Andrew Page and Shaun Thompson piled on the runs in a devastating 181-run stand which helped University to a dominant victory over Dapto on Saturday.
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Uni elected to bat and overcame a slow start to post a credible 6-293 from 50 overs thanks mainly to the work of their middle order duo, before dismissing Dapto for 135.
Battling at 3/38 early on, the hosts took the game away from the Canaries as both Thompson and Page compiled scores of 93 at University Oval.
Dapto’s Patrick Hammond did his best to stem the flow of runs, taking 4-44 off 10 overs, but some late hitting from James Chappell (20 not out) and Andrew Johnson (26 not out) took the hosts within in touching distance of the triple century mark.
“We were in trouble early but the guys that scored runs for us did really well,” University skipper James Chappell said.
“Pagey took a while to get in but once he did he took their attack apart. He was well supported by [Thompson] as well.
“That’s actually his highest score in first grade for us.”
Dapto’s run chase got off to a horror start as openers Hammond (0) and Blake Huard (4) were both dismissed with just seven runs on the board.
Greg Jones (28) and Richard Marsh (38) offered some resistance in the middle order, but the Canaries struggled to get their innings off the ground.
Swapnil Bhatnagar, Vijay Karthik and Johnson all claimed two wickets to help an under-strength Uni bowling line-up – which lost Sam Nicholls (hamstring) when he was at the crease – to restrict Dapto to 135.
“Obviously they weren’t full strength either to restrict them to that with one of our main bowlers out was really good to see,” Chappell said.
“Rhys Voysey was away to on rep duty, so it was a good performance all round.”
University are on of three clubs to begin the season with consecutive victories as Helensburgh and Keira both chalked up back-to-back wins.
Port Kembla were in the box seat to run down Keira, who posted 9-175 from their 50 overs.
Port had three wickets to spare and needed just four runs to win before crumbling under pressure. They lost 3 for 2 to be bowled out for 174.
Dan D'Souza took 4 for 23 off nine overs to lead the Keira revival.
Elsewhere, the Burgh were also made to work hard after being set 171 for victory by Northern Districts at Hollymount Park.
A gritty 57 from Matt Ward proved decisive as Helensburgh ran down the total with five balls to spare.
Corrimal’s total of 233 from 47 overs proved too much for Wests Illawarra to chase down as the Cougars dismissed their rivals for 181.
At Judy Masters Oval, Balgownie set a modest 175 for victory but rolled Wollongong for 149 to come away with the points.
COMPETITION LADDER: Helensburgh 13, University 13, Keira 13, Wollongong 9, Balgownie 8, Dapto 8, Corrimal 7, Northern Districts 3, Wests Illawarra 3, Port Kembla 3.