By Tyler Lewis
MORNINGTON PENINSULA CRICKET ASSOCIATION
PROVINCIAL
It was a Dylan O’Malley special for Old Peninsula on Saturday in its clash against neighbouring rivals Mt Eliza.
The dashing opener crunched 105 for his Pirates side, as they posted 5/172.
Pirates tweaker John Forrest cut open the Mounties run chase, claiming a stupendous 5/14 from his eight overs, leaving the home side 66 runs short.
Baden Powell, meanwhile, caused an upset against a stacked Langwarrin outfit.
The Braves rattled the Roos, skittling the home side for just 113. Rhys Elmi claimed 4/17.
In reply, the Braves reeled in the target in the 32nd over, with skipper Travis Kellerman belting 59 from 50 deliveries.
There was some vintage strokes on show from Long Island’s superstar, Nick Jewell, in the Islanders powerful win over Red Hill.
Jewell crunched 52 not out from 55 balls as Long Island set 6/162 from its 40 overs, with Red Hill bowled out for 122 in reply.
Despite other results raising some eye brows, Baxter peeled off the upset of the round, defeating Sorrento.
Baxter posted 6/175 and the Sharks could just manage 132 in reply.
PENINSULA
Flinders got its season off to a hot start, thumping Moorooduc.
Kane Hawkins slapped 95 for the Sharks, and its total of 226 proved to be more than enough, bowling out the Ducks for just 76.
Mornington, meanwhile, was on the right side of a low scoring affair against Somerville.
The Doggies bowled the Eagles out for 115 – Shane Hockey took five wickets – then in reply, crawled over the line with three wickets in hand. Young gun Will George also had a brilliant game collecting 2/12 and then 15 not out.
Harley Pearce-Stirling’s knock of 80 was the match-winner in Pines’ clash against Seaford Tigers.
The Treemen were chasing 140 and were in a state of bother when Pearce-Stirling walked to the crease, but by the time he departed, the home side was well on its way to victory.
Rosebud did as it needed to in its opening match with Heatherhill.
The Buds rolled the Hawks for 103 – Billy Quigley claimed 5/23 – then chased the total down in 25 overs.
DISTRICT
The recently relegated Main Ridge side secured a nail-biting win over recently promoted outfit Carrum Downs.
The Cougars posted 155, before the visiting side reached the total in the final over of the day.
Delacombe Park, meanwhile, started its season in delightful fashion, dismantling Crib Point.
The Magpies were set 179 to get and were bundled out for just 85 in reply.
Joel Malcolm was best afield for the victorious side, collecting 70 not out in the first innings.
Dromana’s boosted side was unable to secure a season opening win over Hastings, going down by five wickets.
The Grasshoppers posted 9/140, before the Blues chased it down with five wickets in hand.
Despite being 2/3, Carrum was able to recoup and land a handy win over Frankston YCW.
The Lions recovered from the start to post 8/128, before it bundled the Stonecats out for just 109.
Liam Hullet collected 5/13 in the run defence.
SUB-DISTRICT
Pearcedale was able to shake off an uneasy start to claim a thrilling win over Rye.
The Dales posted just 104, but it appeared to be enough as the home side skittled the Demons for just 93.
Matthew Rupe’s 28 at number ten and then one wicket in the second innings proved to be unbelievably crucial.
Tyabb, meanwhile, had an afternoon to forget, after having Ballam Park on the ropes, only to let the opportunity slip.
The Yabbies had the Knights in a perfect position with ten overs to go in the first innings, but allowed the home-side get to 8/166, which ultimately was too many.
Gabriel Lawrence was the difference for Ballam Park with 84 not out.
In other results around the competition: Mt Martha (7/189) defeated Skye (10/153); Seaford (4/249) defeated Balnarring (8/115) and Tootgarook (8/155) defeated Boneo (10/95).
