Cut away: Adam Ward gets a shot away square of the wicket. Photo: Bruce Povey.
Despite posting a competitive total in excess of 200, Rochester has fallen at the hands of Echuca South, led by the ruthless Asantha Singappuli.
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Singappuli’s swash-buckling 94 not out off 92 deliveries and 56 not out from Rathika Rajakumara saw the Swans eclipse Rochy’s 205 runs with six overs and eight wickets to spare, retaining third spot on the McMahon Shield ladder.
But on a day for the batters, Rochester wasn’t without its contributors.
Batting first, Brandon Byrne (17) and Sean Williams put 40 on for the first wicket, with Williams continuing his bright start to the year with a team-high 47 runs from 75 balls.
Adam Ward (34) and Angus Martin (32) were also pivotal in ensuring Rochy’s innings was a far cry from last week’s effort of 79 against Nondies-Cohuna.
Through the gap: Sean Williams finds a hole in the Echuca South field. Photo: Bruce Povey.
AK Gunathilaka bowled well for Echuca South, claiming 3-40 as the pick of the bowling attack, helping his side keep the total at a manageable distance.
With willow in hand, however, Souths were far superior, with Rajakumara providing solid support for Singappuli to work his magic.
Flying: Rochester coach Jake Wright mid-action. Photo: Bruce Povey.
But Singappuli was the difference, with a season-high effort coming off the back of a 42-run knock last week, while drawing praise from Echuca South skipper Ben Eade for his part in the opening month of cricket.
“Asantha just does what he does, he looks a million dollars,” Eade said.
“He’s hands down the best cricketer I’ve ever played with and I’ve only played seven or eight games with him.
Watching closely: Jesse Cuttriss keeps an eye on the ball as it meets his bat. Photo: Bruce Povey.
After a bright start to the season, Rochester now sits 2-2 after dropping their two most recent games, however sit just one game off third spot in eighth place on the ladder.
Send it down: Rochester's Fraser Cleary steams in to bowl. Photo: Bruce Povey.
They will look to rebound strongly in the first two-day match of the season next week, where they will face seventh-placed Kyabram Fire Brigade at home.
The Game
Echuca South 2-207 (Asantha Singappuli 94 not out, Rathika Rajakumara 56 not out) d Rochester 205 (Sean Williams 47, Adam Ward 34, Amila Gunathilaka 3-40)
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