Round 5 Day 1 | ftgdca

WILSON, KNIGHTS GO BIG AGAINST BEAVERS

By Richard Millott

Day One of Round 5 action kicked off on Saturday, with big team scores the order of the day.

At Lakesfield Reserve, Zac Wilson put on a masterclass in Knoxfield’s match against Lysterfield. The visitors looked in trouble early as the Beavers claimed regular breakthrough’s against the top order, reaching 5/60 before Wilson and Lachlan Anderson (75) put on a 241-run stand. Wilson reached his ton and then some, eventually dismissed for 176 in an innings that included 17 fours and 6 sixes. The both innings were pivotal to the Knights turning their fortunes around, reaching 341 in the final over. With the ball, Nathan Walsh lead the way claiming 4/50 from 9.4 overs.

Belgrave travelled to The Basin in a highly anticipated matchup as the early form team met with the reigning Premiers at Batterham Reserve. Taking first use of the facilities, the Pies started well reaching 1/49 at the first drinks break. However Joey Hawke saw to it that the visitors would not run rampant, his 3/69 the pick of the bowling as Belgrave were dismissed for 205.

Upwey found runs in their away trip to Johnson Park despite the efforts of the Shark’s bowling attack. The Tigers turned the scoreboard over to keep the momentum across the afternoon, with Cameron Wheeler (85) and Julian Whetstone (76) both reaching half centuries, whilst Dain Howe also worked around for 32 as the Tigers ended the day reaching 272. Despite the runs, the Sharks bowling unit worked well in tandem, with Steve Devenish claiming 5/54 alongside Mitch Ley with 3/64.

Knox Gardens had several contributions across the day in their matchup against Upper Ferntree Gully at Kings Park. The Kings toiled hard for the opening wickets, with Josh Gregory leading the way early before both openers fell in succession. The Tea break saw the Falcons at 2/79 from the first 39 overs, with Adam Wylde (39) and Jarrod Butcher (32) continuing the push, despite Corey Williams (3/32) breaking through the middle order. Mitch Gregory (40*) provided the visitors with some late run scoring to help guide the Falcons to 243.

Jake Pollard reaching an unbeaten 104* for Eildon Park against Ferntree Gully Footballers. Early starts helped the Panthers tick along with runs before Pollard and Josh Dowling (74) combined. Dowling departed at 4/226 as the Panthers chased quick runs to finish off on a big score. Pollard reaching his century and remaining there at the end as the home team were 8/313. With the ball for the Griffens, Hayden Betts was the pick with 3/47.

In Decoite Shield, St Johns Tecoma’s form continued on their home deck, with the Saints reaching 7/321 against Olinda. Kyle Chandler (57) notched up a half century amongst the starts, the score reaching 4/159 before Blake Hughes came in to ignite the innings once again. Hughes reached a 72-ball 88, including 7 fours and 6 sixes before falling late in the innings. For the Bloods, Peter Dean lead the attack with the ball, sending down 19 overs for a return of 3/69.

Monbulk look set for an early week next week after a strong performance against Knox Gardens. The Hawks bowlers relished the conditions, with Braden Tauber (4/25), Duncan Maher (3/32) and Craig Broekhof (3/46) all troubling the Falcons at various stages. Resistance came in the form of Adam Metherell and the promoted Sam Fisher – both scoring 37 as the Falcons were dismissed with 124 on the board. Monbulk reached stumps at 1/73, with Shane Cosstick reaching 34.

Mountain Gate had a number of contributions in their matchup against South Belgrave. John Rozarkis reached 54, with contributions also from Shaun Morris (43), Sanitha De Mel (36) and Daniel Shaw (34). Todd Burley claimed 3/83 for South to restrict the Gators to 238. South Belgrave commenced their reply and reached stumps unscathed, resuming at 0/24 next week.

An all round Team effort from Ferntree Gully restricted Rowville in their match. Jake Evans claimed 3/46 for the Blues as Trevor Wood lead the way for the Hawks. Wood reached 34 to be the highlight for Rowville, who reached 139. Ferntree Gully will continue next week from 0/13.