Blue Panthers on the move
Rupanyup-minyip will turn its sights on Homers this weekend as it attempts to consolidate finals aspirations in Horsham Cricket Association’s A Grade competition.
The Blue Panthers, sitting fourth, crushed Jung Tigers in a T20 thumping on Saturday and now turn their attention to the Pigeons in another 20-over-a-side game at Horsham City Oval.
Rupanyup-minyip and Homers will meet under lights from 6pm, with a Homers side keen to bounce back after a loss to competition heavyweight Noradjuha-toolondo.
Last week the Blue Panthers were all over a disappointing Tigers, which managed only 68.
All-rounder Mark Mbofana, 3-18, Billy Foorde-englesman and Bailey Young were primary destroyers with the ball, tearing an irreparable hole in what is now appearing a fragile Tigers’ top and middle order.
Only Brenton Hallam made it into double figures with 23.
The Blue Panthers, with Dan Clark unbeaten on 28, and Dylan Eats, 22, had to work hard get the runs, but passed the target with five wickets down in the 16th over.
Homers are sure to make life tough for Rupanyup-minyip this weekend after it too made Noradjuha-toolondo earn its win.
The Pigeons managed to have the Bullants 6-115 after 20 overs and then had to endure their opponents passing the target at the game’s deathknock.
Tony Caccaviello top-scored for the winners with 30 and a variety of others also made it into double figures after Matt Combe took 3-13.
For Homers, Adam Atwood topscored with 31, Paddy Mills, 24, and Chaminda Gamage, 21.
Noradjuha-toolondo now turns its attention to West Wimmera in a 4pm game at Nhill’s Davis Park. The game looms as critical for the home side, which sits out of the top four but still in the hunt for a finals berth.
There are two T20 rounds remaining before teams resume one-day games leading up to the finals.
Horsham association officials have also applauded long-time Laharum cricketer Ben Peucker on reaching milestones.
Wicket-keeper Peucker claimed his 100th stumping in B Grade at the weekend and also passed 7500 runs. This week: West Wimmera v Noradjuha-toolondo, Rupanyup-minyip v Homers. Last week: Noradjuha-toolondo 6-116 (T. Caccaviello 30) d Homers 6-115 (A. Atwood 31; M. Combe 34-13), Rupanyup-minyip 5-73 (D. Clark 28no). Ladder: Noradjuha-toolondo 54 points, 1.62 percent: Homers 30, 0.99; Jung Tigers 30, 0.98; Rupanyup-minyip 27, 0.67; West Wimmera 21, 0.90.