Casey-South Melbourne quick Jayde Herrick. By Marc McGowan
ONE dropped catch proved the difference between Casey-South Melbourne opening its winning account and another demoralising defeat on Saturday.
But that’s little consolation for a team that is yet to salute despite Christmas having come and gone.
Hawthorn-Monash University – the Swans’ bitter rival – was the latest Victorian Premier Cricket team to overcome Casey-South Melbourne.
The 60-run margin at Leongatha Oval looks significant, but could have been so different.
Teenager Jake Best dropped a regulation catch at gully when Hawks captain Simon Dart (92 runs off 165 balls, eight fours) was just 13.
Swans head coach Mark Ridgway admitted he thought the match was going to be over three hours early when his bowlers restricted Hawthorn-Monash University to 6/56.
But Dart and Ben Cookson (31 off 57) produced a magnificent 79-run alliance that ultimately helped the Hawks post 166 from their 50 overs.
Casey-South Melbourne quicks Jayde Herrick (3/21) and Damien Wright (3/39) picked up three wickets apiece to complement Ash Perera’s frugal bowling display.
Swans openers Tom Hussey and Clive Rose compiled a 33-run opening stand, but the top order fell in a heap from then on.
Former Casey-South Melbourne all-rounder Roger Sillence (5/13) snared the first five wickets and Rod Bird – who almost switched to Casey Fields this season – claimed another as the Swans lost 6/16.
Best (25 not out off 58) tried to make up for his blunder with a sterling batting performance, but, besides a brief partnership with Tim Dale, could not find an ally in the line-up.
Casey-South Melbourne’s tail held out for a short period before number-11 Matthew Hawking’s run-out ended the contest.
Two other ex-Swans players, reigning Ryder medallist Steven Spoljaric (2/23) and Lukas Hoogenboom (1/21), captured the other wickets.
Ridgway was furious after the clash and conceded that Best’s fielding error was crucial.
“That was pivotal – it was the turning point of the game,” he said. “It was a new-ball wicket and we had bowled tremendously well to that point. We had them by the throat and didn’t kill them and that seems to be the story of the year for us.”
Ridgway labelled his first season in charge of Casey-South Melbourne as “terrible”, but believes his players have made progress.
“We have some really good 17 and 18-year-olds who are going to be exciting players,” he said. “What we’re currently missing are the players between 23 and 27, who are top-class batters who can dig in.”
The Swans lock horns with Frankston Peninsula in a two-dayer at Casey Fields from 11am this Saturday.
