By Russell Bennett
WGCA PREMIER DIVISION
REVIEW – ROUND 3
A frustrating, rain-affected Round 3 where valuable competition points went begging for some teams could yet play a deciding role in the make-up of the final four later in the season.
The rain seemed to intensify at stages throughout the day as it moved across the south east.
The Cougars and the Bulls got a full game in at Clyde, with the Cougars ultimately emerging victorious from an action-packed clash with plenty of feeling.
Batting first, the Bulls got off to a barnstorming start courtesy of aggressive opener Alex Nooy.
But his 34-run cameo ultimately proved too short as he was caught going for one long bomb too many with a juggling attempt from Daniel Lever.
In a sign of just how blistering Nooy’s start to the innings was, he scored all of the Bulls’ first 34 runs that weren’t extras – with the other run coming from a no ball.
But ultimately he and experienced x-factor Justin Berry (32) were the only Cardinia batsmen to pass 30 as their side was dismissed for 136 in the 35th over.
The Cougars kept snaring wickets at regular intervals throughout the innings, with Nick Sadler (4/29) at one stage on a hat-trick, while Brett Reid (2/12) and Lever (2/38) were the other multiple wicket-takers for the home side.
Frustrating periods – totalling around an hour – were lost across both innings, with play ultimately extended to achieve a result.
The Cougars (4/138) ultimately won by six wickets with about 15 minutes remaining until the compulsory close of the contest.
Skipper Kiefer Peries (22) and Jason Hameeteman (40) provided valuable contributions with the willow, while the composure of John Simpson (23 not out) and Kane Avard (34 not out) ultimately steered their side home in 33 overs.
Avard’s knock was particularly impressive, as he noticeably grew in confidence with each passing over.
In the only other clash to reach a result on Saturday, the Demons kept their winning ways going by outlasting a determined Devon Meadows at Denhams Road.
Batting first, the Panthers batted out their 40 overs but could only amass 7/119 due to the Demons’ tight lines and length, particularly to the top-order.
Trent Delaney top-scored with 49, while skipper Michael Addison finished with a valuable 20 not out. As he so often is, Jess Mathers was the start with the ball for Kooweerup, finishing with 4/17 from his eight overs.
The Demons lost six wickets in their reply, with a string of batsmen – led by Shaun Donnelly (37) – recording double-figure starts, before the familiar steadying hand of Chris O’Hara (20 not out) guided them home in the 29th over at 6/120.
Lucas Carroll continued his strong early-season form with the ball, snaring 3/27 from his eight overs.
At Pakenham, meanwhile, the red-hot favourite Lions were denied maximum points as the rain brought their clash with Cranbourne Meadows to a premature end.
Batting first in the clash that was relocated from the Rebels’ home ground – due to continued issues with the state of its surface – the Lions reached 4/222 from their 40 overs thanks in no small part to a commanding 146-run, third-wicket stand between superbat Dale Tormey (86) and skipper Dom Paynter (60).
Then, with the Lions well on the way to victory – with the Rebels battling at 6/124 in the 32nd over of their reply – the weather gods intervened, bringing about a draw. Jahanzaib Athar (35 not out) led the way for the Rebels, while Troy McDermott snared two wickets for the Lions.
In the other game of the round, a similarly-frustrating draw emerged from the clash between Merinda Park and Tooradin at Donnelly Reserve.
Batting first, the Gulls mustered 7/178 courtesy of half-centuries to opener Kade Burns (62) and star recruit Matt Cox (61).
But Cobras gun Daniel McCalman took a string of steady wickets – continuing his brilliant all-around start to the season. He finished with 4/18, adding to his 3/39 from the week prior – to go along with knocks of 36 (Round 1) and 92 (Round 2).
Unfortunately for him he couldn’t fire with the willow this time around, departing early, leg-before to Troy Lehman, before the Cobras’ chase was forced to a close at 3/76 in the 23rd over.
