In the past four rounds, Newman has made 66, 214, 118, and now 92, walloping 490 runs at an average of 122.
That’s some purple patch and one of the big reasons the Flames currently sit fourth, though his latest effort came in defeat to Rochester.
Brandon Byrne (Rochester) — 84 not out
Byrne saved his biggest score of the season when his side needed it most.
A watchful 84 off 123 deliveries saw Rochester comfortably chase down 229 and keep themselves in the hunt for finals.
Angus Martin (Rochester) — 78, 1-49
Martin had a crucial part to play with bat and ball.
As opposed to Byrne’s watchful innings, Martin’s 78 runs came off just 65 balls and included eight boundaries, while his sole wicket was the important one of Paul Newman.
Anthony McMahon (Moama) — 79 not out, 1-14
Back in the runs and past the 500-mark following Moama’s clash against Nondies-Cohuna.
McMahon wasn’t truly bothered in a modest run chase and blasted 79 off 55 deliveries, including nine fours and five sixes. One of the top three bats in the league at present.
Curtis Townrow (Echuca) — 94
A typically powerful innings from the Echuca left-hander, his runs coming off 56 deliveries against Cooma.
Just six runs short of the ton but that will matter little to Townrow as Echuca head into the break in second on the ladder.
Jayden Rosin (Echuca South) — 64 not out, 2-31
An important performance with both bat and ball against Tongala.
But it was his watchful 64 in pursuit of the Blues total of 136 that saw the Swans navigate the chase without any real concerns.
In the top 10 run-scorers for the season.
Asantha Singappuli (Echuca South) — 35 & 2-8
Singappuli may just be leading the charge for the Turner Medal.
Third in the runs and second in the bowling stakes in the shield, the Swans spinner enjoyed economical figures of 2-8 off nine overs and took his runs tally past 500 with 35 against the Blues.
Regis Chakabva (BLU) — 76
The Lions skipper ensured his side would not be troubled in chasing Leitchville-Gunbower’s total of 125.
Chakabva showed no mercy with 76 runs off 41 deliveries, an innings that included five fours and six maximums at Bamawm reserve.
Liam Hamilton (BLU) — 28 & 3-17
Hamilton played a key part in the 94-run opening stand with Chakabva but also led the Lions bowlers in the wickets in a solid all-round showing.
Stephen Townsend (Tongala) — 57
Townsend posted the highest individual score of the season for a Tongala batsman as the Blues logged a competitive performance against Echuca South.
Sean Williams (Rochester) - 4-29
Although missing out with the bat in Rochy’s win over Kyabram, Williams’ nine overs with the ball proved fruitful.
He claimed best round nine figures of 4-29, including the in-form Bohden Learmonth for 69, to pump the breaks on the Flames batsman after they made fast start.
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