IN the annual Agrade Brian Van Den Berghe memorial game against Cardinia, Beaconsfield lost the toss and was sent in to bowl in the hot conditions on Sunday.
Gus Patti captured the early wicket of Mark Cooper then went on to return 2/36 from 14 overs in a fine bowling effort.
Ryan O’Connor worked hard with the ball and in the field, and was rewarded with 3/65 from his 17 overs.
Ray Cook took 2/49, while Jason Dodd, Kris Fletcher and Jack Benbow took one wicket each.
Cardinia finished with 251 from 78.4 overs, setting the scene for an exciting run chase next Sunday.
B GRADE
In an important game leading the finals, Beaconsfield batted first against Nar Nar Goon and compiled a competitive total of 242.
Andrew Jones led the way with a superb 82, while Troy McDermott notched a halfcentury with his 64. Rick Cook contributed a valuable 27, Geoff Bliss 19 and Steve Glen 15.
In reply, Nar Nar Goon was 0/25, with a tight tussle likely next Saturday.
C GRADE
Playing old rival Upper Beaconsfield, Beaconsfield bowled first and toiled hard for 68 overs to dismiss the opposition for 201.
Best with the ball was Matt O’Connor with 4/38 from nine overs.
Dave Lennon with 2/26 and Tristan Kerr with 2/25 provided great support.
Craig Douglas and Greg Butler chipped in with the remaining wickets and Mick McMahon took three catches behind the stumps.
D GRADE
Up against Tooradin, Beaconsfield lost the toss and was asked to bowl.
Relishing the heat, Steve Grindy turned out 13 excellent overs to capture 5/29.
Fellow opening bowler Jayden Mack took 3/39 from his 13 with Chris Cherry taking the remaining two wickets for 23 runs.
In reply Beaconsfield was 3/58.
Both Alex Benbow and Bill Carlyle reached 11 runs, and brother Tom Carlyle was 15 not out at stumps.
E GRADE
Playing Lang Lang, Beaconsfield won the toss and elected to bat.
Greg Tomamichel opened and reached 50 late in the day, well supported by Russell Vincent with 22, Paul Brown a hardhitting 37 and Joe McMaster with 17 not out.
Declaring with time to bowl three overs, Beaconsfield snared the opposition captain to have Lang Lang 1/7 at stumps.
F GRADE
Beaconsfield scored a great win over Merinda Park. Setting 8/209, Merinda Park batted well to fall short on 193.
Best with the bat for Beaconsfield were Cam Fletcher and Jesse Douma with 50 retired each.
Mick Fitzpatrick went agonisingly close, run out on 49. Reece Suttie (14) and James Marsh (26) also made valuable contributions.
With the ball, Fletcher topped off a great day taking 3/35, while Suttie took 3/45. Josh Butler, Jesse Douma and James Marsh each took one wicket as part of a good allround effort.
