KNIGHTS, TIGERS JUMP UP ON STAKE-IN-GROUND ROUND
By Richard Millott
Knoxfield and Upwey entered the Top 4 following wins during a pivotal round of results in Norm Reeves Shield.
At Belgrave, Knoxfield showed why they are a force still to be reckoned with as the Knights dominated proceedings. Batting first, the Knights were able to affect the scoreboard from multiple angles, with Adith Sundaresh (68), Trent Scholfield (65) and Zac Wilson (69) all scoring as they peppered the Belgrave Reserve boundaries to finish at 6/323 from their 40 overs, Henry Charter the pick of the bowlers for the Pies with 3/69. A strong reply was required for the home team, with Belgrave’s reply serviced by Jordon King (34) and Aaron Brunner (31), however efforts from Tom Boxell (3/28) and Adam Maloney (3/32) kept Belgrave to 159, ensuring Knoxfield now jump to second place having started the round in 6th place.
Also entering finals calculations is Upwey, who had a convincing away win over Eildon Park to claim 4th place after Round 6 action. The Panthers had a day to forget, being dismissed for 97 with Cameron Wheeler taking 3/27. The Tigers took a little bit to settle to chase the target, with Monto Perera taking 3/28 for Eildon Park, however Wheeler knocked up a 38 to lead the Tigers to victory.
It was a shootout between neighboring Johnson Park and Ferntree Gully Footballers, with the Griffens taking the honours. Again the Sharks had the Devenish Connection with the willow, with Steve (64) and Andrew (42) both scoring towards the effort to reach 9/195. Steve continued his influence with the ball in hand, claiming 3/13 to have the visitors requiring a solid contribution, with the call duly answered by Ben Rawlings who scored 98 to take the Griffens to victory and remain within the Top 4 heading into summer.
A vital derby match between Upper Ferntree Gully and Ferntree Gully saw both sides seeking to open accounts for the season, with the Kings posting 7/152 with Jay Collee the lead with 54. Jayden Bradbury (41) and Ben Pearce (35) were determined for the Blues to bank their opening win, however Collee claimed 3/29 to help the Kings to honors at Kings Park, keeping Ferntree Gully to 146.
At Knox Gardens, the Ladder-Leading Bears were at their best again, accounting for the home team by 8 wickets. The Basin’s Blake Walter claimed 3/40 to help keep the falcons to 9/157 on their home ground, with Walter (59*), Scott Vozzo (56) and Joel Robertson (38*) all partnering up across the innings to land at 2/159 and remain a match clear.
Decoite Shield action saw Lysterfield reclaim top place on percentage following their victory over fellow aspirants South Belgrave. Daniel Cormack lead the way for South with 57, however Brad Paull (3/22) and Ryan Hicks (3/32) ensured that South Belgrave were restricted to 9/147. The reply was swift as Daniel Forster-Jennings (60) and Josh Bundy (38) helped provide the foundations for victory.
Monbulk move down to second despite victory over Mountain Gate. Jason Fraser (61), Shane Cosstick (30) and Daniel Clarke (30) all made starts, with Mitch Goddard thwarting the Hawks by claiming 5/20 whilst supported by Russell Wilson (3/22). The Gators chase was there-abouts for the innings, however 4/41 to Braden Taeuber helped ensure the Hawks of success.
Brett Morrison was the cornerstone piece of the Knox Gardens innings at Talaskia Reserve, with Morrison scoring 136 of the Falcons’ 4/295. Along with Morrison, Gerard Jongen (76) and Nav Singh (46*) ensured that a large target was required to take the points away. For the Saints, Trent Pitts (62), Andrew Evans (49) and Luke Hands (47*) gave a full effort to chase and register a famous win, however fell short finishing at 8/261.
The win keeps the Falcons within the 4, with Rowville closing in following their victory over Olinda. Rowville set 8/164 from their overs, with James Buck notching 70 despite Dominic Woodfield claiming 4/26. Tom Nash took 5/33 for the Hawks as they dismissed Olinda for 118 in reply.
Norm Reeves Shield (After 6 Rounds)
Pts %
The Basin 36 2.05
Knoxfield 24 1.34
Footballers 24 1.27
Upwey 24 1.26
Johnson Park 24 1.05
Knox Gardens 18 1.19
Eildon Park 18 0.92
Belgrave 6 0.57
Upper FTG 6 0.55
Ferntree Gully 0 0.57
Decoite Shield (After 6 rounds)
Pts %
Lysterfield 30 2.00
Monbulk 30 1.33
South Belgrave 24 1.22
Knox Gardens 24 0.98
Rowville 18 1.28
Mountain Gate 12 1.02
St Johns Tecoma 6 0.74
Olinda 0 0.37