Southern Districts win three Premier Grade flags in a row with dominant six-wicket victory over Darwin
Southern Districts has won three consecutive Premier Grade premierships after easily accounting for Darwin by six wickets with 29 overs to spare.
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Southern Districts took out its third consecutive Premier Grade cricket premiership after overpowering Darwin to win by six wickets.
Commencing the day at 1/11 and requiring another 216 runs for victory at DXC Arena, Eagle left arm medium pacer Michael Berry (1/34) took the early wicket of Jackson Isakka for 16.
However, a series of top order partnerships headed by Lochie Hardy (96 not out) were methodical in their approach and by the tea break the Crocs had almost sealed the deal on their threepeat of titles with the score at 4/192.
Josh Kann (40) and Tom Jackson (34) also combined earlier with Hardy to compile half-century partnerships.
But after the break it was all about icing the premiership cake, with Hardy and skipper Tim Garner (36 not out), who further enhanced his already legendry grand final batting reputation, in complete control and the pair went about business as usual.
When stumps were drawn early, Districts had reached 4/230 from a mere 51 overs.
Darwin captain Matt Hammond (2/41 from 16 overs) and Jacob Dickman (1/32) together with Berry were the Eagle wicket takers and while they rotated through those available, none consistently forged wicket-taking partnerships.
A man who has been a headline act in each of the three consecutive flags is Victorian recruit Brodie Symons and the bowling allrounder topped all others on day one taking 6/72 from 16 overs.
After the game he played down his match-winning role suggesting it was a whole team performance.
“They probably got the jump on us yesterday where we didn’t bowl as well as we would have liked at the start but then things turned around a bit,” Symons said.
“We got a few wickets in the middle period and kept them to a relatively moderate score.
“There is no real secret to taking wickets here in Darwin on the pretty flat tracks so I tend to just keep it simple by bowling good lengths at the stumps which is not anything out of the ordinary.
“But we came here reasonably confident and while I always like to have a bat, I was just happy to see the others carry us through today.”
Symons is off to Melbourne again to continue with Frankston in the Victorian Premier Grade competition and is looking to further enhance his reputation and hopefully reach higher levels of cricket.
“Looking forward to getting back to Melbourne with Frankston and giving it another crack and as usual, win games, take wickets and make runs so really nothing changes,” he said.
Southern Districts quick Brodie Symons snares six
Honours are even at stumps on day one of the Premier Grade cricket grand final between Southern Districts and Darwin, despite a six-wicket haul from a star Crocs bowler chasing a third consecutive premiership medallion.
Batting first after winning the toss at DXC Arena, the Eagles lost an early wicket when quick Brodie Symons had Atharv Deshpande caught by the keeper with 22 runs on the board.
However, semi-final century maker Jacob Dickman joined Anthony Adlam and the pair laid a foundation until the latter (46) became Symons’ second victim, leaving the Eagles 2/105.
Then, off-spinner Reiley Mark got rid of the dangerous Dhruv Kant (12) soon after the tea break.
And when Symons also had Dickman (47) caught behind, the Eagles slumped to 4/127.
Apart from the consistent Matt Calder (55), none could contend with the persistence of Symons (6/72, from 16 overs) and leg-spinner Dylan Mullen (3/32 off 11.3) as the Eagles were bowled out for 227 in the 69th over.
However, Darwin struck back late in the day when Dickman had Mullen caught behind by Kant, leaving Districts 1/11 at stumps with Jackson Isakka eight not out and Tom Jackson yet to score.
Adlam, who is set to join Woodville in the SACA Premier Grade competition, was disappointed at his dismissal but was pleased to be part of the fightback.
“We lost an early wicket, but the plan was always to ride out the initial overs and set up a matchwinning score and then I was out just before the tea break which was probably because of a bit of over confidence,” Adlam said.
“Brodie (Symons) bowled well early so it was pleasing to hang on for a while and set up a platform with Jacob (Dickman).
“But apart from Matt (Calder) we just couldn’t bat out our overs although we got an early wicket ourselves and are still in the contest.”
