Top score: Callan McKiernan (pictured) recorded an unbeaten 127 in Rovers' win over the Port City Leagues Magpies on Saturday. Photo: Callum McGregor.
Callan McKiernan had an inkling in the days leading up to Rovers’ Premier League match with the Port City League Magpies he was in for a big day with the bat.
McKiernan’s prediction proved to be true as he completed a roller coaster innings to finish unbeaten on 127.
“I actually called it to a few mates of at our Thursday night session we have at the Kempsey Indoor Sports and Development Centre, I told them I felt I was going to ton up on the weekend,” McKiernan said.
The opening batsman watched on as teammate Ethan Brown (1) hit the winning runs as Rovers reached 231 to complete a remarkable run chase in the 33rd over.
While McKiernan admits it wasn’t a text book century, the runs count all the same on the scoreboard and his innings was key in Rovers continuing their climb up the ladder.
“I felt very relaxed when I was batting and was just enjoying it,” McKiernan told the Argus.
“ I brought up the ton by edging one through the slips, that summed up my innings really.
McKiernan stepped on the field determined to leave his mark on the game and kept his mind focused on securing three figures.
“It was the first game of cricket where the only thing I was thinking about was scoring a hundred,” McKiernan said.
McKiernan batted the full 33 overs and was glad he was able to maintain his wicket until the end.
“It was awesome to be not out at the end, it's been a very long time since I've done that, probably since my first hundred (145 not out) in 2012,” he said.
Jackson Korn (39), Tim Smith (22) and Jack Bennett (14) all chimed in to help Rovers surpass the Magpies’ total while Korn was also the pick of the bowlers as he dismissed five batsmen for only 17 runs from his seven overs.
The victory closes the gap between Rovers and a finals spot as they now sit only five competition points behind United, who sit in fourth position.
Rovers face a stern test this Saturday as they battle with Wauchope RSL, who are in second position.