Openers run amok in victory

A WHIRLWIND 238-run opening stand by Sean O’Neill (121) and Andrew Baars (91) spearheaded East Belmont’s 80-run win over St Joseph’s in a game that yielded 592 runs.

“It was really pleasing to win on the other side of the ball,” visiting coach Chris Williams said.

“When you get a start like that from those two, you’re not losing too often, unless you mess it up badly.”

O’Neill feasted on the short straight boundaries with a 112-minute innings punctuated by six sixes and 13 fours, while Baars bludgeoned two sixes and 13 fours.

The visitor’s opening stand reached three figures in the ninth over.

Matt Lineker chimed in with a runa-ball 47, while Rhys Burke was the Saints’ best bowler with 4-37.

Williams conceded he didn’t ever underestimate the home side’s firepower with the willow, particularly with Leigh Kentish opening.

“We knew what was coming on the other side, they were going to have to come really hard,” he said.

“While Leigh (Kentish) or Burkey (Rhys Burke) were in, we were still thinking this game is even money.

“But they had to be perfect the whole way through and eventually that just wins the day.”

Kentish carried the boundary six times in his 91-minute 71, but with a steady procession of wickets the Saints’ chances dissolved.

Cam Parker provided some late resistance with a swashbuckling 73, but Englishman Alex Willerton with 3-37 ensured a Lions victory by cleaning up the tail.

A mammoth batting partnership is nothing new for O’Neill and Baars.

Last season against Leopold, O’Neill (203 not out) and Baars (169) rewrote the record books with a sublime 390-run stand.