Grand final rematch set with Eagles and Crocs to face off again
It will be a Premier Grade grand final rematch next Saturday after Darwin rose from the depths of uncertainty to defeat Nightcliff in their semi-final.
On the back of a controlled century from Jacob Dickman (101 not out from 205 balls faced), the Eagles compiled 2/259 from their 80 overs on day one.
At the time, that total appeared well within the minor premier’s capability.
However, Eagles playing coach Matt Hammond was pleased with the stumps score saying anything above 250 was a winning total in finals.
“We are now at a point where we can win this game, anything above 250 is pretty competitive in finals,” Hammond said on Saturday evening.
And day two commenced with the home side in good shape.
Apart from the odd delivery behaving abnormally on the placid pitch, the Tigers went to the tea break at 0/103 with both Dowtjie Hoogenboezem (86) and Paul Wasiewicz (65) well set.
The Tigers rolled on but with the score at 143, Darwin skipper Matt Hammond had Wasiewicz caught in the deep and soon after dismissed James Doherty (5) as the Tigers slumped to 3/158.
Then it was fellow spinner Blake Coburn’s turn and when he dismissed captain Michael Kudra – who made a century last round against the Eagles – without scoring, it was all downhill for the minor premier.
They were eventually dismissed for 228 – falling 31 runs short.
It sets up a delicious grand final rematch next weekend – after the Crocs beat the Eagles at DXC Arena a year ago by 78 runs – with Hammond captaining the Crocs to back-to-back flags before defecting to Darwin.
His 5/53 from 27.3 overs and Coburn’s haul (5/82 off 23 overs), together with day one century maker Dickman, were the heroes for Darwin.
Disappointed at the result was Nightcliff fast bowler Hanno Jacobs who suffered with all other seamers on the flat Nightcliff track.
He and Caelan Maladay bowled 45 overs between them on day one for a wicket each while Darwin’s faster men did little better, sending down 24 overs with no reward.
“It was a combination of reasonable bowling by us quicks, but the Darwin batters dug in and got the better of us,” Jacobs said.
“We’ve all struggled here this season but if you bend your back you can make it happen but try as we did, it didn’t happen for us.
“It’s over for us now but it has been a good experience for me especially bowling in tandem with Caelan, he is one of the best in the business and I’ve learned so much from him.”
Meanwhile, the Crocs booked a grand final berth after bowling out Waratah for 265 in pursuit of 316 for victory at Gardens Oval.
With Brodie Symons leading the way with 3/33 off 13 overs, the red caps were unable to produce the big innings required, despite useful contributions from Jagadeswara Koduru (56), Archie Redfern (52) and Clancy McCormick (46).
All-rounders Corey Kelly (2/15), Tim Garner (2/41) and Dylan Mullen (2/81) also chipped in with the ball as the Crocs begin their quest for a threepeat.
Darwin poised to end Nightcliff’s golden run
On the back of a controlled century from Jacob Dickman, Darwin bounced back after a disastrous performance against Nightcliff just a week ago to completely dominate day one of their semi-final.
The Eagles batted out the day and finished at 2/259 after 80 overs at Nightcliff Oval.
It was Dickman’s second ton for the season after making 109 against Waratah in early June.
Winning the toss and electing to bat, Darwin began poorly when opener Anthony Adlam slashed at a short ball from quick Caelan Maladay and was well caught by the keeper with 26 runs on the board.
With so much at stake Adlam gifted his wicket away against Maladay – making his return to the bowling crease after four weeks of rehab for a pectoral muscle injury – who was bowling at reduced speed off a shortened run up.
But enter Dickman to join Atharv Deshpande at the crease, and using a steady run-rate against the rampant Tiger attack, the pair carried the score to 1/102 at tea.
After the break, hardworking fast-man Hanno Jacobs (1/53 off 16 overs) was finally rewarded with Deshpande’s wicket for 79.
However, keeper-batter Dhruv Kant (60 not out off 84 balls) combined with Dickman (101 not out from 205 balls) to deny the home side any further reward for effort.
Jacobs was a model of consistency with the ball while Maladay was the marathon man rolling down 29 overs for his 1/71.
