By Hayley Wildes
WARRAGUL & DISTRICT CRICKET ASSOCIATION
REVIEW – ROUND 11
With three rounds remaining before finals, Western Park remains on top of the WDCA Division 1 ladder after taking care of business against Drouin at home.
The Warriors were led by opener Matthew Wakefield (76), who hit 11 4s in 96 deliveries, in a standout knock. After fellow opener Sanjaya Gangodawila (8) and Daniel Sheehan (3) fell cheaply, Wakefield and skipper Sam Batson (47) steadied the innings with a 78-run partnership.
But after Batson and Wakefield were dismissed, the runs dried up and with Sam Van Der Zalm (3/22) in strong form for Drouin, the Warriors were held to a total of 7/179.
In reply, the Hawks consistently lost wickets throughout their innings and despite fighting knocks from Damon Healy (46), Jamie Glen (33) and Simon Gardiner (27), were unable to stay at the crease for long enough.
After starring with the bat, Batson (3/25) claimed vital wickets for Western Park as the home team dismissed Drouin for 160 in 34 overs.
In a match that had finals implications for both teams, Hallora used a fine team effort to come away with a vital win over Buln Buln.
With Buln Buln boasting one more win than Hallora before round 11 commenced and both in the thick of the race for finals, when they headed out to bat first, the Lyrebirds needed a good start.
That was far from what eventuated though as Sam Whibley (1/22) dismissed Jeff Walsh (0) before the Lyrebirds had even got off the mark. Soon after, Corey Jagoe (5) joined Walsh in the sheds and Buln Buln were struggling at 2/9.
Starts from Jack Armour (21), Brent Eastwell (25) and Wilson Pollock (32) gave Buln Buln hope, but James Williams (3/17) kept striking with key wickets. Max Kelly (28 not out) anchored the run home for the Lyrebirds and helped them to a score of 9/163.
In reply, the Kangaroos were impressive, getting contributions from Malinga Surappulige (25) and Jai Serong (29), while Fraser Duncan (59 not out) and Sam Whibley (37 not out) led the team home.
In the 35th over, Hallora claimed the win with a total of 3/165. The result sees Hallora (fourth) sit just three points adrift of Buln Buln in third.
Ellinbank was too strong for the bottom-placed Jindivick at home. The Jumping Jacks elected to bat first and despite an impressive and composed knock from captain Steven Dillon (74), the Eagles bowlers took control of the match-up.
Nicholas Fairbank (3/15), Nathan Pulham (3/29) and captain Ben Spicer (3/41) tore through Jindivick’s defence as six players failed to make double figures. Wicket-keeper Daniel Pandolfo had a day out, taking four catches in an impressive display.
The Eagles dismissed the Jumping Jacks for 168 in the 38th over.
Ellinbank got straight to work with the bat as openers Troy Ferguson (45) and Ben Spicer (24) combined for a 74-run partnership. After leading the bowling attack, Nicholas Fairbank (43) was just as impressive with the bat.
Despite losing four wickets, the Eagles got home with a total of 4/170 in 29 overs. Karman Murtaza (2/45) was the lone multiple wicket-taker for the Jumping Jacks.
Meanwhile, Yarragon’s finals chances were dealt a blow, falling to Neerim District. The Stags were sent into bat and the Panthers struggled to make inroads as Neerim District captain Jackson Ward (47) and Rhys George (41) ensured their side got off to a strong start.
After the pair combined for a 68-run partnership for the second wicket, George then paired with Ashley Lockett (33) for a 41-run stand. After looking in control, George and Lockett were both dismissed in quick succession as Gayan De Silva (5/31) caught fire and brought the Panthers back into the game.
Eventually, the Stags posted a total of 8/181.
In reply, Yarragon struggled to keep partnerships intact at the top of the order as Kody Wilson (4/22) struck at key moments. Despite the best efforts of Laytten Smith (31) and Daminda Rajapakshalage (23) down the order, the Panthers were unable to fight their way back, dismissed for 151 in the 37th over.
With Wilson leading the way, Ben Lockett (3/25) and Dane Fawcett (2/28) played fine supporting roles to help the Stags to a strong win.
