English star Alex Roberts compiled a quickfire 44 in his side’s 43-run grand-final victory over North Dandenong at Wachter Reserve on the weekend.By Marc McGowan
DANDENONG District Cricket Association powerhouses Berwick and Hallam-Kalora Park were crowned Turf One and Two premiers respectively on Sunday.
An impressive batting fightback on day one proved crucial in the Bears’ triumph, while Hallam-Kalora Park’s achievement owes much to its bowlers and the Booth brothers.
@BT Sub Sport News:TURF ONE
Berwick d North Dandenong
Berwick is the Turf One champion for the second time in three years after defeating North Dandenong by 43 runs at Wachter Reserve on the weekend.
Bears bladesman and Damien Fleming Medallist Paul Evans’ (93 not-out, eight fours and five sixes) magnificent early evening exploits on Saturday played a pivotal role in the triumph.
Earlier, opener Justin Stanton (45, nine fours) and captain-coach Alex Roberts (44, seven fours and one six) had helped Berwick to 2/115 before last season’s losing grand finalists slumped to 8/237.
But tailender Cam Henry (22) complemented Evans’ aggressiveness perfectly to steer the Bears to 9/289 after their 90 overs, including 62 runs off the final 60 balls.
Having chased down that exact total in its semi-final against Springvale South the previous weekend, North Dandenong had no fears.
The Maroon and Blacks began well, with David Bell (43, three fours), following a team-best 3/44 with the ball and coach Glenn Finkelde (22) setting a strong platform.
Despite losing star batsman Carman Mapatuna cheaply, the in-form Shane Leonard (77), in what Finkelde described as his best performance, then made the sleek Keysborough surface his own.
Leonard belted 11 fours and a six in a cavalier display, moving North Dandenong to 4/180 after 60 overs and well within reach of Berwick’s effort.
But his dismissal triggered a stunning collapse as the Northerners lost 4/23, leaving Chris Clarke (19 not-out) and number-10 Janahan Kumaralingham at the crease.
Clarke and Kumaralingham, who was considered a strong enough batsman to open in Turf Two, began the fightback, wielding the willow admirably.
Former Dandenong Panther James Prendergast (3/40) stepped in to remove Kumaralingham, restricting North Dandenong to 9/221.
Stuart Mack (17) then became the latest member of the lower order to showcase his batting talents, attempting to lift his side to an unlikely success.
However, the introduction of Ryan Crawford (2/18) to the attack in the 83rd over put paid to that.
Mack tried to smack Crawford’s third ball over the leg-side boundary, only to be caught by Evans in a fitting finish.
The dismissal sparked mass celebrations – and tears – as the Bears’ players and fans came together.
For Englishman Roberts, it was the perfect way to cap his second season in the competition and first as captain-coach.
“It’s unbelievable, quality, terrific; all the hard work we put in over the season has paid off,” he said after the game.
“I’ve won a few things at home, but to be honest nothing matches this and being able to win for the supporters and everyone around the club.
“You can see how happy they all are, all crying – it’s a very good feeling.”
@BT Sub Sport News:TURF TWO
Hallam-Kalora Park d HSD
There was one main goal in Hallam-Kalora Park’s centenary season – avenging last year’s grand final defeat and returning to Turf One.
On Sunday, Hallam-Kalora did just that with a crushing seven-wicket spanking of previously unbeaten HSD at Alex Nelson Reserve.
Another brilliant Leigh Booth (105) century from the opening slot was just what his club required.
Brother and captain-coach Cory Booth was in equally sublime touch as the pair torched the HSD attack at a furious rate after coming together late on Saturday.
Their partnership took Hallam-Kalora Park to the point of success before stalwarts Steve Chapman (22) and John Hammond helped Cory Booth produce the remaining runs.
HSD had batted first on Saturday, riding a superb Adam Semmens (100) ton to a strong position.
But, after reaching 3/165, the wheels came off in stunning fashion.
James van Elewoud (25), the only other top-order HSD batsman apart from Semmens to score in double figures, departed and his centurion teammate soon joined him in the pavilion.
There was some resistance from captain-coach Doug Loudon (10) and semi-final hat-trick hero Paul Stockdale (17), but the damage had been done.
HSD was all-out for 223 and the total was never going to be enough, particularly once it watched Hallam-Kalora Park rattle off 70 runs for the loss of just one wicket before stumps on Saturday.
Cory Booth was thrilled to see his side win promotion into the DDCA’s top flight again.
“After last year (when Coomoora defeated Hallam-Kalora Park in the turf-two decider) and not playing Turf One in our 100th year, we were keen to make amends for that,” he said.
“We were more mentally prepared this year and the guys knew their jobs and knew what they had to do, which I think was missing a little bit last year.
“It was just a matter of everyone working to a plan, being smart about their cricket and enjoying it.”
Improving its attack is now Hallam-Kalora Park’s off-season priority, according to Booth.
“I think we can be competitive in Turf One, depending on the guys who stick around because a couple might retire (John Hammond and Gary Davidson) or might want to play in the twos,” he said.
“We obviously need a couple of strike bowlers just to give a bit of extra penetration, but our batting is pretty good.”