Eagle playing coach Matt Hammond would have liked more runs but felt any score over 250 was difficult to chase in a final.
He said the day’s dramatic turnaround, after they were trounced by the Tigers in the final round of the home and away season, was due to an improved mindset and collective belief.
“We’ve been inconsistent all season and also had to change the team around a fair bit which hasn’t helped,” Hammond said.
“However, without making excuses we didn’t want to be where we were last week again and our attitude reflected that today against a pretty good bowling attack.
“We are now at a point where we can win this game thanks pretty much to Atharv and Jacob.
“Anything above 250 is pretty competitive in finals but now we need to put early pressure on them with the ball tomorrow.”
Hammond is another battling injury problems but is keen to return to the bowling crease after a few weeks of rehab.
Meanwhile, a consistent batting effort from Southern Districts has resulted in an imposing 8/315 off their 80 overs at Gardens Oval against Waratah.
Jackson Isakka (81), Josh Kann (50) and Brodie Symons (48 not out) ensured the red caps were in the field all day with Madura Weerasinghe (2/40), Ishara Gange (2/56) and Lachlan Scott (2/59) the only multiple wicket takers.
Isakka and Dylan Mullen (36) put on 116 for the first wicket to set the tone while Kann was also back to his destructive best, hitting two sixes in his 41-ball stay.
The innings was in the balance at 5/205 before Corey Kelly’s 22-ball 31 with three sixes gave the Crocs late order impetus while Reiley Mark chipped in with 24 off 25 rocks.
Nightcliff sit on top of the perch yet again
Nightcliff has clinched the Darwin Premier Grade minor premiership after outclassing Darwin in a canter on the back of a century from its young captain Michael Kudra.
Requiring 54 runs with eight wickets in hand, the Tigers strolled to first innings points on the back of a Kudra’s 103 (retired) and another half-century by opener Douwtjie Hoogenboezem (73).
The pair put on 117 for the third wicket and almost single-handedly accounted for the visitors who rotated through eight bowlers with little result.
Stumps were drawn shortly before the tea break with the Tigers on 5/246 at Nightcliff Oval.
Eagles all-rounder Will Pilkington (3/43) took the honours with the ball, even though he began the day with two wickets in the bank.
However, Darwin won’t have to wait long for atonement, facing the Tigers in a semi-final next Saturday at the same location.
Born in South Africa, but moved with his family to Western Australia as a four-year-old, Hoogenboezem was recruited from Premier Grade club Fremantle and has been a model of consistency at the top of the Nightcliff batting order.
Part of the Tigers’ 50-over premiership team, Hoogenboezem has stroked 634 runs at an average of 79 with five 50s and a century across the Premier season.
Saturday was no exception for the elegant left-hander and he looked headed for another century until he was deceived and ultimately bowled by Eagle spinner Blake Coburn.
“I was a bit cranky after getting out today but with time to think about it I was entirely to blame because I was a bit complacent,” Hoogenboezem said.
“It wasn’t the best of balls but unfortunately that is the way in cricket.
“With today’s win we will finish as minor premiers, but we all know that the job is only half done, and it looks like we may play Darwin again in the semi-final and then hopefully go into the final with another good win under the belt.
“Funny things can happen in finals so we are aware that we must prepare well because each game now is a knockout.
“We have a good group of players from around the country, but we have gelled amazingly well, and we want to win for each other.
“I’ve enjoyed the season up here it was the best thing to do and to play centre wicket cricket in a good competition beats net training anytime.”
Meanwhile, at DXC Arena, PINT reeled in Tracy Village’s 299 all out with seven wickets in hand.
Club stalwart and one of its greatest batters, Simon Lavers, in just his second game in Premier Grade this season, posted an unbeaten 156 off 159 balls with 31 boundaries, supported by captain Coby Edmonstone (79 off 60 balls with 14 boundaries).
Bailey Coleman (53) and Jonathon Caderamanpulle (46 not out) also contributed to PINT’s second victory for the season.
At Cazalys Oval, Palmerston easily hauled in Waratah’s 156 with four wickets in hand (Tah Hill 50, Jake Baker 48) before declaring.
