A spectacular display from Astor Rats allrounder, Isaac Walker, consigned the Coolavin to defeat yesterday in what was the first match of the season for both sides.
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Walker's 120 in the first innings was complemented by a haul of 3-26 in the second, a performance which spearheaded the Rats' upset of a Coolavin side which was not without game-changing cricketers of its own.
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After the Rats won the toss and elected to bat first on Carr Confoy - the venue of the match was changed due to the rain on Thursday and Friday - Miraj Hossain came in early at number three and put together a critical 55 which anchored the early part of the innings.
In concert with Andrew Munroe, Hossain saw the score progress from 2-29 to 3-88.
Munroe's dismissal for 24 brought Walker to the wicket, which then saw an onslaught begin. Although wickets fell regularly at the other end, Walker was too good for the Coolavin's bowlers and he batted through to the final overs.
Shortly after Walker was dismissed for the ninth wicket, the Rats' innings was ended on the final delivery of the 40th over, with the score at 257.
In response, the Coolavin's batting faltered as they only managed 15 more runs than Walker scored by himself.
The second innings was stifled by consistent wickets from the Rats' bowlers, and Walker was aided by Daniel (2-30) and Ben Munroe (2-11), while Hossain and Andrew Munroe picked up one apiece.
A slow start to the First Grade season sees the Rats climb to second on the ladder with their opening win, behind Marulan who benefited from a walkover victory after Crookwell forfeited due to a lack of numbers on Saturday.
It was the second time in as many weeks that Crookwell were unable to field a side, due to what captain Jake Patterson said was sheer bad luck, as a number of players in the team have had conflicting commitments.
Next Saturday, on November 13, will see a first-versus-second clash take place as the Rats and Marulan face off at the latter's home ground.
Meanwhile, Crookwell and MBK United will both look for their first win of the year at the Grange. Both matches will begin from 1pm, while the Coolavin will have the bye.
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