By Nick Creely
WEST GIPPSLAND CRICKET ASSOCIATION
DISTRICT REVIEW – ROUND 5
Devon Meadows coach Lucas Ligt’s stellar start to the season rolled on another week, with the classy batter crunching 75 to guide his side to victory against Upper Beaconsfield.
The left-hander was a force to be reckoned with in yet another half-century – his third in four hits in 2020/21 – as the Panthers racked up an impressive 5/189 from their 40 overs.
Nathan Worsteling was also in the runs, cracking an unbeaten 62 through the middle order.
The Maroons just couldn’t find the momentum to push for victory, bowled out for 139, with Jakeb McVicar doing plenty of damage with 3/25 from his eight overs.
The Panthers sit in second spot on the District Division table and will be hoping to carry their momentum into next round.
Down at Chandler Reserve, the undefeated Officer continued on their merry way with a barnstorming win against Emerald.
The Bombers did a lot right – particularly with the bat – with a flashy 69 from 68 balls from skipper Owen Thorne providing the spark to lift his side to 7/191.
Thorne cracked 10 fours and two sixes in his outstanding hand, with Jordan Robinson also batting nicely in his knock of 41.
The evergreen Leigh Boyle snared 2/27 for the Bullants.
As good sides do, the Bullants didn’t give the Bombers a sniff.
Openers Nick McLennan (46) and the promoted Billy Carlyle (57) took the game away with a 111-run opening stand, with the pair crunching 13 fours and a six between them.
Jack James then put some icing on top with a classy unbeaten 44 as the Bullants won by seven wickets.
Lang Lang, meanwhile, got home in an interesting run chase against Pakenham Upper Toomuc at Harry Blackman Oval.
Despite the loss, Yabbies opener Rajitha Ranaweera was once again remarkable, spanking his second ton of the season to be the star of the show.
Ranaweera was batting on a different pitch to his teammates; belting 121 not out from 130 balls to carry the bat as the Yabbies managed 8/168 from their 40 overs, with only two other batters reaching double figures.
His knock featured eight fours and three sixes in what was a true masterclass after also making an unbeaten 117 in the opening game against Emerald.
But more consistent performances from the Swamp Tigers’ batters got the job done in the chase.
With a finely made 64 from opener Dale Cranston – and a scattering of handy partnerships and cameos – saw the visitors run the target down with three wickets and two overs left to spare.
