Northern Brothers Diggers send finals warning with impressive display against minor premiers

The race for second spot in TCI A-grade is wide open after strong days from both Northern Brothers Diggers and Met-Easts.

Matt Hallas of Western Districts is bowled by Sebastian Knoll (centre). Picture: Kevin Farmer

CRICKET: Northern Brothers Diggers have sounded out an ominous warning ahead of the TCI A-grade finals.

On the first day in their last round clash with minor premiers Western Districts, the Dragons took honours at Captain Cook Reserve with a relentless bowling display.

Opting to bat first, Wests was travelling along nicely at 1/44, before Diggers kicked into overdrive.

They took the next nine wickets for just 55 runs, with Todd Martens shining in his first A-grade game of the season, taking 3/17 from nine overs.

“We bowled quite well, kept things nice and tight, and we were pretty restrictive in stopping their run flow,” captain Kris Glass said.

“It was pretty important going into the day. We know how dominant they’ve been all season so it was good to take some early wickets.

“Everyone that bowled did really well, particularly with a few boys away.

“It puts us in good stead heading into the finals. We have an attack that is all-round capable and hopefully it can pay dividends in the next few weeks.”

In response to Wests’ total of 109, Diggers managed to bat out the day without losing a wicket, scoring 57 runs from their 25 overs.

It puts Diggers in a strong position heading into the second day, as they tussle with Metropolitan-Easts for second spot.

“Having to face 25 overs can be a tricky period. Sometimes you can’t gain the upper hand and can probably end up in the negative,” Glass said.

“(On day two) first and foremost we’ll try and get the runs we need, then we’ll see how things pan out

“We can’t control what happens in the other game.”

Met-Easts have set themselves up with an opportunity to claim the first outright win of the season after a dominant first day against Highfields-Railways.

The Bulldogs were dismissed for just 103 runs at Highfields Sports Park on the back of strong bowling from Simon Dennis (4/33).

By the end of the day, the Trojans had first innings points secured, as they prepare to resume the second day at 1/104.

Southern Districts and University are engaged in a tight contest to determine who avoids the wooden spoon.

After being sent in at USQ, Souths had a consistent effort from their batsmen across the day, with five players scoring 28 or more runs to end the day at 7/203.

Hemal Shah was the pick of the bowlers with 4/61 from his 34 overs.

Originally published as Northern Brothers Diggers send finals warning with impressive display against minor premiers