BLUE DAY AT THE GULLY AS FALCONS FLY HIGH
By Richard Millott
Knox Gardens had a day out against Ferntree Gully, with the Falcons claiming the points chasing a low target in Round 2.
Bowling first at the Blues, Knox Gardens made inroads early claiming a wicket on the second ball of the match before having the home side 4/12 after the 4th over. From there, Ferntree Gully failed to recover and were dismissed for 73 in 36.3 overs. Todd Burley was the Captain of Chaos with the ball, claiming 4/11. In reply, Ferntree Gully were looking for quick wickets, however Knox Gardens were able to chase down the target, finishing with their second win of the season at 2/76.
Ferntree Gully Footballers have found their place within Norm Reeves Shield, registering a win against Eildon Park. Radhik Gooneratne (68), Nick Bogar (41) and Ben Rawlings (36) were all pivotal contributors to the Griffin’s 7/187, with Monto Perera providing 3/33 from his overs. Eildon Park saw Cody Morris contribute 32 to the effort, however the show belonged to Yohan De Silva, with the recruit claiming 5/11 to dismiss the Panthers for 85.
A Cameron Wheeler hatrick wasn’t enough to get Upwey over the line at Johnson Park, with the Sharks holding on in a tight match. Upwey were well serviced to set a competitive total, reaching 7/200 thanks to Nick Whitty (41), Julian Whetstone (40) and Steve Moore (30). The Sharks got off to a strong start before losing 4 wickets inside of 8 balls to be 4/103 following Wheeler’s (3/37) Hatrick. Nervous times were had at Fair Park, before the home team passed the target with 5 balls to spare and one wicket in hand. Steve Devenish was instrumental with 67, with David Devenish providing 44 towards the cause.
The Basin proved too good for the current premiers, defeating Knoxfield. Batting first, the Bears left it to late to rally a competitive total, with Jayden Turcinovic (38) and Jake Sherriff (74) putting on 96 for the 6th wicket as the target reached 7/207. Knight Chris Rumble claimed 3/41 from his overs. In reply, Knoxfield lost early wickets before recommencing the chase. Tom Boxell notched up a half century (57) to provide the score of note in their 140. Joel Robertson took the lead with the ball with 3/22.
Belgrave rebounded from last week with a solid win over Upper Ferntree Gully. Wickets were shared around as the Magpies restricted the Kings to 125, before making inroads towards the 6 points, ending at 2/127 thanks to Jonathon Levell’s 48 not out and Jordon King’s 41.
Knox Gardens and The Basin sit atop the ladder as the only teams undefeated, whilst a host of teams sit on level standings with 1 win a piece. Ferntree Gully and Upper Ferntree Gully will be searching for their first wins of the season next weekend.
In Decoite Shield, the Nathan Hicks show rolled into Olinda for the weekend, with his unbeaten 151 being one of the memorable knocks in local one day cricket. Hicks, along with Anthony Brolic (58) were comprehensive with the bat, ending at 2/262. Olinda too were up to the challenge, with Josh Langer registering 57 as part of the 8/160 reply.
Monbulk took the points back following their match at St Johns Tecoma. The Saints posted a competitive target of 197, with thanks to Jake Sali (59) and Billy Sanger (34). Aaron Powell was the lead Hawk with the pill, claiming 3/40. Monbulk were well measured in their chase of the Saints’ target, ending at 5/200. Shane Cosstick (79) and Aaron Bermingham (70) the key pillars of the victorious chase effort.
Rowville made light work of South Belgrave at Seebeck Reserve. Daniel Cormack provided South with a sound 44, whilst at the bowling crease Steve Sandhu claimed 4 wickets for the Hawks to restrict the visitors to 105. Darren Hill, fresh off a quality performance for Victoria’s Over 50s Championships in Brisbane last week, led the chase with 53* as Rowville passed 1/110 to claim the win.
Knox Gardens and Mountain Gate played out a close match at Knox Gardens Reserve to close out Round 2 action, with scores unavailable at time of writing.
Lysterfield, Monbulk and Rowville remain undefeated in Decoite Shield and will look to remain so leading into Round 3 action next weekend.
