Marist Brothers duo Pat Martin and Daniel Hamshaw have led their side to a big first innings total in their LJ Hooker League clash with Ballina.

The Ballina Bears won the toss and elected to send Marist Brothers in to bat and the decision paid early dividends.

Opener Ashley Simes was bowled first ball of the innings, with Matt Cleaver falling in the second over for 5, with the score at just 2/5.

Brad Cleaver did not last much longer, falling in the sixth over for 3, to have the Brethren in trouble at 3/32.

It was left to Pat Martin and Daniel Hamshaw to steady the innings and that is what they did.

Martin plundered the Bears attack, finishing agonisingly close to a century, with 98 off just 81 balls. Martin has been a solid part of the Brothers batting lineup in the 2022/23 season.

Martin's innings included 2 sixes and 12 fours after being dismissed in the 25th over.

Hamshaw was steady at the other end and continued on with his innings after Martin departed, going on to finish with a hard fought 89.

Youngster Hamish Weekes added 20 runs of his own to see Marist Brothers all out for 273 in the 72nd over, a marked improvement on recent innings.

The Ballina side where then asked to face three nervous overs before the first days play concluded, with the home side 0/9.

The Marist Brothers bowlers will look to strike early next Saturday to put pressure on the Ballina top order.