By Hayley Wildes
WGCA LOWER GRADES
REVIEW – ROUND 14 (DAY TWO)
B GRADE
Officer took care of business against Tooradin and finished the season on top of the ladder.
The Bullants’ total of 285 was more than enough against the second bottom Seagull outfit.
Tooradin struggled mightily and if it wasn’t for Kaine Bundy’s fighting knock of 56 runs, their total would’ve been much lower than the eventual 173 runs.
Jayson Dryden (4/31) impressed with the ball for Officer.
Catani just got home in a low-scoring affair against Carlisle Park. Having restricted the Vikings to just 133 runs, the Cats began day two at 1/6 and their batsmen struggled to stay at the crease as Paresh Naik (3/25) and Jesse Fitzgerald (2/32) claimed multiple wickets.
At 4/34, Catani needed a steadying hand and George Zekic (55) provided just that. Wickets continued to fall around him though and when Zekic was dismissed, Catani stood at 8/121.
Scott May (11 not out) and Leigh Jose (11) eventually guided the Cats home with a total of 9/141.
Having restricted Aura Vale to just 120, Devon Meadows flexed its muscle on day two. After starting the day in the dangerous position of 3/38, the Panthers controlled proceedings on Saturday as Arthur Churchil (65) and skipper Mick Floyd (49) got busy.
Despite the best efforts of Aaron Corrin (4/79) and Dapinder Singh (3/29), Devon Meadows claimed the win with a total of 231.
Cranbourne Meadows and Emerald played out a one-day contest and it was a nail-biter. The Rebels posted a total of 8/212 in their 40 overs, led by David Vannes (63) and Sami Muzaffar (58). Hunter Wardale (4/51) and Jake Santini (3/30) bowled well for the Bombers.
In reply, Emerald fell just four runs short of win, dismissed for 209 in 39 overs. Jai Wardale (51), Rawley Van Haren (47) and Hunter Wardale (40) almost got their team home, but the Rebels bowling attack – led by Munish Mahajan (3/24) claimed wickets at crucial moments.
In a big weekend of semi-final clashes, Officer will take on Carlisle Park at Officer Recreation Reserve, while Devon Meadows meet Cranbourne Meadows at Glover Recreation Reserve.
C GRADE
Pakenham Upper/Toomuc finished on top of the ladder after defeating Officer. The Bullants posted a total of 162 and the Yabbies got solid contributions across the board to chase down the total with relative ease.
Mitch Mibus (65 not out) top-scored as five Yabbies scored at least 20 runs on their way to a total of 7/195 in 77 overs.
Pakenham made light work of Cardinia on day two after dominating day one. The Lions posted a total of 8/287 and defended their total by dismissing the Bulls for just 82 runs in 39 overs. Duane Lucas (3/9) was efficient and deadly in 10 overs of bowling.
Cranbourne Meadows lifted itself of the bottom of the ladder with a stirring win over finals-bound Clyde.
After posting a total of 247 on day one, the Rebels’ bowling attack was consistent all day with four players taking multiple wickets. The Cougars had many batsmen get off to starts but only Daniel Waite (77) was able to convert as Clyde fell agonisingly short, dismissed for 242 in the 69th over.
Nar Nar Goon/Maryknoll claimed second position with a win over Upper Beaconsfield. The Marygoons struggled with the bat, but were able to defend their total of 7/149.
With Josh Atkinson (5/28) causing havoc, only two Maroons – Adam Lawrence (77) and Ben Amos (26) – made it to double figures as they were eventually dismissed for 131.
With finals getting underway this weekend, Pakenham Upper/Toomuc earned a home final against Clyde, while Nar Nar Goon/Maryknoll will take on Pakenham at Cora Lynn Recreation Reserve.
D GRADE
Kooweerup claimed second position with a cruisy win over Pakenham. Defending a total of 227, the Demons bowlers got to work early on day two and had the Lions in trouble at 5/38.
Jesse Depasquale (5/31) was in fine form with the ball, helping Kooweerup dismiss Pakenham for 121 runs. Skipper Rob Newell (50 not out) stood tall for the Lions.
Nar Nar Goon/Maryknoll took care of bottom placed Lang Lang in a one-day contest. Batting first, the Marygoons – led by opener Russell Jackson (55) and skipper Geoffrey Ball (38) – posted a total of 6/176 in 40 overs.
In reply, the Tigers struggled to deal with Shamraiz Medhi (5/12), with only Alexander Giacco (54 not out) able to make any real inroads as Lang Lang posted a total of 7/127.
Merinda Park demolished Carlisle Park and finished the season in third. After restricting the Vikings to 162, the Cobras had five players score over 30 runs – led by opener Mark Thomas (61) and Josh Hargreaves (72) – to post a total of 349.
The Victorian Vikings claimed top spot after Emerald forfeited their round 14 clash.
Kooweerup will play Merinda Park, while the Victorian Vikings take on Nar Nar Goon/Maryknoll in semi-final clashes.
E GRADE
It was the first week of finals in E Grade and fifth placed Pakenham Upper/Toomuc claimed a win over fourth placed Merinda Park in the qualifying final.
The Cobras won the toss and elected to bat and with Dale Cunliffe (51) and John Cuthbertson (59) combining for 88 runs for the second wicket, Merinda Park stood at 2/120 when Cunliffe fell to Jonathon Rewell (3/91).
Cuthbertson continued to power on, but when he fell, a Cobra batting collapse occurred. They lost five wickets for 12 runs as Chris Vernal (4/59) delivered a brutal spell of bowling.
Eventually, Merinda Park was dismissed for 226.
Returning to action on Sunday for day two, the Yabbies struggled early to stand at 3/48 and in need a steadying influence. A valuable 69-run partnership between Chris Vernal (45) – who backed up his fine bowling display – and Lee Harris (39) gave the Yabbies the upper hand.
Stuart Langley (32) kept the scoreboard ticking over and Brett Carey (31 not out) led Pakenham Upper/Toomuc home with a total of 8/227 in 69 overs. John Cuthbertson (3/50) was the pick of Merinda Park’s bowlers.
F GRADE
F Grade also kicked off their finals with Clyde (fourth) taking on Pakenham (fifth) in a high-scoring affair.
After winning the toss, Clyde elected to bat first and they posted a strong total as Ron Kane (84) went to work. Kane was in brilliant form and combined with Mark Coe (46) and Jake Hodgson (43) for vital middle order partnerships. Eventually the Cougars were dismissed for 273 in the 67th over.
Chasing a big total, Pakenham got to work and despite the best efforts of Ben Cooper (4/31), the Lions batsmen did enough to get home with a total of 7/285 in 64 overs.
