ENGLISH import, Richie Goodenough with 103, led Upper Beaconsfield’s Bgrade side to a substantial total in the roundeleven clash against Pakenham on Saturday.
With his first ton for the Maroons the young keeper batsman who hails from Bury St. Edmunds in the U.K. teamed with classy batsman David Ardley to amass a 170 fourthwicket partnership and a club record the second highest fourthwicket stand in any grade.
The pair totally eclipsed the previous record of 96 held by Danny Williams and Nick Meyers in 2000/01.
Following a steady opening of 46 between the two Dans Williams and Brennan the middle order slumped to 3/46 looking decidedly shaky.
However the innings was resurrected by Goodenough and Ardley as they dominated the Lions bowling.
David Ardley caressed the ball to his best knock in the firsts with 67, while Goodenough finally managed to reach the elusive century. His cutting and driving were a highlight of his innings.
Upper Beaconsfield declared at 9/278 a few overs before stumps, with Scott Pitcher (38) maintaining his solid batting form.
C GRADE
Upper Beaconsfield’s bowlers have endured a tough ordeal over the past three matches in which they have conceded nearly 900 runs for just 25 wickets.
On this occasion they met Lyndhurst Vikings that invited the Maroon’s bowlers to try again, but again the flow of runs proved difficult to plug.
Despite another steady opening attack from Luke Sorati and Steve Finnerty, during which the Viking bats played and missed on numerous occasions, the Maroons found wickets almost impossible.
At tea, Lyndhurst was 1/134 with thunder clouds gathering.
Luke Williams snapped up a gem close in from Rob Hansen’s bowling and soon after Chris Smith induced a batsman to drag one onto his stumps, but the breaks eluded the team again.
A series of grassed chances (six in all as well as a caught behind off a no ball and a failed runout) made the team’ s task insurmountable.
The Vikings ploughed on to 8/335.
Steve Finnerty bowled steadily to take 1/35 from 14, while Rob Hansen (1/55) and Chris Smith (1/38) enjoyed a tight spell without reaping the rewards.
Andy Haythorpe (2/93), Chris Reid (2/35) and Marty Oke (1/14) bowled creditably at the death.
F GRADE
The Maroons disposed of Devon Meadows to take their victories to five for the season and a vast improvement from the struggle at season’s opening.
Batting first the Meadow’s reached 4/173.
Richard Edwards snared 2/9, while Michael Geraeds (1/40) and Gary Hunt (1/20) pitched in.
The run chase seemed a tall order, but the team romped home.
Craig Alger and David Briffa (50 each) retired, while Richard Edwards (41 notout) managed another ‘most valuable player’ effort.
The Upper Beaconsfield Troopers timed their drive perfectly to reach 2/183 in the penultimate over.
