The young bowling attack was monstered by the Workers skipper and teammates as they made a huge 6/370 to set the trend in the match.

Elsewhere, Merbein South skipper Adam Thomson fell just shy of his second century of the season as the Saints made a big total of 9/287 against Mildura East, while Mildura Settlers are already on the chase after dismissing Coomealla-Wentworth for 168.

It was Petrie’s day as Workers passed 300 for the second round in a row.

While fellow opener Ryan McClure was dismissed cheaply, Petrie shared in strong partnerships including a 143-run stand with Aiden Calarco (57). Petrie was eventually bowled by West counterpart Chris Williams.

Simon Groves was unbeaten down the order with 41, while Brett Cumming and Dave Hogarth each posted 24.

Williams was the best of the West bowlers, taking 3/107 from 27 overs.

It was a day for captain’s knocks as Saints skipper Thomson made an impressive 93 as his side set a big total against East.

After Mark Thomson and Luke Jones were out early, Thomson and Mark White, who made 51, set off a 105-run partnership.

It came to and end when both were dismissed on 184, Thomson falling lbw to Matthew Hunt, and White lbw to Tom Vadlja.

Handy knocks of 37 from Aaron Finch and 22 from Tony Trinnick helped push the total along.

Hunt finished with 4/60 from 23 overs, while Jordan Birch finished with a tidy 2/47 from 19.

Finally, a loss to Coomealla-Wentworth this round will leave them in a tough position to make finals.

They were dismissed by Settlers fairly early on for 168, not the result they would have been hoping for.

Young batsman Josh Coates was the standout with 54, while Tim Smith (32) and Tim Plumridge (23) made much-needed scores.

Mark Kerr and Adam Shepherd were the destroyers with four wickets each, Kerr 4/21, Shepherd 4/51.

Setts are 2/60 in reply.

Irymple had the bye.

This article appeared in Monday's Sunraysia Daily 30-1-2012.