By Russell Bennett
WGCA PREMIER DIVISION
REVIEW – ROUND 7 (DAY TWO)
While the Cougars struggled in search of wickets on day one of their clash at home with Kooweerup, the Demons – with their four-headed pace bowling monster attack – had no such trouble on day two on Saturday.
Defending an imposing 7/338 on day one after a half-century from keeper-batsman Chris Bright (69) and a hugely impressive maiden Premier grade ton from Riley Clark (132 not out), the Demons struck early and often after securing their first breakthrough early in the 12th over at 1/16.
The visitors opened the bowling with spearhead Jess Mathers (2/19) and young vice-captain Luke McMaster (3/9) and it paid serious dividends as the pair took a combined 5/28 from 21 overs.
As a matter of fact, all of their wickets came from catches behind the stumps as a sign of just how accurate their lines and lengths were.
Clyde’s batsmen looked to stay positive, but often seemed caught between rocking back, and coming forward on the crease.
And McMaster and Mathers capitalised.
Hardly any of the Cougars’ most dangerous batsmen could make it out of first gear, with much of the run-scoring responsibility left to all-rounders Liam Bennett (51), Matt Aslett (32), and Brett Reid (22).
Despite entering the round as the top two sides in the Premier standings – with Clyde leading the charge – their Round 7 clash showed that the Cougars aren’t yet fully on top of their battle for consistency.
They were never realistically in the hunt for victory, as evidenced by some truly head-scratching dismissals.
Captain-coach Mark Cooper was the Demons’ other multiple wicket-taker with 2/20.
Inconsistency has been something that’s plagued the Rebels all season to date, but on Saturday they showed the depth of their ability with the bat – chasing down Devon Meadows’ 266-run total at Glover Reserve.
Cranbourne Meadows reached the total with two wickets and little more than an over in hand, thanks in no small part to half-centuries from Jahanzaib Athar (55) and Kulith Rabel (65).
The remaining games of Round 7 played out as expected, with Tooradin’s middle order leading the charge in its 225 in reply to Cardinia’s 157; and Pakenham (6/222) proving too strong for Merinda Park (221). Jack Anning recorded his second half-century in as many Premier games, while the sublime Chris Smith – in just his second Premier game of the season – added 87 to his 106 from Round 6.
The Gazette’s full WGCA coverage – including complete recaps of the Premier, District, and Sub-District divisions; in addition to a run-down of all the other grades action – will return early in the new year, along with the Cricket Snicks, ladders, and scoreboards. Turn to page 52 for a recap of the other grades across the WGCA.
