Innswood, Eltham in first-innings battle

LAST year's runners-up Innswood High are odds-on favourites to take first-innings points against five-time champions Eltham High after the first day of the Corporate Area Issa/Grace Shield Premier League cricket final at Melbourne Oval yesterday.

Replying to Innswood's 198, Eltham struggled to 116 for six with Joseph Dennie stroking his way to 57 from 120 balls. He hit eight fours and a flat six over long-off before being dismissed by Peat Salmon, who also had the wicket of the experienced Kino Paul Sailsman (11 runs) to finish the day with figures of two for 27.

Batting first, Innswood battled to a competitive total on a pitch producing inconsistent bounce and offering grip and turn for the slower bowlers.

Kemar Foster topscored with an even 50, inclusive of eight fours from 102 deliveries, while Peat Salmon supported with 38 as captain and premier batsman Oraine Williams was dismissed for just 14.

Eltham captain Sailsman was the chief destroyer with seven for 73 from 19 overs and two balls to restrict their parish rivals after they were 94 for one wicket at one stage. Dennie was the other main wicket-taker with two for 75 from 31 overs.

Play resumes today at 10:00 am with the teams vying for first-innings honours in the three-day encounter. Jevon Ennis (20 runs) and Shawn Headlam (6 runs) are the not out batsmen.

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