Above: Pakenham UpperToomuc youngster quick Zac Clough warms up before his bowling stint.CARDINIA stamped its Kookaburra Cup credentials with a resounding 97run win over Officer on Sunday.
Despite the loss of an early wicket, Cardinia veterans Steve Paterson and Ben Darose shared a 101run partnership to set up the innings.
When Patterson fell for a well made 64 off just 36 balls, Luke Turner stepped in and blasted 46 off 18, sharing an 80run stand with Darose who finished on 73 off 47 balls.
Shaun Marchetti claimed 2/34, while Andrew Tucker (1/33), Ben Baxter (1/38) and James Quinn (1/16) were the successful bowlers.
The Bulls’ 5/216 was never in danger, Dwayne Doig (2/15), Darose (1/2) Chris Remy (1/22), Matt Adlam (1/20) and John Grogan (1/36) combining to dismiss Officer for just 119 and secure a bonus point.
Brett Reid top scored for the Bullants with a quickfire 30 off 16 balls, while Baxter contributed 24 off 14.
Earlier, Clyde kickstarted its Kookaburra Cup campaign with a resounding bonus point win over Nar Nar GoonMaryknoll.
After sending the Marygoons in, Clyde bowlers dominated proceedings to dismiss the combine side for just 88 in just the 18th over.
Brent Hughes made 27 off 40 to steady the innings, but Matt Lownds (20) and Wade Crawford (15) were the only other batsmen to reach double figures.
Dan Waite (3/25) was the leading Cougar bowler, while Noel O’Brien (2/6) and Clayton Blair (2/9) chimed in with two wickets apiece.
In reply, O’Brien (36 off 23) and Dave Healey (15) shared a 49run opening stand and despite Scott Musgrove taking 4/27 to give the Marygoons a glimmer of hope, Clyde proved too good, reaching its target in the 14th over for the loss of five wickets.
@BT Sub Sport Gaz:GROUP B
Agrade powerhouse Beaconsfield retained top spot in Group B with a massive 99run win over Pakenham UpperToomuc.
Andrew Mercier (69), Rick Cook (44) and Rhys Miller (27 not out) combined to help boost the Tigers to a massive 8/215.
Zac Clough (2/24) and Paul Ryan (2/34) were the only Yabbie bowlers to trouble the potent Tiger line up.
In reply, the home side was never in the hunt and was held to 9/116.
Clough led the way with 20, but it was the Tiger’s bowlers who stole the show. Cook took 3/21, with able support from Jarrod Williams (2/17) and Mat Brown (2/21).
Upper Beaconsfield will face Beaconsfield for a spot in the semifinals after it also claimed a bonus point, this time against Emerald.
Cam Williams provided a lone hand for Emerald after winning the toss and batting. His 54 was the sole shining light as the Bombers were shot down for 117 in the 19th over.
Scott Pitcher took 3/13, Shawn Hassall 3/20 and Daniel Brennan 2/22 led the way with the ball for the Maroons.
Clint Marsh (3/24) and Williams (1/24) combined to reduce Upper Beaconsfield to 4/38 early, however a dashing 47 notout from Luke Pitcher and 27 from David Mitchell saw the Bgraders home in the 15th over and secure a bonus point.
@BT Sub Sport Gaz:GROUP C
Lang Lang will host a Group C doubleheader involving Kooweerup, Catani and Nyora on Sunday.
Nyora and Kooweerup will kick off a big day at 11am, while the home side will clash with Catani at 2pm.
For ladders and latest news, visit the kookaburracup.cricketvictoria.com.au website.
