A DESTRUCTIVE 10-over spell from new recruit Nathan Clarke has helped Lucas all but wrap up first innings points over Creswick Imperials in the Ballarat Cricket Association District Division One competition.
Clarke, formerly of Coronet City, opened the bowling and tore through the Imperials' top order, eventually finishing with figures of 5-17. The spell backs up Clarke's round one performance of 3-10 against Haddon, taking his season tally to an impressive 8-27.
Imperials were in deep trouble at 6-28 before some handy lower-order partnerships helped the team to its final total of 91 on the sluggish Creswick outfield.
David Coxall top-scored for the home side with 22.
Despite the early losses of captain Brad Allan and Joshua Clarke before the score could reach 10, Lucas fought its way to a commanding position by stumps on day one.
Opener Jay Anderson was the main man for Lucas, which end the day at 4/88, three runs shy of Creswick's poor first innings total.
Anderson attacked the Creswick bowlers, finishing with 49 after being dismissed late in the day.
Meanwhile, the clash between Burrumbeet and Haddon is evenly poised.
Some handy contributions from the middle and lower order helped Burrumbeet to a mediocre total of 136, but two early wickets late in the day have given the side hope of restricting their rivals. Haddon will resume at 2-7 in pursuit of Burrumbeet's total. The round's other two matches,
Ballan v Buninyong and Ballarat Fire Brigade v VRI Delacombe, were both washed out and will be played under a one-day format this weekend.
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