By Lance Jenkinson
WGCA DISTRICT DIVISION
REVIEW – ROUND 8
Carlisle Park issued a ‘get outta my way’ to Officer as it opened up a 12-point break at the top of the West Gippsland Cricket Association District ladder.
The Vikings won a top-of-the-table clash between the sides by one-run in a thriller at Carlisle Park Reserve on Saturday.
It was not at all comfortable and it was touch and go there for a while, but the Vikings did all they needed to do to move into premiership favouritism.
Carlisle Park made tough work of its batting innings.
The Vikings stumbled to 5/52 before a middle order revival got the score to a competitive 8/144 off 40 overs.
Anurudhdha Fonseka steadied the ship for the Vikings with 36, while Mark Henry’s 26 was pivotal.
Cooper Pursell (3/35) and Aidan Pipicelli (3/21) dominated with the ball for Officer.
Officer’s run chase started miserably.
The Bullants were 3/30 before they got some traction.
A 69-run fourth wicket stand between Ash Smith (33) and Brett Monagle (31) looked to have the Bullants on track for victory.
However, the Bullants would fall short.
Not even 28 not out from Pipicelli would be enough.
All of Carlisle Park’s bowlers executed their plans to perfection to record a famous win.
Devon Meadows is still breathing down the necks of the top two after an impressive four-wicket win over Emerald at the Chandler Oval.
Set 220 for victory, the Panthers passed the target in just 36.5 overs.
Lucas Ligt top-scored for the Panthers with 55 before going out in an unconventional manner – hit wicket.
Brazen knocks from Nathan Worsteling (41 off 51) and Lucas Carroll (50 off 45) ensured the Panthers victory would be sealed early.
Carroll was also outstanding with the ball, taking 4/29.
Earlier in the day, Owen Thorne equaled his season best score for Emerald with 55, while Clinton Marsh made 40 off just 19 balls, but it was to no avail for their side.
The gap between fourth placed Pakenham Upper Toomuc and the teams below is widening by the week.
The Yabbies have opened up a 24-point break on fifth placed Kooweerup after a 44-run victory over Clyde at Harry Blackman Oval.
Sachee Wijayaratyne (89) and captain Sahan Wijeratne (68 and 4/25) put on a show for the winning side.
Bradley Reiner scored 52 in Cardinia’s (8/190) thrilling two-wicket win over Kooweerup (7/186) at the Kooweerup Oval.
The Bulls reached the target with just two balls to spare.
Earlier in the day, Stephen Johnson made a game-high 53 for Kooweerup, but it was not enough to lift his side to victory.
Another notable all-round performer for the Demons was Andrew Hilder, who made 24, took 3/30 and snared three catches – unfortunately it, too, was to no avail.
