Ryan Christie starred with the bat for Narre Warren, making a vital 109 runs in his side’s clash against Parkfield. 23734 Picture: Luke Plummer
By Stuart Teather
THE first round of the Dandenong District Cricket Association’s two-day games began in style on Saturday, with the batsmen dominating in most of the matches.
Turf One heavyweight Berwick finally found some form with the willow, but it was the newly promoted Hallam-Kalora Park that starred at the crease, reaching 5/388 before the close of play in its game against St Mary’s.
TURF ONE
Keysborough v Berwick
Berwick won the toss and went into bat at Keysborough Reserve and the decision appeared to pay dividends early.
A 47-run stand between openers Justin Stanton and Brad Francis got the visitors off to a good start, but when Stanton was dismissed for 17 and Alex Roberts (3) a few balls later, Keysborough looked the better side.
However, Francis was immovable at the crease and he forged a 124-run third-wicket partnership with Gavan Wills (48), then a 114-run partnership with Paul Evans (82 not-out) helping his side to 7/314 at stumps, with Francis finally falling for 129.
For Keysborough, Paul McDonald was the standout bowler, finishing with impressive figures of 4/90 off 35 overs, including eight maidens.
Springvale South v Cranbourne
Springvale South captain Craig Slocombe continued his stunning start to the season with his second century in a row, leading his side to a healthy first-innings total of 310 against Cranbourne.
Playing at Alex Nelson Reserve, Slocombe was again the star with the bat, reaching his century before being caught out without further addition to his score.
Plenty of his teammates made solid starts, with Michael Davies (35) the best of the bunch.
Cranbourne’s bowlers had a difficult day and Kyle Brooke was the best, with figures of 3/77 off 20 overs.
North Dandenong v Doveton
Doveton’s bowlers struggled to break through against North Dandenong, claiming just five wickets in 80 overs, two of which were run-outs.
Shane Clark (76) and Scott Neeson (44) put on 111 runs for the second wicket before Clark was run out, but the partnership helped the team to a solid 5/271 and the end of the first day.
The next man in, Carman Mapatuna (56) continued his good form, collecting his second half-century in a row before falling to the bowling of Corrie Wilson.
Matthew Hutchinson (1/55), Ryan Hendy (1/55) and Wilson (1/68) were the wicket-takers for Doveton.
Parkfield v Narre Warren
Narre Warren survived a top-order collapse to post a healthy 281 off 61.4 overs in its clash against Parkfield at Parkfield Reserve.
Of the visitors’ top five batsmen only Ruwantha Fernandopulle (27) made double figures, before Ryan Christie found his way to the crease at number six.
With the side at 5/62, Christie combined with Shane Simpson to lift Narre Warren out of trouble with a 147-run partnership.
Simpson fell for 88, but Christie kept on going, eventually falling for 109 when his side was at 8/263.
In reply, Parkfield reached 1/39 before stumps were called.
Hallam-Kalora Park v St Mary’s
Hallam-Kalora Park took control of its game against St Mary’s at Alex Nelson Reserve on Sunday, with the side thumping its way to 5/388 at the end of the day’s play.
After opener Michael Torcasio (14) fell cheaply, brothers Leigh and Cory Booth took up the chase and belted 274 runs for the second wicket.
Leigh was the first to fall for 145 and Cory fell 20 runs later for 133, but by then the damage was well and truly done.
Andrew Haining claimed both of the brothers’ scalps, just reward for a difficult bowling spell that fetched 2/88 of 15 overs.
TURF TWO
HSD v St Brigid’s/St Louis
In a week where batsmen reigned supreme, HSD’s match with St Brigid’s/St Louis was the odd one out, with bowlers taking control.
Playing at Reedy Reserve, HSD held the visitors to just 182 in their opening innings, with Paul Dunn (67) the only batsman to reach a half-century.
Ben Doran (4/36) and Paul Stockdale (4/57) played a big role in keeping the scores down.
HSD looked to be in a strong position to claim first innings points after bowling St Brigid’s/St Louis out in 64.4 overs, but the side collapsed when it took to the batting crease.
Tom Stillman ripped through HSD’s top order to swing the momentum back to his side, collecting 5/31 off just 12 overs.
After 25 overs, HSD is languishing at 6/72 and has a lot of work to do this weekend if it is going to salvage any points from the game.
Fountain Gate v Buckley Ridges
The match between Fountain Gate and Buckley Ridges is evenly poised heading into day two this weekend, with Fountain Gate posting 8/218 in its first innings.
The home side won the toss and elected to bat, but the top order failed to capitalise and the top four fell for just 24 runs.
Coming in at number-five, captain Bruce Mullen (71) steadied the ship and struck up a healthy partnership with Cory Wilson (31), lifting the side to 5/88 before Wilson was run out.
Mullen continued on with Joel Lappen (25) and Dylan Bracebridge (26 not-out), before finally losing his wicket, leaving the side at 7/168.
Hampton Park v Springvale South
Hampton Park won the toss at Booth Reserve, but sent Springvale South into bat and the decision paid off early as Trevor Robertson and Jonathan Rudge managed to knock off the top three.
Christos Pasnin (37) and Cameron Forsyth (23) steadied the ship before Jackson Sketcher (84) and Gavin Fewkes (63) helped their team to a competitive total of 257 after 76 overs.
Along with Rudge (2/31) and Robertson (2/25), Chris Bateman (3/65) was the best with the ball.
Berwick v Maranatha Methodist
A big 148-run opening stand from Berwick’s openers Brendan Lloyd (106) and Josh Holden (31) put it in a commanding position after day one of its two-dayer against Maranatha Methodist.
Wayne Staniforth (53) provided a solid contribution at number-six, helping Berwick to 294 off 79 overs.
Paul Goodchild did his best to keep Berwick’s batsmen in check, collecting 5/59 off 31 overs, with 10 maidens.
Maranatha Methodist faced one over before the close of play and it was enough time for Berwick to strike, with Cameron Henry collecting Liam Toole’s wicket, leaving the side at 1/2 heading into day two this weekend.
