Winning the toss, the Saints had a bat on a pitch that was quite damp.
Berrigan’s opening pair of Tristan Meers (30) and Andrew Parr (20) got the Saints away to a flying start, scoring at more than five runs an over early.
However bowling changes and the pace coming off the ball made for very challenging batting conditions.
Mears was particularly aggressive, hitting six boundaries before being bowled by Andrew Hogan.
Hogan struck again just before drinks, having Parr (20) adjudged LBW.
After the drinks break Berrigan captain Jacob Bartlett (5) was given out LBW for not offering a shot.
The Rhinos had slowed the scoring, having Berrigan 3/64 in the 17th over.
Rory Bartlett (26) was the only other player to handle the conditions, with the Saints eventually all out for 126 in the 47th over.
In reply the Saints started strongly with Deniliquin at 3/12, with Rory claiming 2/5 after seven.
Rhinos captain Boddie Arthur (5) departed early after some umpire consultation, caught at slip by Mears. Rory was the successful bowler for the Saints.
Anthony Bradley (3) was Rory’s second wicket, caught at gully.
Peter Wilson (0) was trapped LBW and Rory was on a hattrick.
The Rhinos were in early trouble at 3/12 off nine overs.
Rory had the three wickets, but Jack Bartlett was equally quick and tight.
Dean Herberte saw the ball off and combined for a 26 run partnership.
He was was scoring freely off the spin of Conboy and played a powerful lofted on drive bringing up a boundary.
Dean (13) tried to repeat the same shot next ball but was caught at mid-on by Darcy Pyle.
Hillier was playing a stalwart innings against some very tight pressure bowling.
Hogan and Hillier had the Rhinos at 4/74 going into the last over of the day.
Hillier (17) had played beautifully but blocked the last ball off Conboy only to see it roll back onto his wickets.
It was a massive dismissal for Berrigan, who celebrated hard.
Patient batting from Deniliquin saw them finish the day out 5/74 after 33 overs.
With next week’s 80 overs to play, the Saints are still leading by 52 runs and will require five quick wickets.
•••
Berrigan’s under-14s two-day match saw them travel take on Tocumwal for round nine.
Winning the toss, the Saints sent the Bloods in with Lachie Packer grabbing the early wicket of Chase Dickins for six bowled.
But Archer Chellew (33 not out ) and Lucas Baron (15 no) remained undefeated with Tocumwal finishing 1/72 after their first 20 overs.
In reply the Saints finished 0/56 with Lachie (20 no) and Josh Monteath (22 no) trailing by 16 runs with another day to play this Saturday.
Lachie claimed the Federal Hotel Parmi Award and Josh picked up the Berrigan Cafe small pizza and drink award.
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