By Nick Creely
WEST GIPPSLAND CRICKET ASSOCIATION
A GRADE REVIEW – ROUND 5
A GRADE
Merinda Park clinched its first win of the season with a comfortable win against Officer on Saturday.
The win was set up by a disciplined bowling display with the Cobras holding the Bullants to 6/141 from their 40 overs, despite a fighting 50 not out from Darren Kneebone.
Sony Bhullar was particularly damaging, snaring 3/20, which included sending down three maidens.
It wasn’t too much of a task for the Cobras, who managed to race down the target with 10 overs left in the shed and seven wickets still to play with.
While all batters managed to make a contribution, Josh Phillips (49 not out) enjoyed plenty of time in the middle to be the star.
Cardinia’s unbeaten start to the season continued meanwhile, with the Bulls brushing aside great rivals Kooweerup.
The Bulls recovered from a shaky start at 3/23 to post a highly competitive 8/168, with Trent Wheller’s 40 and skipper Matt Celima’s 35 through the middle proving vital.
While the Demons did manage to fight out the game, ultimately the class of Josh Browne (5/29) and a superb supporting act from Josh Grogan (3/26) saw the home side bundled out for 135.
Zak Banks battled hard with the bat to top-score with 27 from number nine.
And Clyde saluted with the precious points in a seamless win against Pakenham at home.
While the Lions’ top order did manage to find some form – particular through Sam Webster (34) – the visitors were held to just 8/138 from 40 overs, with Josh King (2/34) the pick of the bowlers.
Jacob Janssen also bowled without luck, sending down eight overs but only conceding 13 runs.
A swashbuckling 76 not out from Cougars skipper Trever Bauer proved the difference as the home side found the runs in just 27 overs and with the loss of just six wickets.
Tooradin had the bye.
