WITH three Beaconsfield Cricket Club’s teams in need of wins to reach the finals, the first day of the last homeandaway round saw some solid performances highlighted by a brilliant 101 from Cgrade’s Brad Pitcher.
A GRADE
Needing to win to keep its finals chance on track, the Tigers batted consistently all day against Tooradin to reach the competitive total of 288.
Brad Miles opened the batting with a wellcompiled 51, well supported by Peter Sofra with 21.
Don Kerslake continued his fine season with 53 and Andrew Jones made a sterling Agrade debut for Beaconsfield with 67.
Excellent support came from Ryan O’Connor (22), Jason Dodd (16), Madison Andrews (11) and Luke Sibley (18).
B GRADE
With a miracle needed for Beaconsfield to sneak into finals, Cardinia batted first to reach 233.
Captain Matt Ravenhall took the opportunity in the final game of the year to give all of his bowlers a workout.
Troy McDermott led the way with 3/43 from 13 overs, while Travis Turnbull continued his excellent season to take 3/30 from 10.3 overs.
Jarrod Williams captured 2/34 and Rhys Miller and Geoff Bliss took one each.
C GRADE
Needing to win to secure a finals’ berth, Beaconsfield faced ladder leaders Lang Lang.
Batting first, the Tigers assembled the formidable total of 6/333.
Brad Pitcher led the charge with an excellent 101.
Andrew Mercier also had a great day with the bat with 65.
The consistent batting effort was rounded out by John Scales (30), Dave Lennon (36 notout), Tristan Kerr (22), Malcom Bell (18) and Ross Mitchell (15).
D GRADE
In a day of changing fortunes, Beaconsfield batted first and slumped to 7/92 before recovering slightly to post 140.
Rob Young top scored with 31, while Greg Butler contributed 16 and Sam Benbow a fine 22 late in the innings to add some respectability to the score.
In reply Pakenham lost six wickets in 20 overs to be 6/36 at stumps.
The three bowlers used each captured two wickets. Greg Butler (2/17 from 10 overs) and Steve Grindy (2/5 from five overs) both bowled well and were followed by Jayden Mack (2/12).
E GRADE
Playing Officer, Beaconsfield bowled first and dismissed it for 100.
Ben Martin bowled well to snare 4/20 from 10.3 overs. Joe McMaster continued good form with the ball with his 2/30.
The remaining wickets were one each to Paul Brown, Dave Bruneau, John Martin and Chris Cherry.
In reply Beaconsfield reached 3/80 at the close of play.
Bill Carlyle led the way with 35 runs. Russell Vincent and Luke Johnson remain notout.
F GRADE
Beaconsfield won in a forfeit against Pakenham in an unfortunate end to the season.
