Elliott Stevenson
A hard-earned century from playing-coach Josh Hartill on Saturday has propelled Glenorchy a strong start against North Hobart at KGV Oval.
Hartill is 125 not out off 247 balls, his second ton of the season, with the previous coming against New Town in November.
Ryan Graham-Daft set the tone for the Magpies, hitting 74 off 179 balls, and batted alongside Hartill until he was dismissed by Hamish Ayliffe.
Glenorchy hasn’t won since early December, but at 3-288, will view itself as a likely chance to beat North Hobart.
Hartill was humble in regard to his own innings but was pleased with the day overall.
“It was a good day,” he said.
“We had a good day and enjoyed ourselves, that’s what we ask for.”
While the Magpies finals chances are slim to none, an optimistic end to the season could lead into a more successful 2025-26 season.
“We want to put a few hours of good cricket together and let the good times roll,” Hartill said.
“We definitely want to win a few games before the end of the season, to end the season on a positive note.”
Hartill and Tarkyn Jones [18 not out off 73 balls] will continue at the crease next Saturday, with the Magpies aiming to add to their lead.
“We’ll keep batting on next week,” he said.
“We can hopefully make some more runs and make it hard for the other team.”
North Hobart remain a live chance to be competing in a semi-final in March, sitting five points of Greater Northern in fourth place.
With the Raiders losing to Clarence, North Hobart, as well as South Hobart-Sandy Bay will be eyeing their spot come next Saturday.
Clarence has rose to sixth following its win, courtesy of a century from captain Michael Jones [100 not out off 185 balls].
He was supported by opener Connor O’Brien [61 off 135 balls] and playing-coach Harry Allanby [75 off 148 balls].
Clarence declared at 7-320, allowing Sam Rainbird to continue his fearsome fast-bowling form.
Rainbird took 5/54 off 22.4 overs as the Roos won by 66-runs.
Consistent batsman Jonathan Chapman provided some hope for the Raiders, but it was ultimately not enough as they lost back-to-back games for the first time since the T20 home-and-away season.
Lindisfarne has started strongly against ladder-leaders University, in what looms as an unlikely upset.
The Lions were without much of their senior talent, typified by coach Ben Hilfenhaus momentarily coming out of retirement to play.
The stars for Lindisfarne shone, with the trio of Mac Wright, Charlie Wakim, and captain Keegan Oates all scoring half-centuries.
Jarrod Freeman [89 off 121 balls] has been excellent for the Lightning since his return to the side.
Declaring late on day one at 9-329, Lindisfarne took the wicket of Mason Wright before stumps were called, taking the momentum heading into day two.
Kingborough will be keeping a keen eye on the Uni game, as they look to secure a win against South Hobart-Sandy Bay.
The Knights require two wickets to beat Richard Allanby’s side on first innings, after a brilliant opening spell from Cam Walter [4/33 off 9 overs].
Zak Honeybrook [138 off 147 balls] lifted Kingborough to 249, with his first century of the season.
Honeybrook has been a revelation for team in black and gold, achieving multiple milestones so far this season with the bat, as well as two five-wicket hauls.
Archie Banks-Smith was the sole star for the Sharks, taking 6/56 off 18.5 overs, continuing on from taking 7/44 against Greater Northern in his last game.
South Hobart-Sandy Bay will resume at 8-101, trailing by 148-runs.
Kingborough will go to the top of the ladder if they are victorious, and University fail to chase down Lindisfarne’s total.