BY PAKENHAM GAZETTE SPORT
WEST GIPPSLAND CRICKET ASSOCIATION
PREMIER
CARDINIA is the only undefeated team left in the Premier competition after its impressive win over last year’s grand final nemesis Kooweerup at Lakeside on Saturday.
Despite the Bulls’ top order failing to capitalise on their starts, their middle and lower orders stepped up to the plate – setting the Demons 185 to win.
Big Sam Cole (34) offered some valuable tail-end counter punching for Koowee but Bulls seamer Brayden Browne (5/16) had a day out – taking a five-wicket haul bowling a nagging line and length and playing a huge role in dismissing the Demons for just 130 in 30 overs.
Pakenham, meanwhile, recorded its first win of the season – a comfortable seven-wicket win over Beaconsfield at Perc Allison. The Tigers won the toss and elected to bat but were restricted to just 137 with skipper Don Kerslake (74) the lone shining light. Zac Chaplin had a day to remember with the ball for Pakenham, snaring a hat-trick in his 4/23. The Lions reached the Tigers’ total in just 33 overs, with openers Russ Lehman (44) and Chris Smith (41) putting on their first big partnership of the season.
In the other two matches of the round, Merinda Park (9/112) got over Upper Beaconsfield (111) in a thriller at Donnelly Reserve, and Tooradin delivered a reminder of its quality all-around talent in a comfortable win over Emerald at Haileybury.
DISTRICT
Continuing to make fools of all who doubted them, the Rebels (152) yelled their way to win number three as Cranbourne Meadows dissected Devon Meadows (9/139). Strong bowling from Matt Hutchinson (2/16), Mick Floyd (2/29) and B. Hussey (2/42) was not enough to curtail a middle-order revival from Brent Murdoch (30) and Tom Smith (41no)
In other results, Pakenham Upper-Toomuc (6/162cc) blitzed St Francis Xavier (63) as Scott Clark (33 and 3/14) feasted on the X-men with bat and ball, Lyndhurst (9/189cc) verified its contender status with a walkover win against Nar Nar Goon/Maryknoll (117) as the purportedly retired Heath Straughair (3/23) spun through the Marygoons. John Simpson (104no) led Clyde’s (6/168cc) emphatic victory over Officer (7/131cc).
SUB-DISTRICT
Catani (166) continued to impress with a nail-biting victory over Cardinia (9/164cc). Not even a saintly appearance from St Kilda AFL footballer Arryn Siposs (35) could arrest the Cats’ charge through the Bulls’ order. In league with younger brother Tamas (18), the Messrs Siposs helped Cardinia post a strong tally, but the Cats had enough to continue their rampage back towards District division. Tom Keily (39 and 3/32) starred for the visitors.
In other results, Tooradin (6/199cc) put Clyde (9/78) to the sword, Nyora (71) was embarrassed out of the match by Lang Lang (4/73) and especially the bowling effort of Ricky Caddell (5/14) while Pakenham (9/175cc) left Emerald (82) in its wake as Duane Lucas (45no) and Shannon Mitchell (3/20) fared best for the Lions.
DANDENONG DISTRICT CRICKET ASSOCIATION
TURF 1
Berwick (9/311) flayed a monster tally at Park Oval as Buckley Ridges was left to fish sixes out of the Dandenong Creek. Buckley Ridges could not break the partnerships quickly enough as Ryan Williamson (36), Jarrod Goodes (20) and Bathiya Perera (21) started the onslaught. The true feast began after Dan Brown (28) fell to Wes Nicholas (2/102). It brought Dushan Wickramarathna (83) to the crease to commence his bombing raid. Cory Bevan (41no) finished the job to push Berwick into 300-territory and leave a sizeable chase for the Ridges next week.
Cranbourne (277) has shown Heinz Southern Districts (1/15) its intent to be the best in the City of Casey with a Steve Spoljaric (70) led smash-fest. In league with the three-time Wookey Medallist were Te Ahu Davis (58) and Cameron Kelly (56). For the home side, Justin Davis (4/70) toiled across 26 overs to curtail the Eagles.
Hallam Kalora Park (0/4) will be chasing hard to knock off Springvale South (277). William Whyte and Jordan Hammond snared three wickets apiece in a hard day of fielding.
VICTORIAN PREMIER CRICKET
DANDENONG showed great improvement despite the back-to-back losses against Camberwell and Geelong. The Premier Cricket double header Dandenong (237) could not nix the Camberwell Mapgies’ (7/269cc) top order as Simon Hill (74) and number three Daniel Rawson (84) plundered a 109-run partnership to set up the victory.
Brett Forsyth starred on both days, scoring 55 in a 123-run opening stand with Tom Donnell (77) before raising his bat on Sunday against Geelong in an exceptional unbeaten 115 not out. The younger Forsyth didn’t miss out on Sunday either as Cameron (42) held on with his brother to post 7/249cc at Geelong Cricket Ground. Forsyth’s knock was emulated by Eamonn Vines (119no) who guided the Geelong chase with an over to spare. Nathan Lambden (3/40) was the best of Dandenong’s bowlers.
CASEY-SOUTH MELBOURNE had a weekend to forget, meanwhile, with back-to-back losses to Melbourne Uni and Fitzroy Doncaster.
Melbourne Uni set the Swans a target of 174 for victory on Saturday, but the Casey side fell 24 runs short (149). Shane Maggs (36 not out and 2/12) had a strong all-around game, while Michael Wallace also added 33.
Sunday’s result was even more comprehensive with Fitzroy Doncaster (8/247) easily accounting for Casey (8/174). Maggs (25) and Wallace (25) continued where they left off with the willow but they were unable to convert on their promising starts. Wicket-keeper batsman Rob Elston (37 not out) top-scored for the Swans but Fitzroy skipper Peter Dickson (69) proved the difference-maker for his side.
