CRICKET

MERTON cricketers travelled to Wangaratta to take on the City Colts on a well prepared turf wicket in warm conditions on a quick outfield.

Merton won the toss and bowled, continuing on from last week's efforts against Delatite with the bowling and fielding improving on a weekly basis.

Young spinner Henry Berriman led the way for Merton taking 5/29 crucial wickets in the Colts' top and middle order.

Fellow youngster Noah Whittall with 3/42 alongside Rohan Berriman 2/17 saw Colts bowled out in the 35th over for 133.

Harry Craddock and Ross Mackinnon with two outstanding catches backed up the Merton bowlers.

C. Reid on 35 and G. Marek on 22 were the top scorers.

Merton struggled to build partnerships losing early wickets but Jai Lerch-Mackinnon 36 steadied things for the Merton side.

A late partnership between James Benton 16 and new recruit Josh Johnson 32 (not out), along with Tyson Garlick saw a close finish going Merton's way passing the Colts' total in the 32nd over.

Marek, Ormond, Solimo and Sanders all contributed to the win, each with one wicket for the home side.

Merton have a bye next Saturday, then travel to Wangaratta on November 30 to take on Rovers United Bruck .