GEMBROOK’S senior side had a big win over Merinda Park and took the opportunity for batting practice on Saturday.
C GRADE
Gembrook returned to Merinda Park for the second day’s play of round four at 1/3, chasing 132 for a win.
The Brookers started the day solidly and lost the first wicket for 33, John Shipp going for 18.
After a third-wicket partnership of 50, Anthony Williams was out for a hard-hitting 36. The tea score was 3/103.
After tea the Brookers lost James Perkins for 22 and Rick Atkinson was out in the 55th over for an impressive 56 after Gembrook had passed the target.
A stylish 34 by Craig Heppell and 26 by captain Daniel Woodd helped Gembrook to a good win by 94 runs. The Brookers finished 7/225.
E GRADE
Gembrook’s 75 runs at close of play on the first day meant PUT needed only nine runs for a first-innings win.
PUT won on first innings by 92 runs but declared at 167 at the tea break in search of an outright win.
The Brookers, short three players, came out fighting. A gritty performance by Tim Gray, who opened and stayed in for 36 overs to make a gutsy 28, foiled the Yabbies’ plans for outright victory. Gray was assisted by Clint Osseweyer with 12 not out and Jy Berryman with 10.
At stumps Gembrook was 5/70 with only one bat left to come in.
F GRADE
Gembrook played Officer at Pakenham Secondary College.
Gembrook batted first and was all out for 111, best of the batsmen being Kade Brindley with 41. He was assisted by Daniel Fry with 24 and David Barberry with 21.
At its turn to bat, Officer had made 4/149 at the end of play, Gembrook’s best bowlers being Kieran O’Brien with 2/31 off four overs and Fry (1/9 off six overs).
Gembrook played well in the field with an excellent run out by Rick Batten, who was fielding near the fence and threw a great direct return to the stumps.
