Palmerston rises from the murky depths to take out minor premiership

TWO years ago, Palmerston was at rock bottom.

Last night its players celebrated a Darwin Premier Grade cricket minor premiership.

And the innings and 193run victory over Southern Districts at Cazalys Oval was about as ruthless as it gets.

The Power declared at 4-321 after resuming the day 4-253.

Captain Alex Bleakley (61 not-out off 43 balls) and hardhitting allrounder Christian Leopard (89 not-out off 54) took apart the Crocodiles’ attack.

After the visitors were bowled out for 82 last week, they could only manage 46 yesterday, as Leopard (5-16) at and legspinner Kyle Gardiner (3-14) were too good.

“Two years ago, we didn’t win a game, so it’s a big change from then,” Bleakley said.

“Kyle could’ve had wickets.”

PINT finished the season in second spot, also recording a big 111-run win over Darwin at Kahlin Oval, the hosts bowled out for 212 chasing 324. five

Marc Calkin and Jacob Dickman (39 each), Gerard Legge-Wilkinson (38) and Josh Doyle (32) all showed promise without pushing onwards.

Tall allrounder and left-arm spinner Uli Van Duyker took 6-57 for the Green Caps.

“It seems like our team is shaping up nicely going into the finals,” he said.

“There was some turn out there for me, and whenever a pitch offers me assistance I’ll back myself.”

And Waratah also warmed up for the semi-finals with a comfortable 69-run win over Nightcliff at Gardens Oval.

The Tigers were bowled out for 270 chasing 340, Brendon Piggott offering resistance with 63 off 122.

Waratah skipper and leg- spinner Brad claimed 4-17.

“I was chuffed with how I bowled — I’ve been working pretty hard,” Schmulian said.

“It was good to give our bowlers some good spells going into the semi-finals.”

Palmerston (1) v Waratah (4) and PINT (2) v Darwin (3) will be the semi-finals this Saturday and Sunday. Schmulian