Butcher’s gamble pays off big time

A BOLD declaration by Warringah skipper Matt Butcher has his team in the box seat to secure first-innings points on Saturday.

Kamsen Rajah batting for Warringah at Weldon Oval.

A  BOLD declaration by Warringah skipper Matt Butcher has his team in the box seat to secure first-innings points on Saturday.

The men in green posted 9-217 from just under 70 overs on day one last weekend at Weldon Oval.

Butcher closed the innings early, keen to have a crack at the Auburn batsmen.

It proved to be a master troke, with the visitors 3-29 at stumps.

“I knew we would have just under 10 overs,’’ Butcher said.

“It was late in the day and they (Auburn) had been fielding since lunchtime and, to be honest, they looked a little lethargic.

“We got a few of their main blokes out so we are in a good spot. But we will need to be disciplined.”

Warringah at the crease versus Auburn.

Butcher was the star with the new ball, snaring 2-10 from three overs. Fellow opener Luke ­Parkinson finished with 1-5 from two overs.

Shane Cook is the player Butcher said would influence the outcome.

“He’s a quality player for us and Auburn is his former club, so he will be fired up this weekend,’’ he said.

“I’m sure he’ll be a handful for them on Saturday.”

In second grade, captain Tim Bourke also led by ­example, taking a superb 6-23 from 16 overs to roll the Eagles for 192.

Third grade are 1-27 chasing 250, with on-the-rise spinner Jacob Aquilina taking seven wickets.

Fourth grade will need to be ­ruthless as they are defending 175, with the away side 2-41 in reply.