Moama and Rochester are engaged in an enthralling battle at the halfway point of their two-day clash at Windridge Oval, with no clear leader at stumps on day one.
Unbeaten Goulburn Murray Cricket ladder leader Moama won the toss and opted to bat first, with the opening duo of skipper Joel Murphy and Fraser Buchanan in hot form after a stand of 109 for the first wicket last week.
But it wasn’t to be against Rochester, with Murphy falling victim to Sean Williams (1-37) for 10, while his replacement Michael Hill (five runs) was removed cheaply by Angus Martin (4-27) to leave Moama reeling.
Adam Ward (3-46) joined in on the act soon enough as Rochester tore through the top-order, claiming the scalp of Archie Teasdale (14), while Fraser Cleary (2-22) showed his class too.
Dismissing the dangerous Anthony McMahon (nine) as well as Matt Saunders (seven), Cleary put the home side right on top, as Moama tumbled to sit five wickets down.
But relief was found in the form of Buchanan, who steadied at the top of the order, facing an incredible 179 deliveries for his 54 runs in a defiant showing.
He was backed up by Jack Russell (50), who added a brilliant half-century upon his return to the side, to ensure the visitors posted a score they would have some hope of defending.
Martin snared the breakthrough wicket for Rochester, however, sending Buchanan packing, as he and Ward tore through the tail to wrap up the visitors’ innings, all out for 159.
With time left in the day, it meant Rochy would face a tricky six-over period before the umpires called the end of play, and it was one that it would not get through unscathed.
Brandon Byrne and Jake Wright were sent out to the middle, yet Wright (7) would be back in the sheds soon after, as Michael Hill claimed yet another wicket in what is turning out to be a prolific season for the Moama seamer.
Byrne and Joel Bunce successfully navigated the treacherous final few overs to be not out at stumps, and will resume their chase with Rochester at 1-15.
Meanwhile, Leitchville-Gunbower provided newfound pushback against Kyabram Fire Brigade with the cellar-dwelling side well and truly in the contest at stumps.
Kyabram Fire Brigade won the toss and elected to bat, with Brenton Sheppard’s 66-run stand the highlight as the Flames were bowled out for 187.
James Keath (4-51) was the pick of L-G’s bowlers, with the combine to resume on day two at 0-1 after five overs.
Around the grounds, Tongala finds itself in hot water chasing 159 as the Blues are down 4-28 after 20 overs, while Echuca has been set a target of 181 by Echuca South.
Lastly, Bamawm-Lockington United smashed a massive 8-273 before declaring and has Cooma 2-29 approaching the second day.