Waratah then wrapped up their second innings at 8/141 off 36.4 overs (Jagadeswara Koduru 49, Isaac Conway 38, Archie Redfern 34, Josh Baraba 6/42), with two players Hugo Matthias (a suspected lower back stress fracture) and Harry Massey (hamstring) carrying injuries from the previous week.
Palmerston was 5/99 (Tom McGann 33, Lochlan Scott 2/26, Udara Weerasinghe 2/36) off just 9.2 overs in their second innings.
The red caps will take on Southern Districts in a final next Saturday at Gardens Oval.
Nightcliff step closer to the minor premiership
An injury-hit Nightcliff took a step toward entering the finals with minor premiership status after having the better of Darwin on the Tigers’ home deck on Saturday.
Batting first, the Eagles couldn’t muster any partnerships of significance and were finally dismissed soon after the tea break for 152 from 42.4 overs.
Only Matthew Calder with a quick-fire 53 from 40 deliveries appeared comfortable against the disciplined Tiger bowling attack that was without competition leading wicket taker Caelan Maladay — missing with a pectoral muscle injury.
Fellow quick bowler Hanno Jacobs made the initial breakthrough, getting rid of Eagle batting stars Anthony Adlam and Dhruv Kant in rapid succession.
Leg-spinner Charlie Smith then had the stubborn Atharv Deshpande caught in the deep, and when he bowled Blake Coburn the visitors were teetering at 4/79.
Then it was the turn of emerging medium-pacer Nick Fleming who rolled down six overs and took a Premier Grade best 4/18.
Meanwhile, Maladay was keen to bowl but is under medical advice to rest an injured right pectoral muscle.
He is playing as a batter and stood at slip for most of the innings at Nightcliff Oval, but is hopefully of returning to the bowling crease during finals.
“I got a pec strain two weeks ago playing against Palmerston and we had the bye last round so I’ve had a bit of time to undertake rehab on it,” Maladay said.
“While it’s feeling better it was great to just wander around out there today while the others got stuck into the opposition batsmen.
“I’m pretty confident that I will be back bowling next week or a bit later but hopefully in time for finals.
“If not, I think we’ve got one of the best bowling attacks to take on the competition.
“Although there is not much pain, I’ve been advised to use my left arm only and while I’m in the side this game as a batter, hopefully it will not cause me too much stress.”
Darwin struck back early when bowling with red-hot seamer Will Pilkington taking the wickets of Paul Wasiewicz and James Doherty in quick succession.
However, reliable opener Douwtjie Hoogenboezem (61 not out) and skipper Michael Kudra (27 not out) stood firm and at stumps the home side was trailing by 54 runs at 2/98.
Meanwhile, Tracy Village has waited to the final round to post its biggest score of the season, 299 all out against PINT at DXC Arena.
It was a consistent batting effort with seven of the top eight making double figures as Max Anson continued his good form with 69, complemented by Reggie Els (48) and Daniel Christianson (47) as Wickermachchi Wickramanayaka took 3/69.
At Cazalys Oval, Palmerston were closing in on a win against Waratah after bowling the red caps out for 156 with Wilson Ryan top scoring with 35.
Daniel McKell was the chief destroyer with 6/27 off 12 overs.
Incredibly, McKell had only taken two wickets from 11 Premier matches coming into the game on Saturday, after claiming 2/29 off 16 overs against Tracy Village in June.
Palmerston was 3/54 at stumps.
Darwin all-rounder Will Pilkington takes seven wickets against Palmerston
A career-best seven wicket haul from Darwin medium-pacer Will Pilkington set the Eagles up for a 44-run win against Palmerston at Kahlin Oval.
Needing 133 runs to win the round 13 Premier Grade clash and sneak into the four, and beginning the day at 2/68, the maroons began disastrously with Angus Sidey having Joshua Baraba caught by the keeper without scoring from the third ball of his first over.
Then it was Pilkington who stepped up, taking the next four wickets during his first spell and later the final three to finish with 7/26 from 9.5 overs of controlled medium pace.
