DEVON Meadows Agrade’s season remains in the balance after a spirited comeback staved off a possible disaster at Officer on Saturday.
After being sent in after losing the toss, the Panthers limped to 5/63 in difficult conditions. Dave Carson was the only toporder batsman to make an impact on the scoreboard with a solid 20.
The Panther’s inning resumed poorly after the interval when Bill Loudon’s dogged innings ended on 12.
Fortunately for the visitors, the tail showed great resolve, Darren Morrow making 32, while Doug Loudon blasted a quickfire 42 to add respectability to the Panther’s innings.
Peter Zauner (11 not out) and Matt Davidson (16) then combined to add 27 runs for the final wicket to guide Devon Meadows to the challenging total of 162.
Doug Loudon (1/9) and Morrow (2/10) then breathed new life into the match when they combined to snare 3/20 in the nine remaining overs to ensure an enthralling result this week.
C GRADE
Inclement weather meant the Panthers were unable to get a start in their match against Upper Beaconsfield and will revert to a oneday match this week.
E GRADE
Devon Meadows has been set a challenging total of 6/245 against bottomoftheladder Beaconsfield at Glover Reserve.
Craig Hunter bowled superbly in the challenging conditions to break a 124run opening stand and finish with 2/51 off 21 overs.
Justin Mentiplay took 1/75, while junior Daniel Marascia took 1/28. Talented young legspinner Hayden Enlund claimed his first senior wicket, taking 1/34 off nine overs.
UNDER 15
The under 15s batted superbly to reach 9/168 in their clash with Merinda Park White at Donnelly Reserve.
After being sent in, the young Panthers lost Brandon Mackie early.
However excellent batting from Arthur Churchill (22), Luke Howard (19), Chris Morrell (22), Daniel Marascia (18) staved off the Cobra attack in difficult conditions for cricket.
Nick Thompson (32 not out) made his highest career score and an intelligent 16 from Hayden Enlund late in the innings guided the Panthers to their challenging total.
UNDER 13
The Panthers continued their charge towards the finals after comfortably defeating Clyde in their oneday match at Clyde.
Daniel Horvart snared 3/2 off his two overs, while Josh Walker (2/16), Kyle Salerno (1/4), Sam Hurdiss (1/8), Alex Edgar (1/12), and Nathan Worsteling (1/15) claimed wickets to restrict the home side to 82 off its 25 overs.
The Panthers then made light work of the run chase, passing their target in the 21st over.
Dan Martens top scored with 16 retired, while Cory Mackie, and Chris Benedek also retired with 15.
KOOKABURRA CUP
Devon Meadow’s Kookaburra Cup campaign came to a disappointing end on Sunday after going down in its final match by three wickets to defending champions Tooradin at Glover Reserve.
Peter Zauner (37 off 21) and Bill Loudon (21 off 13) got the Panthers off to a flying start, sharing a 61run opening stand before both batsmen fell in the sixth over.
Travis Canavan (30 off 21), David Simpson (27 off 17) and Tony Scott (17 off 10) helped guide the Panthers to 7/164.
Tooradin got off to a flier in its run chase and appeared to be cruising to a comfortable victory until a superb sixover spell by Mick Floyd (3/39) and Bill Loudon (2/40) saw Tooradin lose 6/23.
Tooradin skipper Trevor Johnston (94 not out) kept his composure and saw his side to victory in the 17th over.
