Big chase ahead for Grubbers

Adam Larson hits out during his innings of 30. He shared a last-wicket stand of 37 with Sonny Rutley. (Justin Flynn) 312080_08

Ocean Grove faces a massive run chase next week after Barrabool wicket-keeper Jack Purcell put his side well on top on day one of round two in A2 Grade on Saturday.

Purcell made a delightful 157 from 252 balls and shared a 178-run opening stand with skipper Kane Pickering, who made 59 from 153.

Purcell struck 14 boundaries as the Bulls amassed 3/265 at Ceres Recreation Reserve.

One run out meant only two Grove bowlers took a wicket, but Mick Thornton kept things tight at his end with 0/56 from 22 overs.

Things are even after day one in B1 Grade with Ocean Grove making 155 and Barrabool 3/37 in reply.

Adam Arnold top scored with 37 and Greg Scarpa made 26, but most batters found the bowling of Finn Peel (5/18 from 13 overs) difficult to get away.

The Grubbers hit back late in the day to have Barrabool 3/37 from 21 overs.

Charlie Larsen was the architect behind Ocean Grove’s big score of 5/274 against Winchelsea in B2 Grade.

Larsen made 101 from 161 deliveries while Troy Wiseman made 74 and Ben Hanson chipped in nicely with 62 not out from 59.

Wallington proved too good for Ocean Grove in D grade, winning by five wickets.

Matt Bellingham (31) and Adam Larson (30) helped Grove to 136 all out, but Wallington won with five wickets and six overs to spare.