Webster goes on a rampage

Lang Lang''s Daniel Swinburne middles one against Kooweerup. 187323 Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

By Hayley Wildes

WGCA DISTRICT AND SUB-DISTRICT DIVISION
REVIEW – ROUND 5 (DAY ONE)
Despite having not won a game yet this season, Clyde is in a strong position after day one of its clash with Emerald at Clyde Recreation Reserve.
After winning the toss, Clyde elected to bat and a stunning display from opener and favourite son Shane Webster (186 not out) anchored the Cougars’ innings all day. His 186 runs came via 33 boundaries as he punished any wayward deliveries with ease.
Others fell relatively cheaply, but with Webster being as dominant as he was, the Cougars posted a total of 6/294. Clinton Marsh (3/58) was the pick of Emerald’s bowlers.
Nar Nar Goon/Maryknoll struggled mightily with the bat but fought back strongly with the ball against Cardinia to set up what looks like could be a thrilling day two this weekend.
The Marygoons found it tough going from the outset and were sitting at 8/73. Luckily for Nar Nar Goon/Maryknoll, the tail wagged and solid lower-order contributions from Dean Henwood (18) and Sean Somers (25) helped the team post a somewhat respectable total of 122.
Cardinia’s Brad Tanner (3/20) and Daniel Salvato (2/2) were ever-dangerous in attack, taking wickets at vital stages throughout the innings.
With a small total to chase down, the Bulls faltered early and sat at 4/14 as former Cardinia star Dean Henwood (4/16) was absolutely electric with the ball late in the day. The man they call ‘Moose’ will need to continue that form this weekend as Daniel Salvato (11 not out) and Josh Grogan (6 not out) have steadied the innings slightly and will be at the crease when play resumes with their side sitting at 4/31 after 13 overs.
The Seagulls will have their work cut out for them on day two of their encounter against Cranbourne Meadows. The Rebels – led by a near century from Jahanzaib Athar (96) – posted a total of 257 as solid contributions from Sunny Paul (32) and Kulith Rabel (32) ensured a strong total was reached.
Athar shone through the middle order in a masterfully controlled batting performance.
Seagull Daniel Quinn (4/51) was in fine form, while Luke Adams (3/66) and Mitch Tharle (3/72) struck with key wickets throughout the innings.
Meanwhile, Officer sent Carlisle Park in to bat and the Vikings immediately made the Bullants regret that decision. An opening partnership of 111 between Stephen Alderton (40) and David Nutting (98) set the scene for Carlisle Park.
Nutting was in phenomenal form from the outset and helped his team to a total of 9/242 after Officer did fight back once their bowlers got into a groove. Adam Reid (5/78) and Shaun Weir (3/42) troubled Carlisle Park’s batsmen all day.

WGCA SUB-DISTRICT DIVISION

To say Nyora is in a commanding position against Gembrook would be an understatement. The Maroons won the toss and despite losing an early wicket, had tremendous partnerships throughout the innings.
Five players scored at least 45 runs as Keith Maclure (45), Jake Hackett (51) and Brent Potter (82) shone from the outset. Potter’s innings included 14 boundaries in a dynamic display.
An unbeaten 83-run, eighth wicket partnership between Shane Warren (60 not out) and David Norton (49 not out) ensured Gembrook felt the pain late in the innings as Nyora posted a massive total of 7/357.
It’s going to take quite the batting display from the Brookers to pull this one back in their favour on day two.
Pakenham Upper/Toomuc is in control against Catani at the conclusion of day one. After sending the Cats into bat, the Yabbies’ bowlers got straight to work.
Despite the best efforts of Liam Adams (45), Catani was unable to string together potent partnerships as wickets fell consistently throughout the innings. Brian Kulasena (3/44) and Blake McGrath (2/4) bowled strongly for Pakenham Upper/Toomuc as they restricted Catani to 165 in 69 overs.
In reply, the Yabbies sit at 0/21 after eight overs.
Pakenham faltered early with the bat against Merinda Park, but steadied to post a defendable total. Sitting at 3/15, the Lions needed a saviour and it was Danushka Basnayake (69) who provided valuable runs. Partnering with Mitchell Tielen (21) for the fourth wicket, the pair combined for 76 runs when the team was desperate for runs.
Liam Wolstenholme (38) and Sam Downes (36) also provided vital runs as Pakenham was eventually dismissed for 197. Jass Dhaliwal (3/31) was the pick of Merinda Park’s bowlers.
Meanwhile, Kooweerup sent Lang Lang into bat and made immediate inroads. With some tantalising bowling, Ron Bright Jr (3/38) ripped through the Tigers’ top order to have Lang Lang stranded at 5/45.
A commanding 78-run partnership between Rajind Dassanyake (50) and Ricky Caddell (26) steadied the ship for Lang Lang, before Daniel Swinburne (34) provided valuable lower order runs to see the Tigers post a total of 166. Andrew Martin (3/41) was impressive for the Demons.
In reply, Kooweerup sits at 1/13 after Nathan Phillips claimed the early wicket of Daniel Tannahill.