By RUSSELL BENNETT
WGCA DISTRICT DIVISION
REVIEW – ROUND 4
CARLISLE PARK v DEVON MEADOWS
THE Panthers are in prime position to inflict defeat on the Vikings -the first for this season- and it’s largely down to their newfound run-scoring prowess.
Devon Meadows finished third last in total runs in District last season – a campaign that saw the side finish sixth and miss the finals.
But this time around the Panthers are the highest scoring team through their first three games – and by some margin.
After winning the toss and electing to bat on Saturday at Carlisle Park, the bulk of the Panthers line-up got starts – with Tooradin recruit Ash Adams (70) reaching his second-highest WGCA total, and opener Kyle Salerno (62) recording his second half-century in three innings. The visitors ultimately finished the day on 9/275 (cc).
Devon Meadows seamer and club president Mick Floyd is delighted with the position the side finds itself in at the midway point of the clash.
“I’m very happy with where we’re placed,” he said.
“The ground is pretty slow and they (the Vikings) bowled and fielded really well, particularly in the first session.”
Salerno, in particular, really impressed.
“Kyle Salerno’s knock was all class – probably the best he’s played for the club, and the guys through the middle order accelerated the innings really well,” Floyd said. All told, seven Panthers batsmen reached double figures.
PAKENHAM UPPER-TOOMUC v OFFICER
The Yabbies, meanwhile, face a tricky task at home to overcome the Bullants this Saturday.
After winning the toss and electing to bat, Officer was dismissed for just 154 in 58 overs and if it wasn’t for the middle order combination of Prince Singh (38) and Peter Quinn (54) the situation would have been particularly dire for the visitors.
Luke Gunton was sensational for the Yabbies, recording one of the best bowling performances of his career to date with 5/23 from his 18 overs. He claimed the wickets of both Singh and Quinn, as well as bowling particularly well to the tail. Nick Fairbank also shone with 4/39 in his 19 overs.
But, forced to face a tricky 19-over stretch before stumps, the Yabbies slipped to 2/36 with Rory Gilliatte (6) and Ben Spicer (10) both falling cheaply. Lachlan Porter (1/15) and Brett Reid (1/12) are the wicket-takers so far for Officer.
NAR NAR GOON/MARYKNOLL v CLYDE
Despite a sluggish start with the willow in the closing stages of day one, the Cougars are well-poised to strengthen their grasp on a top-four spot this week against the Marygoons at Spencer Street.
After winning the toss and electing to bat the home side was rolled for 123 inside 57 overs with opener David Macdermid (33) the only Nar Nar Goon batsman to pass 20. The visitors relied on a typically even contribution with the ball, with Kyle Brooke claiming 3/28 and Nick Sadler (2/24), skipper John Simpson (2/7) and Kane Avard (2/13) all chipping in with two wickets apiece.
The Cougars are far from out of the woods yet though and will resume this Saturday on 2/24 after openers Shane Webster (3) and Gavin Adams (12) were both trapped in front late on the first day.
