Tonkin the destroyer returns to do battle

After returning from a holiday in Thailand, former Country XI stalwart Craig Tonkin singlehandedly destroyed Royals’ bowling attack with a punishing unbeaten century to give North County their first win of the new season on Sunday.

Tonkin missed the first two Albany Cricket Association A-grade rounds while on holidays and put aside any plans of retirement to deliver a devastating 166 not out in the Bulldogs’ total of 253.

His innings included 11 sixes and 12 fours. He took a particular liking to Lions seamers Angus Andrew, Jarrad Dawson and Sam Bloor on his way to a century, before letting loose in the final eight overs to steer the Bulldogs past 250 in their 40 overs.

Only Lions captain Steve Denton went for less than five runs an over, as Andrew (6.5 runs per over), Dawson (9.3), Bloor and Carden Taylor (5.25), and Patrick Butler (7.75) all returned less than impressive figures, while Mark Hills’ only over went for 19, including two sixes from Tonkin. Despite their poor effort with the ball, the Lions produced a gritty display with the bat, Butler and Andrew sharing a 115-run opening stand which lasted for 23 overs.

Tonkin removed his former team-mate Butler for 31, which signalled the start of the Lions’ demise.

Seamer Mitchell Woods (3-25) then claimed the wickets of Andrew, for a well-compiled 79, along with the dangerous duo of Bloor and Abrahams, to snuff out any chance the Lions might have had.

Teenager Jordyn Pietrala (3-29) helped restrict the Lions to 9-185, giving the Bulldogs a 41-run victory.

Denmark continued their excellent start to the season and joined Collingwood Park at the top of the ladder with a four-wicket win on home soil against Manypeaks.

Matt Burton starred with both bat and ball for the Magpies, taking 3-30 in Manypeaks’ innings of 164, before making a responsible 44 as his side finished on 6-188.

Peter Ross (39) and Damien Amesz (34) helped the Magpies on their way to their second win.