City Colts in box seat to take first innings points against Centennials Bulls

Colts removed the 10-man Bulls for 146 and have already made their way to 3-97 at the Sportsground with a full day's play still to come.

Bulls captain and opener Andrew Brown (62 not out) carried his bat while Ryan Gurney (62) matched his efforts in the middle order.

Jacob Bognuda made a steady start with the ball before his double-wicket eighth over - the first dismissal being Gurney - sparked a middle order Centennials collapse of 4-11.

Bognuda finished as best bowler with 4-39 and Pat Hill had figures of 2-21.

Five Bulls players were dismissed for ducks.

Despite their opponents' struggles Colts' Dan Casey said Bulls made his side work hard for their wickets.

"They weren't at full strength, which made things tough for them, but Ryan Gurney batted really well. We gave Browny a couple of chances but he also batted well.

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"We ended up getting through them but we ended up letting ourselves down in the field, dropping a few catches - as City Colts do.

"They had a great partnership against us and when they came together it was 3-26 but they got it to 4-109. Even though they had a few second graders, and were one short, it only takes a few guys to bat well to build a partnership like that."

Bulls found early hope with the quick wickets of Henry Shoemark (4) and Hill (4) but first drop Jaden Ekert (43) and Casey (27 not out) put a dent in their winning chances with a 49-run partnership.

Dave Henderson (12 not out) is the other batsman in the middle with Casey.

Wickets for Bulls thus far have been shared between Chris Redding (1-36), Kurt Toole (1-27) and Mick Hutchinson (1-16).

"We went out there just wanting to enjoy ourselves. I think we were happy with the day we ended up having considering we were playing short," Brown said.

"We got a couple of early wickets but they put on a few runs towards the end of the day."