Tuggeranong Vikings bowler Chris Prescott. Photo: Colleen Petch
A fortnight after entering the Cricket ACT record books with a remarkable 15-wicket haul, Tuggeranong paceman Chris Prescott has again ripped through an opposition batting line-up, routing Eastlake for a paltry 87.
Prescott appeared to have put his side in the box seat when he returned the impressive figures of 6-32, but four wickets from Nick Winter rocketed Eastlake back into contention on the first day of the three-day Douglas Cup semi-final at Stirling Oval on Friday.
Tuggeranong was reduced to 8-55 before its lower order provided enough resistance to secure a lead on the first innings to end a remarkable day's play at 9-135, a lead of 48 runs.
Lakshmn Shivakumar top scored for Queanbeyan with 65 against Wests/UC yesterday. Photo: Jeffrey Chan
Normally regarded as a batsman-friendly pitch, Prescott took advantage of Eastlake's batsmen playing several undisciplined strokes as the ball swung around in the morning.
Will Floros chipped in with 3-6 to send Eastlake back to the sheds.
Prescott's performance came just two weeks after the 28-year-old became only the second player in Cricket ACT history, and the first in more than 80 years, to claim 15 wickets in a single day.
On that day, the Perth product took 8-14 and 7-27 as Tuggeranong beat North Canberra Gungahlin by an innings and four runs.
Winter responded to the challenge set by Prescott, the left-arm swing bowler showing why he is set for a move interstate.
Meanwhile, minor premier Wests/UC holds the upper hand in its match with Queanbeyan after dismissing the Bluebags for 216 in their first innings, with Wests/UC 3-53 at stumps.
Young gun Lakshmanan Shivakumar top-scored with 65, but several others will rue not kicking on after solid starts.
Play resumes in both games at 11am on Saturday.
