GALVANISED

By Steve Brown

The completion of round 11 of the Norm Reeves Shield saw some interesting results as the

top four is almost set in stone. Ferntree Gully were always in control at Argyle Way

chasing 216 set by Knox Gardens despite the ground being top dressed with sand mid

week. The Gully has found their feet a little too late in the season despite some injuries

to key players. A patient 91 from Harrison Brown who has found his place at the top of the

batting order, combined with super talented Bryce Galvin helped the Blues to a six wicket

win over the Falcons. Big hitting Galvin decided that if the ball struggled to reach the

boundary along the ground then he would go over the top and his brief innings of 85 from

just 49 balls took the game away from the opposition. Brown was last man out after facing

almost 200 balls at the crease.

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Mountain Gate produced their best game of the season at the expense of The Basin. The

Bears set the Gators 270 and had one eye on the top four with Upwey Tecoma leaving the

door open; however Mountain Gate was having none of that. A remarkable unbeaten

century by Clint Buckland and a 53 run ninth wicket partnership with Anthony Davis held the Gators together winning by three runs and dissolved any chance of the Bears challenging for the

premiership. It was a hard day at the office for Scott Vozzo who took 3/87 from 22 over’s on

his 40th birthday.

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At Upwey, runs were as rare as hen’s teeth where Eildon Park (102) defeated Upwey

Tecoma by 10 runs, despite a brilliant performance from Feaver Medal favourite Cameron

Wheeler. “Hot Wheels” collected his best figures with the ball capturing 8/49 from 24

over’s. Both teams were searching for batting coaches after Upwey went to the crease a

second time but managed only 9/125 before stumps were called.

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Flag favourite’s the Knoxfield Knights held all the aces at Carrington Park and defended 331

against Belgrave. Jake Balfour was the only highlight of day two with 69 as the Magpies

finished with 7/210.

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Upper Ferntree Gully (7/331) secured first innings points on day one over bottom side

Monbulk (95) and once Josh Dowling reach his century, skipper Peter Dunlop invited

Monbulk to bat again. Unfortunately the Hawks were unable to combat leg spinner Robbie

Burnie (6/27) and they were spun out for 110 giving the Kings maximum points and a

possible home final.

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It’s difficult to select a favourite for the premiership in Decoite Shield with all top four

contenders a genuine chance. Johnson Park (226) blew a century opening stand going

down to Lysterfield (235) by 9 runs with 4 balls to spare. Once again, Beavers leg spinner

Brad Paull continues to cause havoc bagging another five wicket haul. Knoxfield had a

great win over Rowville to the tune of 22 runs with Brendan Swan taking 5/35 for the

Knights. Footballers ventured to Olinda and left with ten points after former Sri Lanka “A”

fast bowler Tharanga Lakshita produced 7 wickets and a quick fire 60 not out. Despite

75 from Andrew Evans, St Johns Tecoma went down to South Belgrave by 48 runs.

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RON NEVILLE – VALE

The Association has lost one of our most loved life members with the passing of Ron Neville

on Saturday. Ron was a terrific umpire combined with a great sense of humour and a

fantastic junior administrator. He will be sadly missed. Condolences to Wilma and the

Neville family.