Verbal stoush fires up

By Nick Creely

WGCA DISTRICT DIVISION
REVIEW – ROUND 12 (DAY TWO)
An ugly incident involving Pakenham Upper Toomuc and Carlisle Park Vikings marred what was an interesting finish to their clash on Saturday at Pakenham Upper Reserve.
With the visitors desperately scrambling to bowl the Yabbies out in their second dig to have a chance for an outright victory to try and push into third spot, the Vikings halted the game with only four overs left; around 5.45pm; to dispute the ruling that they would lose three overs as a result of an innings changeover, in which the Vikings wouldn’t be able to chase 46 runs in just one over, providing they bowl the Yabbies out.
In the end, the Yabbies dug out the day and were bowled out in the final over after play resumed ten minutes later, with youngster John Langley (62) batting virtually all day to save his side from an even greater loss.
However, it started a verbal stoush between members of the two clubs immediately following the match, and the Gazette understands it almost became physical.
The situation was eventually defused, with both clubs agreeing not to take further action.
A member of Pakenham Upper Toomuc told the Gazette the club is disappointed with the incident, but believes the issue is resolved between the clubs.
Vikings president Aaron Straughair apologised on behalf of the club for what was said and how the incident escalated, but said the club will be “looking into” what happened.
Nar Nar Goon/Maryknoll, meanwhile, just snuck over the line in a thrilling run chase against Officer, with a match winning half century to Sean Somers getting the job done.
Chasing 198 for victory, the Marygoons were in trouble at 4/58, and managed to get the run chase back on track before a few quick wickets; courtesy of Shaun Weir (4/77) and James Parnall (4/48) had them 7/114, and in need of a game changer.
Somers (54) combined brilliantly with Ken McLeod (24) to put on 47 runs, but the wickets of McLeod and then Dean Henwood (2); who was run out; had the Bullants in the box seat with the score 9/172.
But Somers kept his cool to find the runs; just; to give his side much needed breathing space in second spot.
Devon Meadows also flexed its muscles to belt Clyde down at Glover, with Matt Hutchinson picking up his seventh five wicket haul for the club.
A lot needed to go the Cougars’ way if they were to be competitive in their chase of 320, but the left arm dynamo picked up 6/59, as the visitors finished on 184 in a competitive effort.
Ash Adams (1/58), Lucas Carroll (1/10) and Brad Miles (1/19) also chimed in with wickets, while Roshan Bandara (41) top scored for the Cougars.
A magnificent effort by Tooradin, meanwhile, wasn’t quite enough to see them to victory against Cranbourne Meadows at Rutter Park.
Daniel Hunt (97) and Brenton Adams (52) combined superbly for the Gulls in their steep chase of 268, and the home side fell just short, bowled out for 261.
Competition leading wicket taker Gurpreet Bhamra (2/65 off 25) charged in all day for the Rebels, while Munish Mahajan (3/24) took some late wickets to end the momentum of the Gulls.
With just two rounds to play for the season, the top four is officially locked in, with Devon Meadows, NNG/Maryknoll, Cranbourne Meadows and Carlisle Park Vikings set to play finals.