Pilkington was aware of the importance of the win and his part in the victory, with just one home and away round left for the 2023 season.
“It was a good result and as a group I felt like we bowled well in partnerships and while he didn’t take a wicket, Blake Coburn (0/55 off 15 overs) bowled beautifully,” Pilkington said.
“The win and our second innings with the bat gives us some momentum going into the last round and then hopefully finals.”
Pilkington was surprised with his bowling figures but kept it simple when thrown the ball and the results followed.
“There was a bit of variable bounce today, so I just kept bowling in my best areas and to the field … the results just happened following my disciplined approach,” he said.
“Obviously, with finals approaching, everybody wants to maintain some good form and with any luck if I stick to the simple, boring cricket and keep it up for another 10-15 overs, I can continue to make an impact in the future.”
Apart from Keegan Oates (52) batting at three, Palmy struggled to muster useful scores with Jake Baker’s 22 the next best.
Stumps were drawn early with the home side at 106 without loss in its second innings.
Anthony Adlam’s unbeaten 57 went nicely with his first innings century (133) while partner Atharv Deshpande (46 not out) returned to form.
Meanwhile, PINT fell 75 runs short of Waratah’s 8/316 at Gardens Oval, with the visitors’ top seven all reaching double figures but nobody going on with a big score.
Rohan Chandel (44) and Sanka Wijegunarathna (43) made useful contributions as Udara Weerasinghe (4/11) did the bulk of the damage for the red caps.
It was a similar story at Tracy Village Oval where the home team produced a respectable 7/265 by stumps.
Captain Max Hatzoglou (82) led from the front for the Villagers as Dylan Mullen capped off a brilliant game after making 146 on day one, taking 4/81.
Max Anson also contributed 64 not out in his first game for Tracy.
Darwin opener posts 133 against Palmerston
A chanceless 133 by Darwin opener Anthony Adlam (20 fours and two sixes) was the main point of difference between the Eagles and Palmerston at stumps on day one at Kahlin Oval.
With a finals place on the line for the winners, and only one minor round remaining, the Palmerston bowlers got into the act early and took wickets at regular intervals with the only obstacle being the pugnacious Adlam — finally dismissed by skipper Hamish Martin.
On the sideline watching the round 13 Premier Grade game unfold was Darwin seamer Tom Menzies who had recently learned of his selection in the Australian under-19 team to tour England.
A Year 12 student at Darwin’s Essington School, Menzies was armed with his laptop and chemistry textbook and said he was keen to catch up on his assignments before leaving.
“This is a must-win game for both of us and although I would prefer to play, I am on reduced playing loads and also do need to ensure I’m up to date with my schoolwork and will go to the library later today,” Menzies said.
“I didn’t know about my selection for the tour until NT Head of Cricket Darren Treumer told me and my initial reaction was one of surprise and joy.
“I haven’t played for Darwin for a few games but have been involved in the Top End T20 competition and Strike League, so I’ve played a bit of cricket but have been advised to save my loads and not play Premier Grade.
“But my younger brother Max is playing his first ever Premier Grade game and he is an emerging leg spinner who can bat a bit and I know he will be keen to showcase his developing skills.”
At tea, the home side was a shaky 7/119.
And although Will Pilkington (14) provided some support for Adlam immediately after the break, the Eagles were finally dismissed for 200 from 57.3 overs, with no other batter making more than Atharv Deshpande’s 15 runs.
Palmy quick bowler Josh Baraba (4/34) and medium pacers Andrew Somerville (2/31) and Jack Freeman (2/42) always had their opponents on the back foot.
However, the home side struck back late in the day to have Palmerston at 2/68 at stumps.
Pacer Angus Sidey (1/27), who had missed the past 10 games with back injury, having an impact.
Meanwhile, Southern Districts have sounded another warning shot to the rest of the competition after scoring 7/391 off their 80 overs against Tracy Village with Dylan Mullen (146) and Dwaine Richards (159) putting on monster stand for the first wicket.
It was a similar story at Gardens Oval where Ryan Hackney (124) and Archie Redfern (110) combined at the top of the order to finish with 8/316 at stumps against PINT.
