The talented all-rounder walked to the crease to face a hat-trick ball with his side in early trouble at 2-10 in Saturday’s A grade Grassmere Cricket Association match against Grassmere.

Tory pushed at the delivery from Grassmere skipper Chris Lenehan as it flew towards the fielder at mid-off.

“It was just wide of the fieldsman,” teammate Nick Kermond said.

“It just goes to show luck plays a part. He could have been out first ball.”

Tory went on to plunder an unbeaten 123, his third century with the Roosters since joining them last season. He also made a ton at Country Week last season.

Tory and Chris Rollo (45) combined for a 134-run stand for the fourth wicket as Wangoom made an imposing 5-196 off 40 overs. 

“We were 3-38 after 20 overs, we were really in a hole,” Kermond said.

He said Tory’s innings had been good to watch.

Princetown recruit Andrew Malone (2-7) and Portland recruit John Grinstead (3-23) helped the Roosters restrict Grassmere to 7-94.

Kermond said his side was setting itself for a tough contest against Yambuk this Saturday as it looks to continue a promising start to the season.

Purnim’s off-season recruiting campaign is paying dividends after it defeated powerhouse Panmure by 23 runs. 

Purnim is one of two undefeated sides after three matches. Dallas Armistead (48) and Richard McKellar (39) combined for a 70-run opening partnership that set up the Bulls’ 8-188. Bernie Harris (32) and Sam McKinnon (27) also made handy contributions.

McKellar claimed man of the match honours picking up 5-33 to halt Panmure’s charge to victory. 

Panmure had six batsmen make double figures but none could score more than 37. 

Key figures Chris Bant (37), Paddy Mahony (34) and Brady Purcell (31) were the biggest contributors as the Bulldogs were dismissed for 165.

In other games, Hawkesdale defeated Yambuk by 20 runs while reigning premier Killarney had a 66-run triumph over Mailors Flat.