By Hayley Wildes
WGCA DISTRICT AND SUB-DISTRICT DIVISION
REVIEW – ROUND 7 (DAY ONE)
DISTRICT
Clyde’s bowlers took over on day one of their clash against Carlisle Park to have the Cougars in a dominant position heading into day two.
The Vikings won the toss and elected to bat, but they weren’t ready for the carnage the Cougars were about to unleash. Shane White (6/22) was in brutal form, while Dean Williams (2/9) helped take care of the top order.
The Vikings found themselves at 5/6, before Michael Sinclair (25 not out) and Greg Benoit (19) finally put some runs on the board. Others simply couldn’t match-up against what White was firing down the pitch though and Carlisle Park was dismissed for just 58 runs.
In reply, Clyde – looking for an outright win – came out firing and declared at 3/152 after Brett Reid (54), Shane Webster (51) and Gavin Adams (44) got busy. The Vikings sit at 0/29 heading into day two.
In the top of the table clash between NNG/Maryknoll and Cranbourne Meadows, the Marygoons are in the box seat after dismissing the Rebels for 159. Both teams headed into the game undefeated, with the Rebels boasting six wins, while the Marygoons own a record of five wins and a draw.
Sean Somers (6/45) was in devastating form for NNG/Marknoll, while Daniel Glen (3/26) also struck at key moments as the Marygoons ensured the Rebels couldn’t find their groove with bat in hand.
Somers’ 27 overs included 10 maidens as he rarely bowled a bad delivery. The Marygoons head into day two at 2/52, requiring 108 runs for the win, with Michael Giles (31 not out) and Daniel Glen (10 not out) at the crease.
Cardinia showed no mercy against Emerald as the Bulls piled on the runs in a dominant day. Seven players scored over 25 runs for Cardinia, highlighted by half centuries to Brad Remy (63) and Dwayne Doig (55).
Consistent partnerships throughout the innings frustrated the Bombers bowlers and at the completion of 80 overs, the Bulls had put 9/351 on the board. Clinton Marsh (3/49) was valiant on a tough day for Emerald.
Tooradin’s Bradey Welsh (89) was on fire against Officer, but Ben Mantel (40) and Michael Ralph (26 not out) were the only other Seagulls to get going as Tooradin struggled to maintain partnerships throughout the innings.
With the Seagulls struggling at 3/36, Welsh was joined by Mantel and the pair put on a 104-run stand to drag Tooradin back into the contest. Bullant Adam Reid (6/59) gave the Seagulls batsmen fits though, ensuring Tooradin was never able to get comfortable. Eventually, Officer dismissed Tooradin for 189 in the 78th over.
SUB-DISTRICT
Dustin Peebles (121) was a man on a mission on Saturday. The Catani all-rounder was in devastating form as he opened the batting and anchored the innings to lead the Cats to a strong total against Kooweerup.
Peebles’ century was one of class and composure as his teammates fell around him for much of the innings. With Peebles hitting any stray ball for runs, Josh Bethune (33) and Josh Miller (25) made key contributions to help the Cats to a total of 246. Arie Hazendonk (5/54) claimed key wickets for the Demons.
Nyora is in a strong position to claim its first win of the season, after batting well on day one of its clash with Pakenham. Despite not having won a game yet this season, the Maroons have showed flashes of brilliance and will be looking to defend their total on day two.
With six players scoring at least 20 runs, the Maroons had plenty of strong starts, but it wasn’t until Gavin Hackett (89) and Tom Cottrell (89) combined for a 118-run stand that the Maroons truly got going. The pair played irresistible cricket with 22 boundaries between them as they kept the Lions bowlers at bay and made them pay for any wayward deliveries.
At the conclusion of 80 overs, Nyora posted a total of 8/280 as Prabath Hewage (3/36) bowled strongly for the Lions.
The battle between Lang Lang and Merinda Park is in the balance as we look ahead to day two. The Tigers won the toss, elected to bat and Rajind Dassanyake (85) kept the scoreboard ticking over, but others struggled to stay at the crease.
Dassanyake’s innings was a great one, but some terrific wicket-keeping from David Williams saw him stumped as he looked to be building towards a century. Some strong lower order contributions from Hayden Laidlaw (19 not out) and Jeshan Pius (20) helped the Tigers to a total of 225.
Mark Thomas (2/20) and Josh Phillips (2/25) were the pick of the bowlers for the Cobras.
Pakenham Upper/Toomuc won on forfeit over Gembrook and in doing so, solidified its spot on top of the ladder with a record of 6-0-1.