Palmerston upset Nightcliff by three wickets
Palmerston has kept its finals flame flickering after a three-wicket “must win” victory over top-of-the-table Nightcliff at Cazalys Oval.
Chasing 212 for victory in round 12 of Premier Grade, and commencing the day at 1/15, Palmy lost an early wicket when Hanno Jacobs removed opener Joshua Baraba soon after the start.
However, a series of solid top order partnerships got the home side back on track, initially through Jack Freeman (26) and Keegan Oates (33).
Although both looked comfortable against some reasonable pace bowling by Jacobs (3/40 off 16 overs), Jai Allman and Caelan Maladay, they survived until leg spinner Charlie Smith (2/44 off 13 overs) was brought into the attack with almost immediate success.
Smith removed both batters and at tea, Palmy was 4/141 with Tom McGann on 49 not out.
McGann (64) fell to Allman shortly after the break, but Alex Bleakley (34) had settled in by then and with Jake Baker (14 not out) still at the crease, Palmy reached 7/215 off 70.5 overs.
It was the second loss for the Tigers this week after Waratah got the better of them in the T20 grand final by 113 runs on Thursday.
Tasmanian keeper batsman Tom McGann, 20, said the plan was to bat in partnerships, and while big individual numbers did not occur, the team performed according to the pre-match discussions.
“I got out when I hit one to mid-off and while it would have been nice to have been out there at the end, the other boys got the job done for us,” McGann said.
“This was a must win game for us because we are pressing for the top four spot and with the season drawing to a close, we’ve just got to keep winning.
“We’ve been in winning positions in other games but haven’t been able to get over the line, and while other teams develop batting partnerships, we tend to lose wickets in clumps, but a couple of big partnerships today got us over the line.”
Meanwhile, reigning premiers Southern Districts continue to build momentum after beating Waratah by three wickets at Gerry Wood Oval.
Chasing 267 for victory, the Crocs achieved the target with an over to spare with runs from Dylan Mullen (55), Corey Hunter (48), Josh Kann (44 off just 34 balls), Tim Garner (37) and Brodie Symons (36 not out).
Param Uppal (4/62) kept the red caps in the contest.
And Darwin made short work of PINT’s 204 with Jacob Dickman (64), Blake Coburn (60), Anthony Adlam (57), Daniel Kerber (56 not out) and Matt Calder (an unbeaten 35) contributing.
The Eagles declared at 5/283 off just 57 overs, with PINT 1/68 in its second innings.
Palmerston poised to upset Nightcliff
A persistent Palmerston is a big chance of knocking off top-of-the-table Nightcliff in what would be just their second loss of the season.
Batting first at Cazalys Oval, the visitors, who have only lost to Waratah in Premier Grade this season, went to the break at 5/126 after three cheap dismissals before the adjournment.
Captain Hamish Martin claimed Michael Kudra (24) and Caelan Maladay (15) in quick succession while fast man Josh Baraba dealt with the dangerous James Doherty (42) in the over before the break.
After tea, the Tigers dug in with Byron Gale (25) and Harrish Kannan (51) standing firm.
However, Alex Bleakley (2/32), bowling his new-found off-breaks, Jack Freeman (1/21) and Martin (5/90 off 32 overs) wrenched back control and rolled the visitors for 211 from 74.1 overs.
At stumps, Palmy were 1-15 off five overs – including the big wicket of Harshtik Bimbral for four – requiring another 197 runs for victory.
Although he’s yet to bowl in the game, one of the rising stars of NT cricket is Nightcliff leg spinner Charlie Smith who has enjoyed a breakout season in Premier Grade.
It comes after a summer spent with Sturt in the SA Premier competition, alongside Southern Districts all-rounder Corey Kelly.
After claiming the 50-over title, Smith is keen to add a two-day premiership, enjoying his game under junior teammate and now captain Michael Kudra.
“We all look after each other as a team and I am really enjoying my cricket especially with Michael (captain),” Smith said.
“He has faith in me even during the hard moments.
“Once Michael throws me the ball, I’m keen to get going and bowl well because I don’t want to stop bowling.”
