EAST Gambier easily accounted for Penola over the weekend, claiming a first innings victory at Scott Park thanks to an even contribution from their batsmen.
Dion Stratford was the standout for Easts as he compiled a hard-hitting 63 from 123 balls which included nine fours and three sixes.
The innings was a welcome return to form for the wicket-keeper batsman who had managed just 30 runs from his last five knocks, having started the season in fantastic touch.
Penola was always going to be up against it after posting a modest total of 134 on day one of the clash but they came out with the right intent to start the day which led to the early wicket of Leigh Von Duve for 11.
That brought Steven Cameron out to the middle to join Ben Hentschke with the pair riding their luck.
They survived a couple of edges and a few close LBW shouts but were able to keep the scoreboard ticking over by pouncing on the loose balls from the Penola bowlers.
Hentschke eventually fell for 14 and was shortly followed back to the sheds by James Sullivan (9).
Penola had their fourth wicket soon after as Cameron departed for a well-made 30.
Having reduced Easts to 4-92, Penola had a faint pulse but that was quickly snuffed out as Stratford and Emerson Marks (19) combined for a 39-run stand to take Easts within touching distance of a first innings win.
Stratford and new partner Ben Robinson (19) finished the job and, along with Alex Hentschke (10 not out), allowed Easts to declare at 7 for 208.
Michael Waters was the best of Penola’s bowlers, finishing with 3-51 off his 20 overs, while Zac Zema also chipped in with two wickets.
With just 14 overs to be bowled, an outright victory for Easts was always at long odds and only a shocking collapse from Penola was going to allow it.
Three wickets did fall to add some nerves to the Penola change rooms but they were able to see out the day without further drama.
The win moves East Gambier into third spot on the A Grade Hoggies Wines Barber Shield ladder while Penola remain in second place.
Tomorrow, Round 9 gets underway with Penola taking on North Sportsman’s, while East Gambier battles South Gambier at Scott Park.
RESULTS:
East Gambier 7 for 208 dec (D Stratford 63, S Cameron 30, M Waters 3-51, Z Zema 2-9) defeated Penola 134 (M Smith 55, L Jones 20, B Hentschke 4-38, L Turley 3-20) and 3 for 12.
