Michael Dawson smacked 112 for reigning premiers Hillgrove Colts in their washed out clash with Ex-Services.

“It’s his first ton since he scored 199 for the Emus in New Zealand this time last year,” Hillgrove skipper Brad King said.

“He batted real well today. Matt Baillie also batted well for 58 or 59 but everyone got a few today.”

Hillgrove made 8-283 in 42 overs with Ex-Services also starting nicely to be 0-52 when the rain came.

Braden Graham was the pick of the Ex-Services bowlers.

In the other first grade match  just 11 overs had been bowled at the Sportsground in a day/night game between Easts and Armidale City.

City were 3-31 with Brad Smith (12) and Paul Woodford junior (13) both back in the shed after Tyson Burey (1-20) and skipper Sam Uphill (2-10) had struck.

“Tyson was bowling hand grenades,” Uphill said of his new-ball partner.

“And he was bowling quick. It was a good sign for us, we were also missing Sam Constance.”

However the rain, about 20mm, washed away any further play and leaves Easts on top, six points ahead of Hillgrove and City.

Easts play Hillgrove (Lambert Park) this Saturday while City and Ex-Services match up at the Sportsground in their Round 12 clash.

FIRST GRADE TABLE: Easts 32 (1.4567), Hillgrove 26 (1.3087), Armidale City 26 (.8939), Ex-Services 18 (.5672).