Panthers claw Marygoons

By Nick Creely

WGCA DISTRICT DIVISION
REVIEW – ROUND 13 (DAY TWO)
For the third straight District season, Devon Meadows are the minor premiers, and seemingly the team to beat.
While the Panthers managed to claw its way to victory against Nar Nar Goon/Maryknoll at Officer on Saturday, the likelihood is, that these two teams may be fighting for something even grander in the coming weeks.
Chasing a gettable 231, the Marygoons lost top three batsmen Nick Bransgrove (5), Kyle Dorman (10) and Harrison Webb (16) to be battling on 3/36.
With a partnership needed, Daniel Glen (50) fought hard against the tide of skipper Ash Adams (3/57) and Jason Dodd (4/45) to steer the home side back on track.
But a top class spell by Dodd saw Brad Senior (30), Glen and Sean Somers (0) dismissed in quick succession, and the home side eventually fought their way to 186 after being 8/149.
The Panthers went back in after banking the victory, with Sam Van Der Zalm (47 not out) belting a few to the boundary in his 13 over stay that saw the minor premiers finish on 1/75.
Down at Rutter Park, a swashbuckling century to Andrew Galley guided Officer to a crushing victory over Tooradin.
Galley (113 not out) almost single handily outscored the Gulls’ first innings total of 117, belting the ball to all parts in a brilliant knock as the Bullants racked up 6/191 within 38 overs before declaring.
Kane Latham (56 not out) ensured the Gulls could salvage something out of the day, with the home side finishing on 1/77 off 35 overs in their second dig.
Cranbourne Meadows, meanwhile, had little qualms in reeling in Pakenham Upper Toomuc’s 206 at Lawson Poole.
The Rebels made light work of the chase, crossing the Yabbies three wickets down before going on and finishing on 4/244 before declaring in 60 overs.
Three half centuries were scored by the home side, with Sunny Paul (58) continuing his unbelievably consistent season, David Vannes (67) pumping out a decent total, while Jahanzaib Athar (73 not out) thrilled late in the innings.
The Yabbies were in a world of trouble late in the day, with the visitors losing five late wickets in the second innings to finish 5/38.
And Carlisle Park Vikings found some electric touch with the ball, rolling Clyde at Lineham Oval.
Setting the Cougars an unlikely 333 for victory after an Ammar Bajwa ton on day one, the all-rounder picked up 3/41 as the home side rolled over for 142.
Michael Sinclair (2/31) and Nick Macdonald (2/24) were also in the wickets, while Steve Russell (29) top scored for the home side.
With just one round left to play, the finalists are set in stone, with Devon Meadows, NNG/Marknoll, Cranbourne Meadows and Carlisle Park Vikings the top four sides of the season.

WGCA SUB-DISTRICT DIVISION
REVIEW – ROUND 13 (DAY TWO)
Anything is possible in cricket, and heading into what will the final round of the home and away season, Gembrook is still a chance to feature in finals action.
After the Brookers belted Cardinia at Gembrook Sports Ground, they sit just 12 points away from fourth, and with superior percentage to fourth placed Pakenham.
The home side carved up the Bulls after resuming at 2/117, well ahead of their first innings target of 98, and skipped to 4/256 before declaring, with Ryan Scott (101 not out) crunching another ton, and skipper Geordie Scott (72) continued on with his sublime season with even more runs.
The Bulls fought hard to finish the day on 3/133 after 40 overs, with Brady Boswell (62 not out) making a half century.
Down at Catani, Nathan Phillips smashed another century, making 105, but it wasn’t enough for Aura Vale to reel in the Cats’ 263.
The Lakers were cruising at 3/175 before Phillips was removed by Daniel Glover (2/58), but were skittled by Tyler Molloy (5/30), who finished with his second major bag of the season as the home side rubberstamped its dominance.
Pakenham’s loss to Lang Lang, meanwhile, made it vulnerable to the Brookers’ finals advances, with the Lions beaten comfortably by the Swamp Tigers.
Chasing a lowly 149, the Swamp Tigers found the runs two wickets down, with Aaron Creasey (51) and skipper Clint Fulton (68) piling on the runs and helping the home side finish on 7/244.
Shannon Mitchell (3/89) battled hard for the Lions in what was a tough day in the field.
Tooradin (128 and 166) won outright against Nyora (110 and 149) at Cora Lynn, with the Gulls only four points away from clawing off the bottom of the ladder.
In what looms as a crunch final round, Gembrook will host Catani and Pakenham welcome Tooradin to Toomuc in two matches that will determine who finishes fourth.