HEATH Pyke made a half century as Victoria took command of its fifth-round clash with South Australia in the Australian Country Cricket Championships yesterday.
The Wendouree skipper made 53 to help the Vics to a total of well over 300.
Victoria sits second on the table after a win and a loss from Tuesday’s round of Twenty20 fixtures.
Pyke made an unbeaten 45 in Victoria’s 2-228 against East Asia Pacific – which was bowled out for 189 in reply – before Queensland inflicted its first defeat of the tournament later in the day, hauling in a mediocre target of 104 inside 10 overs.
Pyke’s Red Caps teammate Tristan Dixon made 20 against Queensland, but didn’t get a hit in the victory over East Asia Pacific. He was run out for just one yesterday.
Meanwhile, former Mt Clear player Leigh Kentish continues to impress with the ball, snaring two wickets in each of the T20 fixtures. He now has 11 scalps for the carnival.
The second day of play against South Australia concludes today.