UPPER Beaconsfield Bgrade’s Luke Pitcher destroyed Merinda Park’s batsmen with an amazing ninewicket haul on Saturday.
Marcus Gehling captured one wicket.
Batting first, the Parkers were humbled for 78 in the face of some staggering bowling from the tall lean batsman who usually provides support for the main strike bowlers.
In steamy, overcast conditions Pitcher bowled 14 overs for 9/36 to completely shatter any illusion that Merinda Park was a match for the Maroons.
Once Pitcher had shredded the opposition, opening bats David Taylor (53 not out) and Daniel Brennan (45 not out) gave the impression that the 78 runs were all in a normal day’s outing and led the Maroons to 0/105 and firstinnings points.
Captain Scott Pitcher may declare early to give the Maroons every chance to accumulate outright points and put them clearly into finals contention.
C GRADE
The renovation of the Upper Beaconsfield oval received a boost as persistent rain fell and thwarted the playing of cricket.
Upper Beaconsfield will now meet Devon Meadows in a oneday match this week, starting at 1pm.
UNDER 13 WHITE
Upper Beaconsfield playing Officer at home lost the toss and was asked to bowl.
The team bowled well and had good support in the field. Ben Amos took 3/5 in a fine spell, while newcomer Joseph West also had a good spell taking 2/3.
All other bowlers did well with Toby Sherer, Kyle Gibbs, Matt Hutson and Taran O’Donavan all taking a wicket each.
The fielding was good while a special mention to Jarryd Briffa and Jack Brown for wicket keeping and Taran O’Donavan who effected a runout by throwing down the stumps.
Officer was out for 36.
Upper Beaconsfield opened with Ben Amos doing well to retire on 16 notout, Matt Hutson a steady 11, Toby Sherer, 14 retired, Jack Brown working well for his nine retired and Jye McManus against his former team a fighting seven notout.
Upper Beaconsfield finished with 6/77.
