DARREN O’Brien ensured Devon Meadows’ Agrade side won its first game at its new turf wicket home with a superlative 141 on Saturday.
The Panthers had a resounding 159run win over cotenants Clyde.
Winning the toss and batting, the Panthers lost Steet early for 14.
O’Brien arrived at the crease and gave a chance on the first ball he faced. Combining with David Carson, they proceeded to 1/123 at tea. The pair accelerated the scoring rate after the interval, their 146run stand broken when Carson was caught for 72.
Bill Louden (5) failed to get a start, however skipper Travis Canavan then combined with O’Brien to add 117 runs for the fourth wicket off just 14 overs.
Canavan was caught for 62 and was soon followed by O’Brien, his score including 19 boundaries. Doug Louden added a quickfire 47, including a towering six off the final delivery, the Panthers 6/366 at stumps.
The following day, the Panthers made an excellent start to their defence, courtesy of early wickets to Darren Morrow (1/31) and Doug Louden.
An 89run thirdwicket stand steadied the Cougar’s run chase, however a wicket to Peter Zauner and a second to Louden swung the match back into the Panther’s favour, Clyde 4/147 at tea.
After the interval, the Panthers steamrolled their opponents. Louden claimed two further wickets to finish with 4/51, Zauner 2/43 and Canavan 1/16. Darren Logan (1/16) and David Carson (1/0 off one ball) claimed their first Agrade wickets to dismiss the Cougars for 207.
C GRADE
Despite defending 6/277, Devon Meadows was no match for Lyndhurst Vikings, going down by 100 runs at Glover Reserve.
The Panthers’ defence started well when Mick Floyd (1/69) claimed an early wicket. However further successes were few and far between, Matt Davidson (1/39) taking the only other wicket to fall before the break.
Mark Fairbrother (2/52) broke a 126run stand and gave the home side a sniff, however the Vikings proved too good, reaching their target in the 58th over with six wickets in hand. Ben Hussey claimed his first Cgrade wickets, with 2/18, while Mick Cloutter (2/17) and Tony Scott (1/17) also took wickets.
E GRADE
Junior Luke Howard capped off an outstanding two weeks of cricket, scoring 69 in the Panthers 59run win over Lyndhurst.
Resuming at 0/78 in pursuit of 236, Steve Brewster fell early for 31, the Panthers 1/84.
Howard joined Ian Hopper and the pair added 66 runs before Hopper’s exciting knock ended on 76.
Jim Logan added a quick 37 and Paul Kempson (13) ensured a Panther victory.
However it was Howard who stole the show his chanceless 69 included seven boundaries and lasted 58 overs, complementing last week’s 5/59.
Justin Mentiplay made 18, and junior Chris Morrell 20 not out, the Panthers declaring at 9/295.
F GRADE
Devon Meadows made 122 in reply to Officer’s 5/200. Paul Ladiges top scored with 39 and took 2/22 to be the side’s leading performer.
UNDER 15
Devon Meadows secured a thrilling win over Merinda Park Red, chasing down 177 with one ball to spare.
Hayden Enlund (24) and Brandon Mackie (14) got the home side off to an excellent start to its chase. Chris Morrell (26), Nick Thompson (18) and Daniel Marascia (18) made solid contributions, and Luke Howard retired on 30 to steer the young Panthers to 6/174 after 38 overs.
Disciplined bowling from the Cobras made scoring difficult and when Ben Hussey was dismissed with three balls to go, the Panthers still needed three runs to win.
Andrew Saxon arrived at the crease and blasted the penultimate delivery over midoff for the winning runs. Arthur Churchill also batted well to finish 18 not out.
UNDER 13
Devon Meadows moved to second on the ladder with a 35run win over Tooradin.
Chasing the Seagulls’ 119, Kyle Salerno was run out for 14 in the 14th over, however he was the only wicket to fall, as Corey Mackie, Nathan Worsteling and Chris Benedek all retired on 25.
UNDER 11
Devon Meadows White won its clash against Merinda Park by 10 wickets.
Captained by Glen Baker, Thomas Shannen made 30 notout, while Lee Williams and Lucas Sharpe made 13 each. Hayden MacDonald, Lucas Sharpe and Spencer Churchill all bowled well.
Devon Meadows will attempt to maintain its position on top of the Kookaburra Cup Group A table when it meets Merinda Park at Donnelly Reserve this Sunday from 2pm.
