MERTON cricketers hosted the Beechworth Wanderers in their last game before the Christmas break. Merton won the toss and batted, making 227 all out in the 36th over on a slow outfield. In-form opener Ross Mackinnon again top-scored with 76 off 71 balls, while young gun Adam Storer smashed 45 off 30 balls, including one huge six that almost landed in the recreation reserve dam. Captain Jai Lerch-Mackinnon added 21 off just 10 deliveries, moving the score along, while Josh Johnson and Daryl King both contributed 18 with the bat. L. Fitzpatrick was easily the best Beechworth bowler, taking 3/25 off 8 overs. Beechworth took the game on, taking advantage of any loose bowling, led by captain Dylan Pool, who smashed 70. Fellow teammate Rahma Schultz contributed 51, leaving the visitors at 1/125 at one point. However, when James Benton took the vital wicket of Pool, the run rate fell, and the wickets started to tumble. Benton led the charge with 4/29, while his younger brother William chipped in with 2/10. Beechworth finished their 36 overs on 8/179. Johnson and Mackinnon were the other wicket-takers for Merton. Merton now sits 4th on the WDCA B Grade ladder, with some big games against the top three sides early in the new year.
