Penfold in fine form for Rats

SOUTH COAST CRICKET
JOEL RITCHIE

KERRY Penfold’s magnificent form continued when he scored a century to put Oak Flats in a commanding position after day one of their clash with Lake Illawarra at Geoff Shaw Oval.

Penfold’s 133 was the centrepiece of the Rats’ imposing first innings total of 266, which the Lakers will be chasing on Saturday.

They will resume at 1/24 with Tony McCabe (12) and Mark Ulcigrai at the crease.

Earlier, Ulcigrai (3/32), Craig Acton (3/64), Tony Panecasio (2/52) and Shane Cody (2/60) toiled hard for the Lakers.

Penfold’s century came a week after scoring 99 not out against Jamberoo and was a repeat of his century against the same opponent at the same venue in the 2007 final.

Meanwhile, Warilla Sports look set to score first-innings victory when their clash against Albion Park resumes at Oakleigh Park on Saturday.

The Kookas will resume at 6/121, six runs shy of first innings points.

Nathan Docker hammered 71 for the Kookas, while Albion Park’s Jye Cajar has 2/12.

Earlier, Frank Hidasi snared 6/53 to restrict Albion Park to 127.

Meanwhile, Shellharbour look like snaring first innings points after day one of the match with The Rail at Croome Road.

The hosts will resume on 6/85, still 58 runs short of Shellharbour’s first innings tally of 143. Matt Mielke snared 4/17 for the Razors and Peter Monaghan 3/23 for Shellharbour.

Kiama will be gunning for outright points when their tussle with Jamberoo resumes at Kiama Sporting Complex on Saturday.

The Cavs are on 3/96, with a first-innings lead of 31 after Jamberoo were dismissed for 65.

Dale Scifleet snared 5/10 for the Cavs and will resume on 11 if he choses to continue his side’s first-innings dig on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Balgownie is in Illawarra cricket’s top four after an outright win over Northern Districts at Judy Masters Oval on Saturday.

The Magpies declared on their overnight total of 5/106 with a first innings lead of 11 runs.

They then produced a top-rate performance in the field, rolling Northern Districts for 81. This meant the hosts needed 70 for outright points.

Bally were in trouble at 4/39 but Johnson (21) and skipper Chris Sheppard (24 not out) steered the hosts to victory.

Meanwhile, University scored outright points by an innings and nine runs over Keira at Keira Oval.

The Students also declared on their overnight total of 9/159 then skittled the Lions for 89 to seal an innings victory.

Helensburgh maintained second spot with an outright win over Port Kembla at Helensburgh Oval.

The hosts resumed at 3/62, 112 runs shy of first innings points before racking up 6/186 (dec), for a 12-run, first-innings lead.

At Reed Park, Corrimal scored a handy first-innings win over Dapto. Wollongong are still in the top four after a first-innings win over Wests.