spilled catches, the Millicent Black Hats pair prospered and scored at a rate of almost one-a-ball.


Lindner’s score of 43 was made off 46 deliveries and included four fours.


The statistics for Cushion were just as impressive as his unbeaten 50 took 47 deliveries and included six fours and one six.


Earlier in the innings, the heavy lifting by the Millicent Black Hats was done by opener and top-scorer Cambell Hateley with 61 and skipper Mitchell Nitschke with 26.


Hateley had been a part of the successful Woodville team mid-week in the under 18 SACA Shield in Adelaide.


The seasiders best performers in the field were Michael Sanders with 3/24 and Ethan Murdock with 3/41.


Chasing 223 for victory, Kingston was bundled out for 70 in the 21st over.


Liam Sibley top-scored with 13 while Cushion, Jacob Todd and Kobe Gibson each took three cheap wickets.


The Millicent Black Hats wore black armbands to honour the memory of supporter and past player Roger Walker who died in a recent boating mishap.


Lucindale 9/164 d. Rendelsham 10/121


A century partnership also paved the way for a Lucindale victory at Rendelsham.


Batting first, the visitors had looked in great trouble at 4/25 but a 114-run partnership from Michael McGurk (53) and Nick Cane (58) steadied the ship.


McGurk is the Millicent/Naracoorte Cricket Association president while Cane is a footballer of note with Glenelg, Robe and Lucindale.


After they were separated, the tail did not wag and the last four wickets only produced 25 runs.


Tyson Smith took the bowling honours with 3/18 while Jake Wight was not far behind with 3/25.


Chasing 165 for victory, Rendelsham suffered its second consecutive defeat as they were dismissed for 121 in the 32nd over.


Wight completed a fine double with a top-score of 37 while Nathan James took 4/25 on a tough day for bowlers.


Naracoorte Townies 10/145 d. Mount Burr 10/144


The Naracoorte Townies successfully defended their target of 146 in the last over against Mount Burr at Mick and Jean Walker Oval.


The home side was just two runs away from victory when their 10th wicket fell in the 40th over.


Mount Burr veteran Nathan Muhovics was the stand-out with 83 while Anthony Munro was the pick of the bowlers with 3/8.


Earlier, Naracoorte Townies skipper Brodie Foster had found the bowling to his liking and top-scored with 66.