PAKENHAM UpperToomuc’s Agrade team fell four runs short of victory on in its run chase of Clyde’s 213 on Saturday.
The Yabbies’ pursuit faltered when it lost opener John Miller (15) and Josh Bardwell (12). John Wallin went without scoring and Luke Willis was most unlucky to follow suit two balls later and the innings was in disarray at 4/58.
This brought young Chris Smith to the crease and he and Jason Wingrove added 86 before the latter fell for 67. Two more wickets fell cheaply and when Smith departed for an excellent 71 with 35 still required, Chris Sharpe (16) and Ben Keane (11 not out) fought hard, just falling short of victory.
B GRADE
An even scorecard where nine batsmen made double figures showed the team effort that enabled the Yabbies to overtake Beaconsfield’s 191 tally. Captain John Fleming was quick to acknowledge Steve (25) and Rob (30) Borlase and the gritty effort from an injured Brett Carey (24) who batted 40 overs while his side added 93 runs.
The Tigers always play hard and at 8/152 the task looked forlorn, but sterling work from Nick Fromhold (26 not out) and Lee Harris (24) saw the Yabbies home in another tight finish.
D GRADE
Emerald had already taken first innings points. From 3/93 PUT restricted the Bombers to 188. Adrian Grey took 5/52 from 18 overs, while Alan McMahon chipped in with 2/4. The Yabbies showed much more resilience in the second dig, Nick Sleep topscorer with 27.
E GRADE
Requiring 111 to win, the Yabbies lost an early wicket, but sensible play from Ben Clough (11), Dave Ryan (70 in 63 overs) and Peter Reid (23) secured the points. Jake Abel added 31 runs and the scorebook read 6/173 at the close.
F GRADE
The Yabbies batted first against Catani and had to battle hard against good bowling to make 10/81. Chris Gunton (17) and Nick Black (16) were top scorers.
Damien Garth claimed a wicket with the very first ball of the Blue’s reply to raise hopes, but the total was too low to defend and Catani was all out for 130. Black (3/33) took the bowling honours in a welcome return to the club.
UNDER 17
Luke Gunton (16), Trevor Taylor (21) and Chris Smith (37) had taken the PUT total to 2/87 when a steady procession of batsmen back to the pavilion turned the 121 chase into a difficult one. Fortunately Jake Abel held his nerve at the other end with 10 unbeaten runs to guide the side to 134 at the close.
UNDER 15 GOLD
Cameron Hill (26) and Lewis O’Gorman scored an opening partnership of 31 against Upper Beaconsfield. Ben Spicer hit 30 runs to put the issue beyond doubt and the coach praised the whole side for a good allround performance.
CLUB NOTES
PUT hosts Upper Beaconsfield this Sunday in the Kookaburra 20/20 competition at Pakenham Upper. The match gets underway at 2pm.
