Sport
20 February, 2026
Cruel exit after a stunning six
WEDDERBURN’S Andrew Brett is the most punishing batsman in Upper Loddon Cricket Association ranks, and he began his innings against Bridgewater on Saturday with a massive six.
The Bulls needed something special to knock him over before he could do too much damage, and they managed it thanks to the cruellest dismissal in the books.
Opening bat Steve Giorlando whacked a straight drive which deflected off bowler Andrew Collins’ hand and onto the stumps with Brett out of his ground, and the star perished for just those six runs.
With another big hitter in Will Holt also dismissed cheaply, the Band had to fall back on a solid opening partnership between Giorlando and Finn Turnbull and late order heroics by Luke Holt and Rohan McHugh to compile their total of 9-254.
Giorlando, who bats all over the order for Wedderburn, strode out to face the new ball, and he made the most of his opportunity.
His innings mixed solid defence with deft late cuts, helpful edges and flat-batted drives as he held the top order together on his way to 56.
Turnbull was first out for 33 after a 75-run opening stand.
Isaac Holt came and went quickly after hitting three fours, but Will Holt looked threatening until he was clean bowled by Andrew Collins for 10.
When Giorlando fell, the Band had lost 3-10 and the innings was perilously placed at 5-127.
Luke Holt and McHugh (37) then put on 53 for the sixth wicket, with Holt last out for 54 which included nine fours.
With his distinctive slinging action, Seth Hewett-Scull bowled an excellent, if unlucky, opening spell for Bridgewater, with skied balls falling tantalisingly close to fieldsmen on several occasions.
He got his reward after he switched to the pavilion end and captured Turnbull, but he took some late punishment to end with 2-59 from 11 overs.
Dave Harrison bowled just five overs but reaped the rewards with 3-14.
The Bulls had time to face 12 overs, and batted carefully to reach 1-26 at close of play, with Colling dismissed for seven by Will Holt.
The match resumes on Saturday, with just round 16 remaining before finals.
The Bulls are last on the ladder and success on Saturday would lift them to fourth place.
Their round 16 meeting with Arnold, currently fourth , may decide the finals line up.