ILLAWARRA CRICKET
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Dirk Cameron returned from three years in the mines to strike gold for Wests Illawarra with a solid 70 as the Red Devils claimed first innings points from Wollongong at Figtree Oval.
Wests didn’t win a game last season but have already beaten premiers Keira in round one and can push on for outright points after a dominant day one in round three against Wollongong.
With another new signing, English import Olly Thompson taking 5-36, Wests rolled the visitors for 137 and will resume at 3-155, a lead of 18. Sameer Murthy (24) top-scored for Wollongong.
Cameron hadn’t played in three years but was rushed straight into first grade and repaid the faith with a fine half century against his former club.
‘‘Work meant he couldn’t play at all but he’s a good bat and didn’t give a chance ‘til he got out,’’ said Wests skipper Josh Hill, who was run-out for 59 and put on 128 with Cameron for the opening stand.
‘‘We’ve taken the weather out of it having claimed first innings, so we’re in a good position. We need to push on now and get a good lead and see what happens from there.’’
In sweltering conditions perfect for batting, Balgownie must have been surprised to be asked to bat first but made the most of a life-less Uni Oval to smash 9 (dec) 337 against University.
Illawarra skipper David Murphy hammered 65 off 46 balls at the top of the order to set the Magpies flying, with Dean Merola (85) and James Fleming (45) ensuring a commanding total.
After a long day fielding University safely negotiated 15 overs to resume at 0-36.
At King George Oval, Port Kembla recovered from 7-86 but Helensburgh still hold the upper handing at 1-57, chasing 176.
Matt Skora (63 not out) held the Port innings together, with Steve Blissenden taking 3-34 to have the Burgh on track to start the season with three straight wins.
Meanwhile, Keira skipper and NSW Country allrounder Jono Cook returned from overseas to top-score with 67 as Keira posted 190 against Northern Districts.
A outfield slowed by top-dressing made 190 off 77.5 overs more like 220, with tweaker Neil Ryan taking a career-best 6-33 for the Butchers.
It might have been painful to watch but Keira took control with two late wickets from Darcy McMahon to leave the home side 2-8.
At Reed Park, Corrimal left-arm spinner Xavier McDevitt took 6-93 with Dapto batting 89.4 overs to post 224.
Richard Marsh (55) and Chris Georgiou (48 not out) top-scored for Dapto, with both clubs fancying their chances of first innings points.