A STRONG middle order performance was not quite enough for the Wimmera-Mallee Cricket Association side to come away with a win on the opening day of country week in Warrnambool.
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The side finished seven-runs short of its target against Colac at Uebergang Oval on Tuesday.
After winning the toss Colac opted to bat first but found themselves in trouble early as Charlie Dean removed both openers cheaply.
The batting side was then 3-40 when Jack Tillig had Cullan Spence caught for eight shortly after.
Liam Hammond and Sam Mulgrew set about resurrecting the Colac innings with a 48-run partnership for the fourth wicket.
Another three quick wickets courtesy of Oscar Hier, Dean and Oliver McGuane had Colac struggling at 6-97.
The Wimmera-Mallee attack could not manage to break through for the rest of the innings as Josh Boyd, 47, and William Mulgrew, 22, allowed the side to finish 6-171 off its 50 overs.
Wimmera-Mallee made a promising start in reply despite the loss of Sandon Schultz early.
Every batsmen managed to make starts before falling in the pursuit of runs. Cody Brooks was stumped for 26 while Harry Cashin was run out on 30.
Sam Griffiths then guided the chase with an unbeaten 53 but it was not quite enough to get the side over the line as it finished 5-165.