A FIVEWICKET haul to Peter Zauner helped keep Devon Meadows’ faint finals chances alive when his Panthers prevailed over Emerald by one run in a thrilling game on Saturday.
Defending a modest 210, the visitors got off to a solid start when Zauner claimed both opening batsmen to reduce the Bombers to 2/30.
A wicket either side of the interval to Doug Loudon (2/82) gave the Panthers the upper hand, before a 66run fifthwicket stand steadied the innings for the home side.
Travis Canavan (1/33) and Matt Davidson took wickets in consecutive overs to swing the game back into the balance and Zauner’s third left the home side 7/181 ensuring a tight finish.
The Panthers’ hopes appeared dashed when Emerald reached 7/209, however Davidson (2/14 off nine overs) took his second wicket and it was left to Peter Zauner to produce an inspired bowling performance, capturing the final two wickets for just one run and sealing another Panthers win.
C GRADE
The Panthers joined the winners’ list with a thrilling eightrun win over Pakenham.
Defending a solid 239, two early wickets to Mick Floyd (2/60) and one to Justin Mentiplay (1/10) reduced the home side to 3/52.
A wicket to Luke Marrow (1/9) and Lincoln Hepburn, shortly before tea, reduced the home side to 5/116.
The Lions fought back after the interval, the Panthers unable to capitalise on several sharp chances.
Hepburn (3/62) eventually broke a dangerous 49run stand and when he took his third wicket, the Panthers looked home.
Again the Lions fought back and seemed to have the game in their keeping before Neil Baker was reintroduced to the attack, claiming the final three wickets to finish with 3/38 and dismiss the Lions for 231.
E GRADE
The Panthers finals’ chances suffered a severe blow when it narrowly avoided an outright defeat at the hands of Pakenham UpperToomuc.
The Yabbies resumed at 6/82 in pursuit of the Panthers’ disappointing 97 and quickly wrapped up the firstinnings win.
Junior Chris Morrell (1/18) broke a 92run stand and under15 teammate Luke Howard (3/32) took the final three wickets to dismiss the visitors for 195.
Faced with a 99run firstinnings deficit, the Panthers slumped to 5/43 before Jason Brzezowski (42) and Brett Vance (16) began to rebuild the innings.
Their dismissals placed the Panthers on the brink of outright defeat, however Howard (14) and Danny O’Sing (11 notout) combined to guide the Panthers to 109 and keep their side in the top four.
UNDER 15
The Panthers strengthened their finals chances with a solid win against competition leaders Cardinia.
Defending 153 on the fast Rythdale ground, the Panthers got off to a flying start when Arthur Churchill affected two runouts in one over to have the hosts 2/6 after four overs.
The Bulls regrouped and appeared to be gaining the upper hand until Daniel Marascia (3/21) took two wickets in his first over and when he took his third, the Panthers were back on top, the Bulls 5/71.
An excellent three overs from Chris Morrell (2/19) and Brandon Mackie (1/12) guided the Panthers to within victory, Andrew Saxon (1/9) and a runout for the 10th wicket ensured a Devon Meadows victory by 24 runs.
UNDER 13
The Panthers secured their finals berth with a comfortable 19run win over KilcundaBass.
Chasing the locals’ 131, an excellent team batting performance saw the Panthers reach their target with the loss of just two wickets.
