North Ballarat has hit back hard after struggling with the bat against East Ballarat on the first day of the Ballarat Cricket Association firsts grand final at the Eastern Oval.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Hawks took the early honours by dismissing North Ballarat for 131, but is in trouble itself after a top order collapse which has it 4-32 after an intriguing run of events on Saturday.
Hawks opening bowler Ollie Hayes initiated the first collapse of the day.
He captured 4-32 off 21 overs, sparking the trouble with the first wicket of Janath Tissera and then dismissing the dangerous Connor Miles for five right on drinks.
The wickets continued to tumble and although there were blocks of resistance by East, it was not until a last-wicket stand between Ash McCafferty, 34no, and Mitch Nicholson, 14, that runs freely flowed without interruption.
North Ballarat was in deep trouble when they joined forces at 9-79, having lost 3-6.
They added 52 in what by the end of the day looked worth much more.
Tristan Dixon's off-spin snared 3-44, including a wicket with his first ball, after being introduced first change.
McCafferty and Adam Eddy then turned the contest on its head as the ball continued to dominate.
They had the Hawks reeling at 3-2 before to be stumps trailing by 99 with six wickets in hand.
Play resumes on Sunday.
