A CENTURY by opening batsman Vince Tullio helped steer Kealba/Green Gully into a strong position after the first day of its George Luscombe Shield clash against Gladstone Park at Green Gully Reserve.

Batting in warm and windy conditions on Saturday, Tullio’s knock of 119 combined powerful stroke play with fine running between wickets, and guided the Cougars to 8/272 at the end of their 80 overs.

Tullio shared in a 115-run first-wicket partnership with stand-in captain Andrew Lambropoulous to swing the game into the home side’s favour after impressive early bowling by Gladstone Park duo Nathan Fitzpatrick and Dean Pitts restricted Kealba to 1/25 in the opening 16 overs. Speaking after the day’s play, Kealba treasurer Tony Hosking was full of praise for a humble Tullio, who declined to comment after his impressive effort.

“It was probably the best innings that we’ve actually seen in the 30-year history of our club,” Hosking said. “Gladstone Park is the top of the ladder side, undefeated. That probably factors into me saying it was the best innings because it’s first versus third on the ladder and with the pressure on he’s come through in the best way possible.”

Hosking said Tullio’s performance was made more significant given Kealba was missing captain-coach Danny Viani and middle-order batsman Dave Morris from its batting line-up.