Big stand seals Magpies first win

Denmark brought up their first win of the Albany Cricket Association A-grade Twenty20 competition in opening match of the day after a century stand between Cary Green and Ryan Gaerth got them over the line against North County at Turf West.

Import Jujar Johal hit a six with his first scoring shot of the innings but departed in the third over, bowled by youngster Jake Abbott for 13, which brought Green and Gaerth together at the crease.

The pair spanked the Bulldogs’ attack to all parts as they both raced towards half centuries as the Magpies pushed on to a big total.

Scoring at nine runs an over, the Magpies reached 135 with five overs remaining before Gaerth finally fell on 59 after a knock that comprised two sixes and five fours.

Gaerth’s departure ended a 104-run stand between the experienced pair and Green fell soon after when he was caught by Steve Tupluk off the bowling of fellow veteran Craig Tonkin for 51.

The Magpies went on to make 8-171 from their 20 overs with Tupuk the best of the bowlers for the Bulldogs, returning 3-21 while Tonkin claimed 2-17 off his three overs.

In reply, the Bulldogs made a terrific start as openers Tonkin and Aaron Williams put their side within reach of the target, scoring at more than nine runs per over in the first 10.

Williams hit five boundaries in a quick fire 38 before he was dismissed by Johal to end a 97-run first-wicket partnership and the Bulldogs slumped to 3-98 after Freddie Fielding and Zander Taljaard both departed without scoring.

Tonkin, however, continued to be the danger man, and with Tyler Crommelin, the Bulldogs were still in the game.

Jason Benson got the major breakthrough, however, with Tonkin caught by Dan Robson for 53.

Crommelin finished unbeaten on 38 but his side fell short on 7-157 in their chase of 172 to win.

Johal picked up 2-18 while fellow spinner Fynn Underwood (2-18) was also critical with the ball to get the Magpies on the board.