Huge Hallora batting tears opposition apart
Division 2:
Hallora v Garfield-Tynong
A huge batting display by Hallora tore Garfield-Tynong apart.
Batting first on the best surface for run-making in the WDCA the Kangas followed their Division 1 side’s performance from last week.
Lachie Pratt and Dave Macdermid went ballistic, Pratt (125*) struck 21 boundaries in an enormous knock and Macdermid (89) just fell short of a century in an innings that was almost as equally impressive.
The pair put on 201 for the second wicket in a flawless performance to dominate Hallora’s 2-264.
Mark Phillips (4-30) then put the match beyond doubt leaving the Titans 8-99 at one stage.
Will Pickering (45) saved some face for the visitors that could only muster 161 off their 40 overs as Hallora looked to have consolidated a finals position.
Western Park v Drouin
Western Park made the most of an under-manned Drouin side.
The Parkers were in the field first and a devastating opening spell from Patty Brooks (4-12) and Kyle Baker (2-9) left the Hawks’ day in tatters, crumbling to a barely believable 6-12.
Several fighting knocks from their lower order ensured they made it past the half-century mark to 79 but were never really in the contest.
In reply, the Warriors flipped the batting order slightly, Jack Walsh (34*) proving his capabilities with the bat as the Parkers claimed victory by eight wickets.
Jindivick v Ellinbank
Ellinbank’s strong batting performance saw them easily account for Jindivick.
Wielding the willow first Bryce Joyce (54), Daniel Martini (43) and Jack Pandolfo (40) did the job for the Eagles that made a competitive 4-177 off their 40 overs.
Jindivick quickly fell behind the eight-ball and never recovered with only Jordan Smith (32) providing any resistance.
Lucas Plozza (4-22) was the pick of the bowlers for Ellinbank and Martini (2-20) completed an all-around performance as Jindivick was skittled for just 100.
Longwarry v Iona
The match of the season saw Longwarry edge out the previously undefeated Iona in a thriller. Batting first in a likely semi-final preview Jonah Serong (62) showed class and along with Yashan Samarasinghe (45) put the Crows in a position of power.
Hayden Watson (4-31) fought back hard for the Swamp Tigers mitigating the damage somewhat as Longwarry totalled 8-197.
In response Iona kept up with the rate and appeared to be set to continue to rival the ‘72 Dolphins and maintain their perfect season with as Liam Lenders (55) and Luke Ferguson (39) starring. However, the cream always rises.
Jonah Serong rose to the occasion again and could be the one to lift Longwarry to glory this season.
His “tweakers” claimed 6-49 and a late runout sealed a heart-stopping three-run victory for the Crows.
Local cricket games can now be watched online as some clubs take up new technology.
Western Park Cricket Club have installed a “Frog Box” system to broadcast its home matches live to YouTube.
A fully automated camera setup films and broadcasts WDCA matches, complete with scores and graphics.
The camera sits on a four-metre tripod, focused on Western Park Recreation Reserve’s cricket pitch.
All spectators need to do is follow a link found on Western Park Cricket Club’s Facebook page to tune in from the comfort of their home.
“We’ve had club people and also players that have been in isolation in the past few weeks that have actually been able to tune in to the game on a Saturday while they’re sitting at home on their couch,” Western Park player Jack Armour said.
The club considered using the technology last year, after seeing it used in other cricket leagues. The system has now given them a competitive edge.
“You can watch it back after the fact, on YouTube the whole six hours is available to skip through and find crucial parts to learn from,” Armour said.
With every moment now caught on camera, highlight reels have been developed and posted to social media.
“Going in there and putting in the boundaries and the wickets and the dropped catches that managed to get caught on camera, the funny moments and stuff like that which has been awesome for engagement with the community,” Armour said.
And with the potential for sponsor graphics to appear on screen, the livestream is also a good financial opportunity for the club.
“We’ve had a pretty good audience and a pretty wide audience, so it’s going to be a really good opportunity for some of our loyal sponsors,” he said.