Kookaburra Cup hots up

By Mick Floyd
KOOWEERUP became the first side to secure a WGCA Kookaburra Cup semifinal berth when it defeated Nyora by 95 runs at Lang Lang on Sunday.
Kooweerup won the toss and batted in the oppressive heat.
Dan Crowley (21) and Carl McGregor (53) shared a 56run secondwicket stand to set up the innings, before Mick Damon made a quickfire 67 and Greg Eddy a classy 22 notout to guide the Demons to 6/189.
Kelvin Toogood and Matt Hendry shared the bowling honours with 2/39 off their fourover spells.
In reply, the Maroons’ innings never gained any momentum and they were dismissed for 94 after 11 overs.
Bill Hessells (32 not out) and Andrew Collis (18) were the only batsmen to get a start, while Matt Davey returned 3/21 and Paul Bright 2/7 to lead the way for the Demons.
Lang Lang caused a major upset when it defeated its Agrade opponents Catani by four wickets.
Brett Daniel was run out in the first over without facing a ball for the Blues and when Brad McDonald was dismissed soon after, were staggering at 2/12.
Nic Close (25) and Ross Kortholt (28) kickstarted the innings, however the introduction of Kurt Nestor saw the home side regain the upper hand.
Nestor’s 4/23 decimated the Catani innings before Clint Fulton’s lusty 24 late in the innings moved Catani to 123 off its 20 overs.
In reply, the Swamp Tigers were never troubled, David Burgunovic (37) and Brian Christensen (12) got the run chase off to a solid start and Nestor’s 19 all but ensured Lang Lang victory.
Four wickets to Russell Lehmann (4/22) saved the bonus point, however Sam Jenkins and Aaron Creasey (each 15 not out) guided the home side to its maiden Kookaburra Cup win in the 17th over.
This capped off an excellent day for the Swamp Tigers, resplendent in their full colour uniforms.
The final round two matches will be played at Merinda Park on Sunday, when Cranbourne Meadows and Tooradin clash at 11am, followed by Merinda Park and Devon Meadows at 2pm.
For full results and ladders, log onto the Kookaburra Cup kookaburracup.cricketvictoria.com.au website.