Cobras back to winning form

By Gavin Staindl
TUESDAY night’s Twenty20 win by HSD was as much about staying in touch as it was about restoring confidence.
After four consecutive losses, the Dandenong and District Cricket Association side needed a win to remain in contention with the Twenty20 frontrunners, but more so, to reconnect with that “winning feeling”.
“That game gave us a fair bit of confidence,” HSD captain Wendell Perumal said after his side defeated Cranbourne by 66 runs at Reedy Reserve.
“We’re a confidence team and we need to keep that up to get a roll-on.”
The improving Cobras showed few effects from the hiding they received in last week’s Twenty20 against Berwick and raced to 7/167.
Robert Davies (49), Justin Davis (25) and Perumal (24) contributed to the healthy innings and when Stephen Milne (27) rattled off consecutive sixes it was clear HSD had achieved that “roll-on”.
“We batted really well,” Perumal said.
“It helps when we only lose a few wickets and we can go in harder towards the end.”
But the best was still to come for HSD, which turned to its slow bowlers to dismantle Cranbourne’s attack within 15 overs.
James Van Elewoud (3/6) and Michael Davies (2/16) starred with the ball while Davis (1/10) and Perumal (1/1) also chipped in.
While HSD still needs a lucky break to qualify for the Twenty20 finals, Doveton remained in strong contention with a comfortable victory over Narre South at Strathaird Reserve.
Chasing Narre South’s 6/96, Doveton lost two quick wickets before Shaun Tongue (26 not out) and Nick Fairbank (31 not out) consolidated for the six-wicket win.
A week after being blown away by Buckley Ridges, Narre Warren bounced back to beat Fountain Gate by five wickets at Sweeney Reserve.
Opener Chris Jarrett (54) knocked up his highest score for the season as Narre cruised to victory with four overs remaining.
Narre North also secured its second win by beating Silverton in the second last ball of the game at Fotheringham Reserve.