Whibley scores brutal century
Division 2
Bunyip (227) def. Western Park (203): A brutal century from Sam Whibley helped Bunyip to victory over Western Park on Saturday, with the Warriors loss guaranteeing that they will miss out on finals this summer.
Having posted a challenging target of 203 on day one of proceedings, Western Park would have been hoping to snare early wickets to put the Bulls on the back foot – and Toby Bransgrove ensured that plan went swimmingly, with the seamer snaring three early wickets.
Tyler McMillan endured a rare failure – caught behind for just seven while Dan Clebney (13) and Jared Morris (six) were also back in the pavilion early.
With the scoreboard 3-51 the pressure was on Sam Whibley and Sam McMillan to deliver, and the duo ensured there would be no doubt as to who the victors were with a massive 150-run fourth wicket stand.
Clearly enjoying his return to the Warragul District Cricket Association after a short stint in the premier competition for Dandenong, Whibley blasted his way to 123, unleashing some violent strokeplay after passing 50.
Smashing four sixes and 12 fours, the talented youngster helped Bunyip to victory, before a rush of lower order wickets saw the inning closed at 227.
Hawks grind to win
Drouin (9-177) def. Hallora (75): On a grinding afternoon Drouin took home a 102-run win over Hallora in division two, and in the process knocked the Kangaroos out of the top four heading into the final home and away round.
Chasing the Hawks’ total of 9-177, the Halloran batsmen were under extreme pressure all day and the Drouin bowlers extracted all they could from their home turf wicket on their way to a big win.
Led by their new-ball brigade of Rhys Fairlie and Paul Timewell, Drouin sent down nary a loose ball, with the run-rate reduced to a crawl for the entirety of the day.
Fairlie was particularly difficult to counteract, and he finished with the incredible figures of 4-16 from 19 overs, while Timewell chimed in with 2-20 from his 16.
Aaron Blanch and Logan Starc ensured there was no let-up from the change bowlers, and after 56 overs of turgid batting Hallora were dismissed for 75.
Jindivick win big
Jindivick (8-289) def. Neerim District (142): Jindivick continued on their merry way in division two with a big 147-run win over Neerim District, the result never in doubt after the Jumping Jacks piled on the runs on day one of their encounter.
The Stags needed a near miracle to chase down the target of 289, but their innings began in the worst possible way with Marc Pinkerton (nought) and Matt Kelliher (three) both out early.
From then on wickets fell on a regular basis, with only Jason Skobla and John Fleming able to provide any resistance.
The constant attack on the stumps paid dividends for Jindivick – and for Clint Boswell in particular – with eight of the 10 wickets either bowled or leg before wicket.
Skobla was eventually one of those eight, trapped in front for 38 and his dismissal triggered a collapse of 7-27 that decimated the innings.
A 23-run last wicket stand boosted the score slightly, but in the end the Stags were bundled out for 142 in the 45th over.
Titans rescued
Garfield-Tynong (194) def. Warragul (144): Garfield-Tynong overcame one of the more dramatic top order collapses seen in division two in recent years to record a 50run win over Warragul, with Tate Burgmann again coming to the rescue for the Titans.
Facing a modest chase of 144, the Titans top order were decimated by Wil Cole, with the seamer running rampant with the newball.
The top three of Alphy Hosie, Brayden Ridler and Thomas Brown were all removed without scoring, while Josh Horsburgh and Daniel Savage followed soon after – the scoreboard reading a staggering 5-12.
However, hopes of an upset were still put on hold with Burgmann at the crease, and his class and skill soon came to the fore.
Finding able support from Aaron Maxwell – with whom he shared an 80-run sixth wicket stand - Burgmann struck a magnificent 65, his half-century helping take Garfield-Tynong to within sight of victory.
Cam Riley (23) and Ray Evans (18) carried the Titans past the required target much to the relief of the Garfield-Tynong supporters, with the club moving into fourth place on the division two ladder on the back of the win.
Cole was the stand-out for Warragul with 6-30.