A batting masterclass from 2023-24 Goulburn Murray Cricket champion player Asantha Singappuli has delivered Echuca South victory over Bamawm-Lockington United on day two of the side’s round four fixture.

The Swans resumed their innings at 1-36 and got straight to work, with Kadyn Blachford and Singappuli putting on 25 runs between them before the former was caught by Joe Moss off Noah Turner’s bowling for 17.

Jayden Rosin provided a solid cameo while Singappuli toiled away, breaking down BLU’s bowling attack, the pair building a 41-run partnership and getting the Swans’ total over 100 in the process.

Unfortunately for Echuca South, a mix-up between the wickets and some tidy work in the field by Moss meant that Rosin was walking back to the sheds for 20.

Yet, the departure of Rosin gave rise to an even stronger partnership, this time between Singappuli and Rathika Rajakumara, who put on a staggering 113 runs for the fourth wicket.

The pair batted together for 15 overs, in which Singappuli raised the bat for his side, passing 100 for the first time this season and adding the second century of the John McMahon Shield so far.

The duo easily cruised past 200 and looked to be in the driver's seat for the match, but a lapse in concentration by the dynamic number three cost Singappuli his wicket, being bowled by Thomas Dicker for 106, his mammoth 183-ball innings coming to an end.

Eyeing second innings points, the Swans knew a declaration was on the horizon and when Rajakumara’s effective second fiddle innings came to an end on 50, Echuca South pulled the plug and looked to bowl out BLU in the remaining overs.

With a win out of the question for BLU, Echuca South looked to claim second innings points against the Lions who, in their second innings did not get on the front foot.

The man of the hour, Singappuli, struck first, clean bowling Lucas Holgate for 4 runs in the first over.

Just three overs later, AK Gunathilaka claimed the wicket of Joe Moss before Brodie Challis nicked one behind to Grady Smith two balls later, the home side now 3-8.

Noah Turner and Kade Pearse’s partnership was the only point of resistance for BLU, putting on a 50-run partnership for the fourth wicket before Turner was stumped by Smith off Clayton Watson’s bowling for 34.

Pearse departed in the next over, Singappuli striking again late in the day, sending him packing for 18.

Thomas Dicker and Luke Thompson, in a hopeless situation, played out the remaining overs, finishing on six and eight unbeaten.

BLU ended the day at 5-72, not allowing the Swans to claim extra points on them.

Echuca South have now drawn level at 2-2 so far this season and will want to get back into the positive against Tongala at home in a one-day game next week.

Meanwhile, BLU will look to get their season back on track, coming up against a formidable Ky Fire Brigade side in round five at home.

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Thursday, 21st March 2024

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