Division 1
Western Park (118) vs. Yarragon (62): On a wicket tailor made for runscoring, both Yarragon and Western Park endured a torrid time with the bat – with the Warriors surviving a Gamini Kumara onslaught to eke out a 56-run first innings lead over the Panthers.
The day began in scintillating form for Western Park as they snared early wickets and proceeded to bundle Yarragon out for just 62 in 36.1 overs, with Sam Batson continuing his amazing form with the ball.
He snared 6-30 and received able support from Chris Perry (1-14) and Tyler McDonald (3-18) as Yarragon crumbled.
Only Kumara – who finished unbeaten on 30 – was able to provide any resistance and the question on everyone’s lips was simple; how much would the Warriors lead by at the close of play?
However, Kumara sent out a stunning reminder of his ability with the ball with an incredible seven-wicket haul that at one stage saw Western Park slip to 7-43.
An embarrassing loss was on the cards until Dale Fawcett knuckled down with a knock of 47 and McDonald was able to offer enough support to piece together a 61-run eighth wicket stand that carried Western Park through to 118 before they were dismissed.
Cameos boost Hawks
Drouin (9-236) vs. Longwarry: A series of handy cameos has helped Drouin post a strong total against Longwarry in their division one clash, with the Hawks overcoming some testing bowling from the Crows’ ‘big four’ bowlers.
Troy Lehman kept the runs down but lacked his usual incision – claiming 1-72 from 24 – and Serong (3-45 from 24 exceptional overs), Keily (2-48 off 16) and Serong (who finished with 3-63) all chimed with a consistent line and length that challenged the Drouin batsmen.
However, to the disappointment of the bowlers the batsmen were more than up to the task, with Luke Radford and Trevor Gardiner on fire.
The star English all-rounder hit a classy 54, while Gardiner contributed a gritty unbeaten 46, and together with a strong opening showing from Jake Harper (who struck 37) they carried Drouin through to 9-236 at stumps.
The Drouin bowlers will be looking to apply the same pressure that their opponents managed next Saturday,