Sport
31 October, 2022
Atherton break Barron drought
ATHERTON cricket's first grade have broken a four-year losing streak at Barron’s home ground Crathern Park after Saturday's match.
Atherton won the toss and elected to bat first on what looked a good wicket.
Barron struck early removing Chris Adams for 11 runs, Alex Nasser and Logan Poggioli were in good touch but both were out cheaply for 19 runs apiece.
Captain Tommy Boorman looked dangerous clearing the rope twice before falling for 36 runs from 39 deliveries leaving the side 4-99.
A middle order collapse left Atherton in big trouble at 7-110.
Teenagers Angus Vikionkorpi and Matthew Neilsen steadied the ship with an excellent 79 run partnership, both showing maturity well above their age.
Nielsen was run out on the second to last ball for 37 from 57 balls leaving the father-son duo
of Ben and Angus Vikionkorpi to finish the innings. Angus was unbeaten on 37 from 65 helping Atherton get to a competitive total of 8-191.
Barron opener Tim Ward wasted no time in the chase with some early boundaries, putting the home side in the box seat at 1-94 at the 17 over mark.
Spinner Mason Blaney took the important wicket of Barron captain Andrew Phelps with a sharp catch on the boundary by Poggioli.
Tim Ward fell shortly afterwards, swinging the momentum in Atherton’s favour. Blaney ripped through the middle order finishing with 4 for 37 from his 10 overs.
An impressive second spell from Ben Vikionkorpi finished off the Barron River tail-end as the home side were bowled out for 138.
A 53-run victory for Atherton as they head into their next game against Norths at Loder Park on 12 November.