He said the Tigers were keen to take Southern Districts’ title as the team to beat in Darwin cricket.
“We are looking to take over and win all three forms of the game this time,” he said.
“We won the one-day comp earlier and have made the T20 final, so we are after the red ball two-day title to make it three out of three.”
Meanwhile, Waratah has produced yet another centurion in Premier Grade, this time with Jagadesware Koduru (107) as the red caps posted 9/266 against Southern Districts at Gerry Wood Oval.
With support from playing coach Udara Weerasinghe (52), the wickets were shared between Reiley Mark, Dylan Mullen and Tim Garner with two apiece.
At DXC Arena, it was Connor Hawkins (3/32) and Matt Hammond (2/58) who did the damage against PINT, rolled for 204 (Mitch Doolan 70, Farzan Chowna 40).
However, the Eagles have opened the door for the home team, going to stumps at 2/31.
Southern Districts beat Darwin by 53 runs
Darwin’s batters failed to exploit an injury-hit but persistent Southern Districts bowling attack on day two at Kahlin Oval.
Commencing the day at 2/21 and requiring 248 for victory in round 11 of Premier Grade cricket, the Eagles lost Dylan Slater early when he was unable to counter the ferocity of quick Brodie Symons.
However, Anthony Adlam (36) and Jacob Dickman (63) held it together, until against the run of play, the former skied a shot to mid-wicket off spinner Reiley Mark.
And when Dhruv Kant (21) fell to the same bowler in the last over before the tea break, the Eagles went to the adjournment at 5/117.
But with Symons (3/43) unable to bowl due to injury after 10.5 overs, honours were about even.
Districts skipper Tim Garner didn’t appear to be overly bothered and immediately reverted to Plan B which was to keep bowling Mark (3/89 from 22 overs) from one end, and leg-spinner Dylan Mullen (1/30) and later himself from the other.
The crafty Garner claimed bragging rights for the day with 3/7 off 8.5 overs.
Apart from Adlam, Dickman and Kant at the top of the order, no other Eagle appeared to bat with conviction and the Darwin middle and late order again failed to build on a solid foundation at the normally run-friendly Kahlin Oval.
The home side was eventually bowled out for 194, falling 53 runs short of the target.
On the sidelines watching his team play was key Districts all-rounder Jackson Isakka who has missed the past month with a knee injury.
Despite the setback, Isakka was a positive mind set and believes his team is on track for a three-peat of premierships.
“I got a partial tear in my PCL sliding in the outfield during a T20 game a month ago which will put me out for about six weeks but I’m looking forward to getting back for the last two rounds before finals,” Isakka said.
“I will stay here in Darwin, it has never crossed mind to go back for treatment that includes some water work and bike riding which takes the load off my knee.
“This is my third season with the Crocs and basically the team has remained stable with a few changes each year which is refreshing, but in general, we all know each other, and the bond is strong.”
From the formidable NSW Premier Grade competition, Isakka has occasionally considered a move to another state in order to gain selection at a higher level.
“Grade cricket here in Darwin and Cricket 365 is a good standard and is improving,” he said.
“And while I have ambitions to play at the highest level possible and moving to another state is an option, I will keep my decisions open and hopefully my form will carry over to the southern summer.”
Meanwhile, Nightcliff has banked yet another win, this time by 83 runs as PINT fell well short of the Tigers’ 8/367 declared at Nightcliff Oval.
Young leg spinner Charlie Smith (3/83) led the attack with support from Jordan Wilkinson (2/25) while Farzan Chowna (91) and Jet Liebke (84) ensured the visitors remained competitive.
Nightcliff has only dropped one game this season, and even then it was by just four runs to Waratah in round 9.
At Gardens Oval, Tracy Village could only produce 161 (Max Hatzoglou 50, Prajay Paramesh 43) in search of Waratah’s 4/397, as Will Parker claimed 4/74.
He was ably supported by Madura Weerasinghe (2/11), Jason Sangha (2/16) and Jack Wood (2/40).
Paramesh completed a strong day with the bat, making an unbeaten 51 as the Villagers posted 3/90 by stumps (Parker 2/33).
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