The wicket was a batsmen’s paradise at the Meerlieu Cricket Ground last Saturday, but it didn’t phase the improving Tussocks as they had claimed the scalp of the reigning premier, West Bairnsdale in week one of the two-day fixture.
Meerlieu resumed at 9/167 and was bowled out for 171, West skipper Ryan Halford claiming the final wicket to finish with 2/24.
Batting a second time West Bairnsdale made a better fist of it in idyllic conditions, amassing an impressive 1/256 from 47 overs.
West cashed in on the cracking pitch and fast outfield, led by Brodie Anderson, who made a splendid 105 not out from 127 balls, including eight boundaries and two maximums.
Anderson shared in an opening stand of 119 with classy youngster Sam Stewart, who holed out to Des Hine in the deep off the bowling of Jayanga Peiris for 69 from 86 balls, including eight boundaries.
That brought Halford to the crease and the West captain was at his attacking best, knocking up a quick fire 78 from 69 balls in an unbroken 137-run unison with Anderson.
The Tussocks were asked to bat a second time as West hoped to home in on an unlikely outright result.
Stumps were drawn with Meerlieu 1/73 from 20 overs, with Peiris again among the runs with a hard-hitting half century.
Both sides will take plenty out of the match and loom as likely finalists in 2024/25.
After a first-round glitch against Lindenow South Glenaladale, the Tussocks have looked impressive against Metung Swan Reach, Orbost and West.
A winner twice in three games this season, West showed on Saturday what its batting, led by Anderson, is capable of when the conditions are suitable.
