Goannas win on final ball

It was a fine, cool day at South Frankston on Sunday as the Gippsland Goannas over 60s cricket team travelled to play the Mornington Peninsula Veterans.

The MP team won the toss and batted, with Gordon Cowling and recruit Bernie Symons opening the bowling. Cowling had opening batsman Phil Mayne well caught behind by Ian Gibson for 5 in the third over.

MP batted solidly, getting the score to 99 at the 20 over drinks break.

Peter Anton and Neil Meredith contained the batsmen a bit, but the ground was fast and gave full value for good shots.

In the end, MP amassed a score of 5/186. The successful bowlers were Cowling 1/18 from 8 overs, Meredith 1/23 from 7, Barrie Nunn 1/21 from 5, and Ian Southall 1/8 from 4.

There was an excellent runout as Ken Bailey threw to Gibson from the boundary. Gibson and Metlikovec took catches for the Goannas.

The breeze was a little cooler after the lunch break, but the Goannas innings started brightly.

Ray Smith retired at 42 with Bailey and Col Carmody working the bowlers around. Captain Rino (40 retired) and Smith put on a good partnership for the Goannas to reach the drinks break at 2/84.

Peter Anton and Symons scored quickly, but Anton was adjudged LBW for 8, bringing Gibson to the crease. He and Symons batted aggressively, with Bernie hitting a massive six to retire on 45.

Ray Floyd helped Gibbo as the score reached 181 with six balls to go. Three singles and a two had the scores tied, with two balls to go.

Floyd was clean bowled on the second last ball, leaving Ian Southall to hit the last ball for four. The Goannas ended up at 5/190. Gibbo was 28 not out in a very valuable innings.

What a match! Despite the rain, the ground at Overport Park was in excellent condition and two good teams played a very good game of cricket.