Sport
28 November, 2025
Dropped chances let Swans fly
After winning the toss, the Saints opted to bowl first, and were rewarded early when Brad McKinnon produced a sharp run-out to remove Panthers captain Jeremy Dean with the score at six.
ST ARNAUD hosted the Watchem Panthers at King Georges Park on Saturday for their Round 5 clash, with the visitors claiming a 104-run victory on the back of a commanding innings from Daniel Tatarskyj.
After winning the toss, the Saints opted to bowl first, and were rewarded early when Brad McKinnon produced a sharp run-out to remove Panthers captain Jeremy Dean with the score at six.
Daniel Slater and Tatarskyj steadied Watchem, with Slater making 15 before falling to a well-planned wicket from Lachlan Patching.
Tatarskyj then delivered the innings that shaped the match. His superb 127 from 92 balls—including 11 fours and four sixes—was played with authority, yet also relied on making the most of his chances, having been dropped a couple of times and offering several “close” moments throughout. Each time he survived, he regrouped quickly and maintained the pressure, driving Watchem into a strong position.
During this period, St Arnaud found valuable control through Morgan Greenaway, who bowled far better than his final figures suggested.
Entering the attack when Tatarskyj was well on top, he stuck to his plan, maintained disciplined lines, and created genuine opportunities. His composure prevented the innings from escalating much earlier, providing vital balance through the middle overs. Patching claimed an excellent 4/29, while Harrison Saunders added 2/20.
Watchem’s total of 218 was supported by lower-order contributions, including a measured 22 from Collier.
St Arnaud’s reply faltered early at 2/2, before Kynan Torney steadied things with 29 from 36 balls.
Jacob Patching added 10, and McKinnon later compiled a patient and determined 35 from 52.
Watchem’s attack remained disciplined, led by Seamus Lowry (3/40) and a standout all-round performance from Collier, whose stump-to-stump accuracy earned him 3/21. The final partnership centred around survival.
McKinnon remained the anchor, showing patience, discipline and a clear understanding of the situation. Smith offered support, and together they added 36 runs across 11 overs.
With rain building and only five and a bit overs left to survive, the possibility of saving the match briefly emerged —but the innings ended at 114, leaving St Arnaud well short.
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