Left and below: Catani wicket keeper Peter Blackwell watches Beaconsfield century maker Luk
BATSMEN dominated the start of A-grade round five in the West Gippsland Cricket Association, all matches producing scores in excess of 200.
The Beaconsfield Tigers especially gorged themselves in the run feast, scoring 8/345 against Catani. New captain-coach Luke Sibley scored his first century for the reigning premier, star batsman Brad Miles chalked up a half-century, late-order batsman Jason Dodd remained 41 not out, while returning opener Kris Fletcher contributed 31. Both Sibley and Miles struck huge sixes in their enterprising knocks.
The Catani bowlers again endured a difficult day after skipper Ben Maroney invited the home side to bat. He returned the best bowling figures, with 3/76 from 20 overs, while new-ball bowler Luke McFarlane collected 2/50 off 16 overs. The Blues face a real challenge in matching this imposing score, despite their strong batting.
Emerald placed itself in a strong position to post its first win of the season by scoring an impressive 9/291 against Pakenham Upper-Toomuc (PUT). It was a pleasing batting performance from the host team.
Mark and David Allenson established the platform for a large total by contributing an opening stand of 82. Both openers reached half-centuries and the rest of the Bombers’ top order also fired. Brodie Lucas reached 40, older brother Quentin chipped in with 35 and Wes Wright contributed 25. Useful tallies in the 20s from tailenders Daniel Porter and Mark Wheatley completed a sound performance from the home side.
Darren Warne was the most successful member of the Yabbies’ attack, collecting 4/75 from 19 overs, while Shannon Price toiled hard to snare 1/61 from 25 overs. PUT batsmen will need an outstanding batting effort this week to match the Bombers’.
A defiant 86-run third-wicket partnership between Trevor Johnston and Brenton Adams enabled Tooradin to post the competitive total of 202 against Cardinia. Skipper Johnston led from the front by scoring 66, while his steady partner Adams contributed 46. Aaron Avery and Chris Hughes also performed well, scoring 32 and 20 respectively. The Seagulls appeared to be poised to post a matchwinning score with their tea total of 2/92, but a late collapse brought the Bulls charging back.
The home side lost 6/24 in a disappointing end to its strong performance and it was the new Cardinia captain-coach Cameron Knight who collected the bowling honours. Knight finished with the excellent figures of 5/55 from 19 overs, while the Bulls’ key spinner Dwayne Doig captured 2/72 from 28.5 overs. The Bulls reached 0/2 in the final over of the day and this week face their biggest challenge of the season when they pursue the Seagulls’ useful total.
Officer continued its improved batting form, scoring an imposing 8/282 against the well regarded Merinda Park attack. A variety of Bullants provided useful bite, in-form all-rounder Daniel Savage scoring a typically aggressive 73, coach Colin Tucker adding a valuable 59 not out, Steve McIntyre overcoming a heavy cold to contribute 49, while both Ben Tivendale and Brett Reid reached 32.
Rick Dennerley was not introduced into the Cobras’ attack until the final session, but the canny veteran produced some of his old venom by capturing 3/65 from 15 overs. Lucas Hoogenboom also bowled with good stamina, collecting 2/74 from 25 overs. Merinda Park’s batsmen have not been as convincing as its bowlers so far this season, so the Cobras will need their best runmaking form to match Officer’s impressive performance.
Clyde also showed genuine batting strength by totalling 9/259 at Nar Nar Goon on Saturday. Steve Madin enjoyed good fortune, being missed by the opposition fieldsmen on three occasions, but he still showed a welcome return to form in his fine innings of 74. Young opener Callum O’Hare contributed a pleasing 49, while useful scores in the 20s from Shane Jack and skipper Noel O’Brien further boosted the Cougars’ total.
Former Pakenham player Paul Govaars turned in a lion-hearted bowling performance, capturing 4/74 from 27 overs, while Adam Cooper did well, snaring 3/22 from 14 overs. The Goon has produced some determined batting performances since rejoining A grade this season, and its batsmen will need to be at their competitive best on Saturday.
Devon Meadows continued its form revival, scoring 9/266 at home against Pakenham. Captain Danny Diwell scored an impressive 70, while durable Panthers Bill Loudon and Darren O’Brien both showed pleasing form by contributing 74 and 49 respectively.
Developing spinner Jason Williams returned the visitors’ best figures, 3/56 from his 14 overs, while Ash Bailey and Andrew Cooper both captured two wickets. The Lions face a formidable task in overhauling this impressive total.
