By Lance Jenkinson
WGCA DISTRICT DIVISION
REVIEW – ROUND 7
Officer captain Oliver Brown has pointed the way to a memorable 21-run victory over Devon Meadows in the West Gippsland Cricket Association all-top four District battle at Glover Recreation Reserve on Saturday.
Brown was at his menacing best for the ladder leaders, blasting 128 off 101 balls to lead the Bullants to an unassailable 6/270 off 40 overs.
People were ducking for cover on the boundary fence as Brown launched 12 fours and eight sixes in 131 minutes of mayhem.
Chathura Imbulagoda (37) and Ash Smith (51) added to the carnage for the Bullants.
Devon Meadows was not going to lie down and give up without a fight.
The Panthers can be proud of their run chase, which ultimately came to an end at 8/249 after they ran out of overs.
Nathan Worsteling (51) and Lucas Carroll (60) did everything in their power to lift the Panthers, but it was to no avail.
If this was a precursor to a potential finals match-up, we are in for a mouth-watering end to the District season.
Pakenham Upper Toomuc has further widened the divide between the top four and the rest of the clubs, moving up to third at the expense of Kooweerup at Harry Blackman Oval on Saturday.
The Yabbies’ six-wicket win means that fourth and fifth are separated by a hefty 24 points.
A strong team bowling display by the Yabbies saw Kooweerup skittled for just 115.
The run chase was relatively comfortable for Pakenham Upper Toomuc, achieved in the 34th over, led by Rajitha Ranaweera (30) and Sachee Wijayaratyne (32).
Carlisle Park Vikings consolidated second spot with a five-wicket victory over Clyde.
After a rough start, Clyde managed to claw its way to a competitive 5/155, sparked by 49 not out to Daniel Walton and 39 to Zac Davis.
It was not nearly enough of a total to trouble the Vikings, who passed the target with five overs to spare.
David Nutting led the Vikings charge with 75, including seven fours and three sixes.
Emerald picked up a crucial four-wicket win over Cardinia at the Chandler Oval to maintain its best-of-the-rest title at this point.
Set a target of 194, the Bombers needed only 30 overs to complete the task, thanks largely to 90 from Geordie Scott.
The defeat leaves Cardinia rooted to the bottom of the ladder.
