AFTER demonstrating its class with the bat last week, Upper Beaconsfield’s Bgrade team displayed its power with the ball in an emphatic bowling performance against KilcundaBass on Saturday.
The win by more than 100 runs showed it would be a genuine threat in the finals.
Having posted a testing 9/255 the first day, the Maroons’ Luke Pitcher captured 3/27 in a devastating burst. He was well supported by Aaron Gray who took 2/22 while Scott Pitcher, although weary from a Country Week stint, bowled cannily to record 2/42 from a long spell.
Glen Kilburn (2/6) contributed another cameo performance while Marcus Gehling showed that the bowling depth is considerable by capturing the remaining wicket and KilcundaBass was all out for 142.
In a second innings the Maroons were 2/72, adding percentage to their position in the field.
C GRADE
Long time rivals Beaconsfield and neighbours Upper Beaconsfield traded blows in a titanic struggle before the Tigers emerged victorious.
Defending 201, the Maroons ripped into the top order.
Steve Finnerty and compatriot Luke Sorati showed their class in probably the best opening spell all season but the pair bowled with little luck.
The first breakthrough occurred second ball from a Rob Hansen direct hit.
The next break came just after tea and started a collapse of a further five wickets.
Chris Smith and Rob Hansen took the five between them to have Beaconsfield 6/100 still requiring a further 101 with just four batsmen remaining.
Chris Smith, in his most lively spell all season took 3/36, while Rob Hansen was a good foil, snaring 2/60 from 17 overs.
They were supported by Luke Sorati and Marty Oke who picked up a wicket each.
Beaconsfield passed the Maroons’ score in the 64th over.
UNDER 13 WHITE
Last week’s game against Beacy Miners started off well with Kyle Gibbs winning the toss and choosing to bowl in 39degree heat.
When rain came the game was reduced to 30 overs each and the Miners made 5/101.
All the boys bowled well and generally the fielding was good.
Of the bowlers Kyle Gibbs got 2/11, Simon Prowse 1/7 and Toby Sherer 1/19.
On Friday night it was Upper Beaconsfield’s turn to bat.
Jye McManus and Scott Grey opened.
McManus made a quick 12 and Grey five.
Simon Prowse retired on 26 and Taran O’Donavan helped the score along to 84.
Josh Cahill did well, while Kyle Gibbs showed plenty with an excellent 25 retired.
Matt Hutson stroked the ball well to finish nine not out and Jack Brown also finished well with five notout.
It was a great team effort to get over the line against the top team and Upper Beaconsfield finished with 5/105 after 30 overs.
UNDER 13 MAROONS
The under 13 Maroons recorded an excellent win against more fancied opposition in Beacy Eagles at the weekend in a rain interrupted game. The Maroons overcame adversity to record a magnificent win.
Restricting the Eagles to 6/108 as a result of miserly bowling, the Maroons then went on to score 5/154 from their allotted overs.
Taylor Joyce bowled well to record 2/3 while, when given the opportunity with the bat, his brother Jayden smashed one six and three fours in a blazing 29 not out. He was assisted by Matt Buntine who made 25 not out, Jack Hogan with 20 and Andrew Kay who exceeded all expectations to score 13.
