A MARATHON bowling performance and seven wickets by assistant coach Travis Canavan took Devon Meadows to a strong position in its clash with local rivals Tooradin on Saturday.
Despite having a number of key players unavailable, skipper Danny Diwell sent the home side in after winning the toss.
Finning First National player of the week Canavan was the lynch pin of the Panther attack, bowling 33.3 overs on his way to finishing with the superb figures of 7/70.
Diwell and Chris Blake also took wickets to dismiss the Seagulls for 197 in the 74th over.
The Panthers will resume their chase at 1/0 after promoted opening batsman Glen Fairbrother fell late in the day.
C GRADE
Devon Meadows is well positioned in its clash with Kilcunda-Bass, dismissing the visitors for 128.
The match was evenly poised at tea, Kilcunda-Bass reaching 2/70 after skipper Lincoln Hepburn (2/41) removed both opening batsmen.
However the Panthers cut a swathe through the Kilcunda-Bass middle order, Neil Baker the chief destroyer snaring 5/27 off 12 overs.
Youngster Corey Leslie claimed 2/3, while veteran Ian Hopper chimed in with 1/19.
E GRADE
Devon Meadows capped off a good day, bowling out Beaconsfield for 184.
The wickets were shared in an even bowling card, youngster James Howard capturing 3/27, while Bobby Burns (3/31), Brett Vance (2/36) and John Bowles (1/35) also took wickets.
F GRADE
Devon Meadows went down by 33 runs against Pakenham Upper-Toomuc.
Shane Kent (2/16) and Luke Fengler (2/15) were the main wicket takers, Gary Birt (1/14) and S. Line (1/24) also took wickets.
In reply, P. Ladiges (28), Jim Logan (16) and Birt (10) received little support, the home side losing its final seven wickets for just 12 runs to be all out for 77.
UNDER 14 RED
Chasing Tooradin’s imposing total of 183, Devon Meadows Red battled bravely, but was dismissed for 47 in the 32nd over.
Jason Riley stood out with 10 not out, while Chris Benedek (eight) and Brandon Wapshot (six) made contributions.
Craig Bradley (1/4) claimed a wicket to leave the Seagulls 2/24 in its second innings.
UNDER 12 WHITE
Devon Meadows lost on first innings against a powerful Merinda Park Red side.
Resuming at 3/46 in reply to the Panthers’ total of 68, the young Cobras made light work of their target, declaring at 4/146.
Luke Howard (2/18), Mitch Kemp (1/36) and Daniel Marascia (1/40) were the wicket takers.
In its second innings, the Panthers put in much improved performance, reaching 4/96 off 20 overs.
Chris Morrell completed an outstanding individual game, retiring on 31 after making an excellent 27 in the first innings. Hayden Endlund (19 not out) and Mitch Kemp (16) also got starts.
UNDER 12 BLUE AND RED
Devon Meadows Blue emerged triumphant against Devon Meadows Red.
Defending 91, the Reds got off to a great start when Jon Clarke (4/8) claimed his second career hat-trick.
However Jack Simpson (23 retired), Chris Benedek (20 retired) and Ethan McLean (10) did enough to see the Blues home by 13 runs.
Nathan Worsteling (1/10) also claimed a wicket.
CLUB NOTES
Devon Meadows will host Eye Candy, four of Australia’s best up-and-coming stand-up comedians at Glover Reserve on Saturday, 26 November, at 8pm.
Tickets are $10 and available from Mick Floyd (0409 426 562) or at the door.