SHARKS OVER MAGPIES IN UNBEATEN RUNCHASE
By Richard Millott
A century from Liyan De Silva saw Johnson Park claim the points in their clash with Belgrave.
Aaron Brunner (93) and Jordon King (40) lead the way for the Magpies in posting a total of 6/190 for the home side. However the story of the match was the chase down by the Sharks with De Silva (115*) pairing with Steve Devenish (70*) to chase the target down unbeaten, finishing on 0/192 to register their second win of the year.
The Basin lead proceedings on the ladder following victory against Ferntree Gully. Danny Rundle posted 47 to lead the way, with support coming from Joel Robertson (31). With the ball, Tim Parker led the way for the Blues claiming 3/35 to keep The Basin to 9/193. Ferntree Gully toiled hard, with Mark Teofilo notching 58. However Blake Walter produced a restrictive effort of 3/12 from his overs to help The Basin over the line, dismissing Ferntree Gully for 162.
Meanwhile, Knox Garden’s undefeated run came to an end against Eildon Park. The Panthers posted 4/225, with several contributors including Jake Pollard (65*), Cody Morris (61) and Josh Dowling (35). The Falcons, filled with confidence from their opening campaign to date, were up to the challenge, Pete Dunlop with 69 and Jarrod Butcher with 32, however fell short at 8/201.
Upwey consigned Knoxfield to their second defeat of the season at Upwey Reserve. Knoxfield scored 8/148 in their innings, with Zac Wilson (40) and Matthew Train (31*) edging the total forward, whilst with the ball Kyle Snyman claimed 3/34. In reply, the Tigers ensured the points remained with them as Chris Jewell (37) and Snyman (30) were key in the total of 5/149.
Footballers find themselves up the ladder following victory against Upper Ferntree Gully. Radhik Gooneratne (49) and Ben Rawlings (45) provided starts as the Griffins finished on 9/192. The Kings toiled hard, with Dan Giblin (42) and Shane Luck (33) the notable efforts in the scorebook, however fell short to be dismissed for 173.
In Decoite Shield, Lysterfield remain on top after a win against St Johns Tecoma. Nathan Hicks provided 39 in the team effort to get to 9/169, thwarted by Aaron Grenda’s 4/20. In reply, Cam Cosstick claimed 3/22 to keep the Saints to 120.
Mountain Gate are on the board for the season accounting for Rowville. The Hawks were in a great position for a big score, Darren Hill dismissed for 41 and Steve Sandhu for 59 to have the home team 2/113. From there, the Gators fought back with skipper Luke Turner claiming 3/43 to keep Rowville to 9/172. Brad Croxford (43) and John Rozakis (38) kept the runs ticking as the visitors claimed the points in the final over.
South Belgrave proved too good on the day for Monbulk, with the home team’s 5/196 enough. Tom Marks (69*) was the lead of South’s innings in the chase. Earlier, Braden Taeuber (61) and Jason Fraser (32) posted scores for the Hawks despite the efforts of Harley McDermott (3/33).
Knox Gardens claimed another tight win, this time chasing down Olinda. Set 7/161 thanks to Adrian Willoughby (39) and Tom Gelbert (38), the Falcons chased to be 6/165. Brett Morrison (39), Adam Wylde (33*) and Travis Mulder (32*) all contributing to the effort, with Pete Dean claiming 3/28 for Olinda.