After Wanderers posted the huge score, Kyran Bubb and Ben Easter had worked their way to 1-60 overnight and given their team some hope.

The pair returned to the crease on Saturday, and pushed the score to 93 before Bubb was caught for 63.

Tim Lowe was dismissed three balls later for zero, and from there wickets fell regularly.

McAlpine (103) and Richard Manning (31) tried to spark a middle order resurgence, but it was all in vain as the Gladstone was eventually bowled out for a valiant 258, 117 runs short.

In the other second grade game Orange City completed a decisive outright victory over Kinross. Chasing just 30 for maximum points, the Warriors did so without fuss, or the loss of a wicket.

In third grade, a star-studded CYMS demolished Wanderers Force in a clinical performance.

After being sent in by Wanderers skipper Mick Kennewell, Nick Wright (49), Matt Van Schaik (36), Mick Hannelly (33) and Mitch Winslade (29) all made starts, leading the green and golds to 4-180 after 40 overs.

Matt Winslade (5-19) then grabbed a bagful, leading the way as Wanderers was bowled out for just 64.

Orange City Warriors continued its stranglehold on the third grade competition, easily taking care of Waratahs. Paul Flitcroft (2-9), Ryan Milham (3-9) and Jason Corby (3-22) all grabbed multiple scalps as the sky blues were rolled for 77.

In reply, Daniel Thorn grabbed a rare chance at the top of the order, knocking up 58 of his team’s chase with good support from Jon Harris (12).

Centrals easily accounted for Cavaliers, winning by five wickets. Leon Lincoln (44) was the only Cavaliers batsman to show any resistance as the maroons were bowled out for 127.

Ben Sandford (44) and Chris Beatty (26) led the way for the red and blacks, while enthusiastic but limited batsman Nick McGrath chipped in with 24.

In Centenary Cup, Kinross Young Guns defeated their schoolyard chums by 45 runs, while CYMS Kellys enjoyed an 11 run victory over clubmates Fahys. Orange City won via forfeit against Waratahs.