Wallington still in the hunt despite loss

James Tilders is bowled by Colin Smith for a duck (Ivan Kemp) 378782_01

Wallington remained in the hunt for an A2 Grade finals spot despite losing a thriller to Portarlington.

The Wallabies will enter the break in fifth spot a game and percentage behind St Leonards.

Wallington made 9/149 batting first with three players getting 23 (Nick Adamson, Adam Bovell and Damien Biemans) and one making 24 (Dane Wise-Graham).

Stephen Illingworth bowled well with the new ball to take 3/18 while James Tilders snuck in for three wickets.

Brenton Toole started Port’s run chase off nicely with a brisk 35 from 36 balls, but 6/76, Wallington looked like getting over the line.

Colin Smith was devastating with 4/11 from eight immaculate overs and Wise-Graham chipped in with 2/32.

Illingworth (33) and Matthew Long (34 not out) then got Port to 6/112.

At 8/123 it was going down to the wire, but Long and Mitch Grinter (9 not out) saw the Dees home 11 balls in hand.

Queenscliff got the points in a high-scoring B2 Grade affair.

Damian Howsam continued his fine season with the blade with 91 off 87 deliveries with Wallington making 6/222. Marc Occhipinti made 41 and Matt Shipsides was not out on 25.

However, Queenscliff got the runs easily with Nathan Merrett (66 not out) and Alex Baker (50) making half centuries. The Coutas were just three down with 22 balls in hand when they passed the total.