By Hayley Wildes
WGCA DISTRICT DIVISION
REVIEW – ROUND 1
After claiming last season’s Sub-District premiership, Cardinia had a rough initiation in its season-opening District division game. Taking on Cranbourne Meadows, the Bulls stumbled their way to 6/55 and eventually tallied 9/130 as Iftikhar Rauf (3/6) created plenty of havoc.
The Rebels – led by Kulith Rabel (46 not out) and Jahanzaib Athar (42) – reached the target with 15 overs to spare, claiming the win in dominant fashion.
At Nar Nar Goon, the Marygoons timed their run-chase to perfection against Clyde. The Cougars opening pairing of Warwick Weir (50) and Shane Webster (45) set the innings up brilliantly, while Kane Avard (44 not out) ensured the scoreboard kept ticking over as Clyde tallied a competitive total of 3/180.
The Marygoons’ run chase was in trouble early as opener Brannon Harrison was dismissed for a duck, but all other batsmen made solid contributions, and it was Scott Hayes (47 not out) and Matthew Dodman (25 not out) who held their nerve in the final two overs to guide the Marygoons to an important first round win.
Carlisle Park Vikings claimed the round 1 win over Tooradin after restricting the home side to 8/156. Tooradin’s Ned Harrison (51) and Ben Mantel (41) soldiered on for the Seagulls as others fell cheaply. Carlton King (3/25) was the pick of the Vikings’ bowlers.
Led by a terrific half century from Amjinder Singh Mann (62), the Vikings claimed the win after chasing down Tooradin’s total with five overs to spare.
In a high-scoring and highly entertaining game at Chandler Oval, Emerald claimed the chocolates in a thriller over Officer. Emerald’s innings got off to a shaky start at 3/26, but a 79-run partnership between Trent Rolfs (41) and Mitchell Thomas (91) got the innings back on track.
After Rolfs fell, Thomas then partnered with Andrew Alenson (40 not out) for a terrific 96-run partnership to see the Bombers post an imposing total of 6/209.
With a big target to chase, the Bullants were looking dangerous at 6/188. Needing 22 runs, with Shaun Weir (41) at the crease and building nicely, Officer was in with a chance, but their hopes were quickly dashed when Weir and Kevin Davis (26) were both run out with the team stranded on 189.
It was the beginning of the end for the Bullants as they lost their final four wickets for just nine runs. Clinton Marsh (3/35) bowled well for Emerald as they claimed an 11-run win.
WGCA SUB-DISTRICT DIVISION
REVIEW – ROUND 1
Merinda Park showcased its class as it took care of Gembrook with ease in what was its first outing in the Sub-District division after claiming the B Grade premiership last season.
Josh Phillips (4/12) and Brendan Fairlam (4/27) were ruthless for the Cobras as they bowled the Brookers out for just 108 runs in 31 overs.
Merinda Park was controlled and equally impressive in their run chase as Noel Betreen (41) and Gagandeep Sharma (35 not out) helped the Cobras reach the target in just 15 overs for the loss of two wickets.
After struggling with the bat, Pakenham Upper/Toomuc’s bowlers turned things around and led the Yabbies to a strong win over Kooweerup.
The Yabbies elected to bat first and despite some strong starts – Sahan Wijeratne (26) and Brian Kulasena (24) – the team struggled to get comfortable and was bowled out for just 117 in 33 overs. Kooweerup’s Ronald Bright Jr (3/23) and Arie Hazendonk (2/10) bowled consistently.
Defending a modest total, Pakenham Upper/Toomuc’s bowlers left nothing to chance, demolishing the Demons’ top-order batsmen. At 4/12, Kooweerup was in dire trouble and unfortunately for the Demons, it didn’t get any better as Nicholas Kyval (6/11) delivered eight brutal overs to dismiss Kooweerup’s top-five batsmen.
The Demons were eventually bowled out for just 67 runs.
Catani flexed its muscle against Nyora in a dominant opening round of cricket for the Cats. Blues opener Andrew Hilder (82) was sublime as he controlled the innings, helping Catani post a total of 5/193.
Nyora was never in the game as opener Jake Hackett was dismissed for a duck and Gavin Hackett top-scored with just 17 runs. The Maroons simply had no answers for Dustin Peebles (6/14) as he caused havoc with brilliant line and length. Nyora was bowled out for just 62 runs in 25 overs.
Lang Lang struggled to get the scoreboard ticking over and as a result was beaten convincingly by Pakenham. Jess Grima (41) played a lone hand for the Tigers, while it was a team effort from Pakenham’s bowlers that had them in the box seat after dismissing Lang Lang for 115.
Pakenham was led brilliantly by opener Dene North (59 not out), while Luke Jackson (27) also looked in good form as the Lions claimed a seven-wicket win.
