AROUND THE GROUNDS: KNIGHTS KNOCK OFF MOUNTERS TO REMAIN ON TRACK FOR THE G
By Richard Millott
The Road to the ‘G Statewide T20 competition commenced on Tuesday evening, with Knoxfield victorious over YVCA’s Mt Evelyn.
Dubbed the “Battle of the Maroons”, it was Mt Evelyn who got off to a flying start before the Knights pegged back to keep the visitors to 110. Adith Sundaresh claimed 4/12, whilst Tom Boxell snared 3/9. Boxell then returned to his predominant skills as a batsmen in the chase, his 37 being the top score as Knoxfield reached 8/112 in the final over. Knoxfield will now play Langwarren CC from the MPCA after their win against Upper Beaconsfield.
In Division 3, Upwey hold the upper hand against Belgrave, reaching 3/300 declared before having the hosts 3/21 at stumps. Luke Plumridge was the thorn in Lysterfield’s side, claiming 5/42 to help keep the Beavers to 185.
Mountain Gate were strong against Olinda in Division 4, reaching 7/236 from their overs, Rob Gough the mainstay of the innings with an unbeaten 76. St Johns Tecoma nearly reached a Day 1 victory against South Belgrave, dismissing their hosts for 132 before reaching 2/91 at stumps.
Division 5 has a number of matches evenly poised after the first stage of the split innings. Lysterfield and Knoxfield remain close, with Knoxfield reaching 5/86 with their opponents 5/80. Upwey and The Basin proved to be a batsman’s paradise, the Tigers finishing at 2/179 whilst the Bears hit 3/123.
St Johns Tecoma hold the upper hand in Division 6 against Mountain Gate, with the Gators 5/40 as the Saints ended the day 3/108. Meanwhile, Olinda have work to do against Monbulk, with the home team 6/82 as the Hawks hold a day 1 lead at 5/128.
Nearly 300 runs were scored on Day 1 at Benedikt Reserve as Lysterfield look to claim the points over their hosts. The Knights sit at 6/133, however Lysterfield’s 1/157 – thanks to Angus Walker (63*) and Luke Myszka (55*) combining in a 111-run partnership with next week still to play.
In B1 One Day Grade, St Johns Tecoma accounted for Bayswater at Bayswater Secondary College, with Bayswater’s 5/74 not enough for the Saints who finished on 2/93. Meanwhile at Karoo Reserve, Eildon Park claimed the points in a tight affair from their neighbours in Lysterfield, with Stu Downs scoring 50 retired as part of 9/135. In reply, the Beavers were well served by Warwick Peluso (52 ret), however runs eluded in the final overs, finishing at 8/130.
In Representative news, a South East Country squad with no less than 10 FTGDCA players sit atop of the VCCL Under 21 ladder after their round 1 win against Western Waves. Monbulk’s Braden Taeuber led the way with 44 not out from 50 balls, whilst Upper Ferntree Gully’s Robbie Cox (39 runs from 95 balls) also helped the side to 8/189 from their 50 overs at Warrion Reserve. Defending, Upwey’s Liam Hunt claimed 4/19 from 10 overs to restrict the Waves, with Mt Evelyn’s Jesse Fraser taking 3/28 from 8.4 overs. Round 2 sees South East play against Barwon at Bayswater Reserve on Sunday 18th from 10am, with a spot in the Under 21s Final on the line.
With the Over 50s Cricket World Cup just around the corner, Darren Hill prepares to represent Australia at the tournament in Sydney later this month. The FTGDCA has created a Go Fund Me page to allow our cricketing community to assist Darren where possible, raising funds to help cover costs with representing at the International event, such as playing equipment and uniform which is self-funded. To donate, or for more information, the link can be found here: www.gofundme.com/darren-hill-australian-team
