Tatura takes the points after uncomfortable run chase

Skipper Mitchell Cleeland had rallied in the middle order to at least get his side to three figures, although there wasn’t much support, with opener Braden Carey’s knock of 16 the next best effort.

But the Bombers had hope, as they claimed late wickets on day one to see Tatura fall from 1-43 to 4-54 in the blink of an eye, as the visitor finished up at 4-61 at stumps.

It would be a tall ask for the Bombers to deny Tatura, though, with the dangerous Matthew West still at the crease, resuming on 41 not out, and needing a little more than 40 runs to secure first innings points.

But Waaia began positively on day two, as Liam Evans caught Tatura skipper Jayden Armstrong (3) off his own bowling, before Jesse Trower struck to send West packing for 46 and sow some doubt in the minds of the Bulldogs, who were reduced to 6-72.

Cheatley and Nicholas Watt (15) put on 19 runs until Watt was removed, leaving Tatura 16 runs shy of the required total with three wickets in hand, however, it ultimately proved to be a bridge too far for Waaia, as Cheatley (9) and Mathew Macansh (36) safely navigated the remaining runs required.

With first innings points in the bag, Tatura batted on, with the late cameo from Macansh helping the Bulldogs to 133 before they were bowled out after 64.5 overs, and neither side continued on for a second innings.

Jesse Trower (4-45) and Evans (4-56) each picked up four wickets for Waaia as the pick of the bowlers, while Will Trower cleaned up the tail to finish with 2-26 off 6.5 overs.

The two sides sit up toward the top of the Haisman Shield ladder following the contest, with the win having Tatura improve to third on 30 points, while Waaia sits fifth, also on 30 points, with the two sides separated by quotient.

Waaia will look to rebound this week, although that is easier said than done, as it travels to take on ladder leader Numurkah, while Tatura will have two weeks off with the bye.