Gulls spoil the Lang Lang party

Close on the drive for Lang Lang 203687. Pictures: ROB CAREW

By Tyler Lewis

WGCA – SUB-DISTRICT

ROUND 11

REVIEW

Tooradin closed the gap on its home final hopes with a win over second placed Lang Lang.

In a special day for the Swamp Tigers who said goodbye to its old home down the road and played its first ever game at their new ground on Saturday, the Gulls posted a more than competitive 174, with glove-man Ned Harrison notching a vital 75 at the top of the order.

In reply, the Swamp Tigers were bundled out for 137, courtesy of a sensational bowling spell from Jarred Thompson who claimed 2/8 from his eight overs that included three maidens.

The Gulls now sit only two points behind the Swamp Tigers in third position, eyeing off the opportunity to steal a home final at the pointy end of the season.

Cardinia, meanwhile, recorded one of the more authoritative wins over Pakenham.

The Lions won the toss and elected to bat, but it all went downhill from then on as Ryan Little ran riot with the ball.

Little nabbed 5/7 with the ball as the Lions fell for just 48.

In reply, the Bulls opening pair Mohomad Safras (30 not out) and Patrick Nolen (12 not out) clearly had an event to get to after the match, chasing the total down in less than five overs unscathed.

Remarkably, the Bulls and Lions were placed identically on the table before the match, despite the contrasting performance.

Officer climbed off the bottom of the ladder with an emphatic two wicket win over Merinda Park.

The Cobras compiled 148 in the first innings, a position Merinda Park would have been happy with as they are fifth in the competition for runs conceded this season.

The Bullants were in trouble at 4/46 before Nick McLennan (45) and Cooper Pursell (42 not out) combined for an 80 run partnership that drifted their side back into the match.

After the dismissal of McLennan, Pursell could only watch on from the bowlers end as his side swiftly lost 4/17 as it approached the target.

But the number three guided his side home with an unbeaten knock when his side needed it the most.

Kooweerup continued its searing form with another mammoth win over Cranbourne Meadows.

The Dees posted 6/197, some later fireworks from Michael Giles who smashed 55 not out from just 40 balls, scoring more runs than minutes he was at the crease in a terrific knock.

In reply, the Rebels a long way shy of the target, only managing 93 from its 25 overs.

Arie Hazendonk was more than a handful with the ball, claiming 4/4 to swiftly wrap up the match for the Dees.