By Nick Creely
WGCA PREMIER DIVISION
REVIEW – ROUND 11
It’s been a strong couple of rounds for Merinda Park.
The Cobras – who had just the single victory before the Christmas break – continue to impress, playing a strong brand of cricket, and more importantly are starting to get the win column ticking over.
Jarrod Armitage’s side clocked up its third win of the season, moving within 18 points of fourth spot after brushing aside Devon Meadows at home on Saturday.
The Panthers won the toss and elected to bat, and despite a strong start from openers Luke Hamilton (29) and Lucas Carroll (29), the home side – largely through the brilliant efforts of Paul Stockdale (5/23) and with support of Peter Jessop (3/18) – were dominant to bowl the home side out for 149 in the final over of the innings.
It was a strong start, however, with the ball from the Panthers with the home side slumping to 2/29, but it mattered little as Dustin Peebles (46) and Sasindu Perera (63 not out) went to work, notching up a match-defining 89-run partnership for the third wicket.
The Cobras eventually found the runs with six overs left to spare, and with seven wickets still left in the shed in what was a dominant all-round performance.
Down at Toomuc Reserve, a workmanlike Pakenham continues to chalk up wins, but Cardinia gave it their all in an interesting clash.
The Lions didn’t have it all their own way with the bat after winning the toss, with two early wickets putting the home side under the pump.
But once more, Dale Tormey (73) was the man to steer the Lions, crunching his fifth score above 50 in a row, as 1000 runs draws nearer with each innings.
Terrific supporting acts from Chris Smith (36) and Ben Maroney (24) through the middle were also vital, with the home side reaching 7/191 off its 40 overs.
The Bulls were well served by new-ball pair Matt Welsh (2/34) and Brayden Browne (2/49), who charged in all innings for their side.
It was a devastating start to the chase for the visitors, who quickly found themselves 4/32 and with its most dangerous batsmen back in the shed.
But excellent cameos from Matt Welsh (47) and Travis Wheller (54) gave the Bulls a light flicker of hope, before a couple of key wickets from Tormey (2/38), as well as Jack Ryan (2/9) and Jason Williams (2/23) saw the visitors held to 9/160.
Tooradin, meanwhile, is continuing to keep pressure on top spot after yet another convincing win, this time against Clyde at home.
The fourth-placed Cougars desperately needed a win to maintain its hold inside the four with only a handful of rounds to play, but the Seagulls just seem to find another gear.
Batting first, skipper Cal O’Hare (50) and Josh Lownds (68) helped steady the ship after a shaky start to the day, while an important cameo from Neil Peake (23) lifted the home team to an imposing 9/204.
Nick Sadler (3/38) was particularly excellent with the ball for the visitors, and picked up key wickets early in the day.
The visitors looked like they were going to give the chase an almighty shake, finding themselves 1/72 and with set batsmen set to go on, before a devastating spell of bowling from Troy Lehman (4/36), who completely took the game away from the Cougars.
With a fine supporting act from Ash Adams (3/22), the visitors could only muster up 9/167 with Sadler (32) also playing a strong hand with the bat late in the piece.
And in the final game of the round played on Australia Day, Kooweerup (203) found the win against Cranbourne Meadows (166), with skipper Mark Cooper (5/32), as well as in-form keeper batsman Chris Bright (50) the stars for the Demons.
