By Russell Bennett
A SUBLIME Ryan Crawford century was not enough for Berwick to stave off an irresistible Springvale South outfit at Arch Brown Reserve.
Chasing a mammoth 319 for victory, Berwick’s batting line-up desperately needed to step up to the plate. But it started terribly – losing its first four wickets for just 36 runs.
Gavan Wills’ watchful knock – 48 from 122 balls – then helped steady the ship, as he played the anchor role to Crawford’s innings.
Century-maker Crawford flayed the ball to all parts, smacking a dozen boundaries in an even 100.
And a run-a-ball, lower-order half-century from keeper Colin Tucker (56) kept Berwick in the hunt, but Springvale South’s Jarrod Armitage (5/53) kept the home side at bay. Berwick was eventually dismissed for 288 from its 79 overs.
@BT Sub Sport News:KEYSBOROUGH v HALLAM KALORA PARK
Keysborough was skittled twice in an embarrassing display in its clash with Hallam Kalora Park.
Chasing 273 to win, the home side was dismissed for a paltry 47 in its first innings at Keysborough Reserve.
Captain Baden Saunders (15) was the only batsman to reach double figures in a remarkable scorecard for the Burras. Hallam’s bowling attack was brutal from start to finish, but didn’t have any standout individual performances in an ominous sign for the rest of the competition. Lee Brown (3/9) and Johan Vorster (2/14) were two of their side’s four multiple wicket-takers.
Coach Andre Peters (74) was determined to make amends for his team’s woeful first innings with a strong display in the second. But his supporting cast was nowhere to be seen, as Vorster (4/46) and Brown (3/20) once again tore shreds in the Burras’ batting order for just 112.
@BT Sub Sport News:NARRE WARREN v NORTH DANDENONG
Narre Warren took the points in an entertaining all-around game against North Dandenong at Sweeney Reserve.
Narre batted all day on day one, reaching 9/258 as James Giertz (68) and Dushan Wickramaratne (50) shone.
But the visitors made a game of it as wicket keeper captain Craig Gunawardana (64) made a hard-fought half century and tailenders Glen Pepper (22) and Shane Clark (21 not out) put in a gritty display to keep their side in the hunt.
North Dandenong’s fight ultimately came to an end, 10 runs short on 248.
@BT Sub Sport News:BUCKLEY RIDGES v DOVETON
Shane White’s devastating day one 8/34 spell was the deciding factor for Doveton in its clash with Buckley Ridges.
And although the home side clamoured to 184 from its 70 overs, Doveton was never really troubled in its chase.
Eight Doveton batsmen reached double figures as their side made 207 to snare first innings points.
Ben Baxter (34) led the way for the visitors, while White backed up his bowling efforts with a valuable 30 at the death.
@BT Sub Sport News:HEINZ SOUTHERN DISTRICTS v MORDIALLOC
A sparkling, unbeaten half-century from Heinz Southern Districts star Trevor Davies (61 not out) helped the side to a strong win in its clash with Mordialloc at Reedy Reserve.
After HSD’s bowlers gained ascendency on day one, Davies and opening batsmen Garrick Wiramanaden (30) and Adam Semmens (35) kept their side in a strong position on the final day.
Mordialloc’s Nick Connellan (2/34 from 18 overs) toiled hard for the visitors, but HSD sailed through in a comfortable five-wicket win.
TURF TWO
@BT Sub Sport News:NARRE SOUTH v FOUNTAIN GATE
Fountain Gate got the better of Narre South in their local derby at Strathaird Reserve.
The visitors 299 day one total always looked beyond Narre South’s reach, as it could only muster 189 in reply.
Corey Rowe blasted nine fours en route to a blistering 40, but the day two spoils went to the bowlers as David Lucas (4/42) and Tim McLaren (3/25) led the way for Fountain Gate.
@BT Sub Sport News:NARRE NORTH v ST BRIGID’S/ST LOUIS
A brilliant not out century by Michael Robson (100) guided Narre North to victory at home against St Brigids/St Louis.
Robson was the only Narre North batsman to make it to 40, but went on with his knock, staying composed and making sure he was at the crease as the winning runs were struck.
Jeremy Heys (3/71) toiled hard for St Brigids but the side’s day one innings never looked enough to secure the points. Narre North ultimately reached 6/225 for a four-wicket win.
@BT Sub Sport News:CRANBOURNE v LYNDALE
Though Cranbourne struggled to 168 on day one of its clash against Lyndale, a superb 21 overs from Daniel Evans secured the side an unlikely win.
Evans was the perfect combination of miserly and deadly, taking five wickets for just 15 runs as Lyndale crumbled. The top-order pairing of Jaime Brohier (20) and Carman Mapatuna (47 not out) were the only batsman to reach double figures in a disappointing loss.
