Casey-South Melbourne batsman Robbie Elston played a pivotal role in the Swans earning first-day honours against St Kilda at Casey Fields on Saturday. 27194 Picture: Stewart ChambersBy Marc McGowan
CASEY-SOUTH Melbourne’s season-long win drought could end this weekend after an impressive batting display against finals contender St Kilda at Casey Fields last Saturday.
Australian under-19 star Clive Rose (84 runs off 221 balls) and veteran former gloveman Robbie Elston (81 off 213) led the Swans to 6/263 at stumps.
The pair’s 135-run partnership came off 373 balls and stretched from the morning session until just after the tea break.
They mixed stout defence with some impressive attacking strokes – resulting in 18 boundaries between them.
Rose, who was dropped on 68, has been in sublime form since a rough patch midway through the season and has flourished in his unlikely role as opener.
Elston has endured a challenging year after starting in the first XI.
He has dominated at second XI level this summer, but managed a combined eight runs in his three previous innings in the firsts.
They rescued Casey-South Melbourne from 2/45 before Saint Daniel Babula finally dismissed Rose with the score on 180.
Elston joined Rose back in the pavilion 16 runs later and an ordinary Jayde Herrick shot left the Swans at 5/208.
But dependable number-five Michael Hansen (45 off 70) – the only Casey-South Melbourne bladesman averaging over 30 – and wicketkeeper Tom Hussey (25 off 31) steadied the innings.
Hussey was out in sight of stumps, but their 40-run alliance ensured that Rose’s and Elston’s efforts did not go to waste.
Tim Dale survived with Hansen until the end of play and they will have their sights on a total beyond 300 for St Kilda to chase this Saturday.
Pacemen Adam Warren (2/20) and Tom Smith (2/61) claimed two victims apiece, but star left-arm spinner Michael Beer was a notable non-wicket-taker.
The Saints used nine bowlers for the day.
Swans coach Mark Ridgway was satisfied for one of the rare occasions this season, but was reluctant to talk up his side’s chances.
“I wish I could, but I can’t. We’re still too far away from being anywhere near it,” he said.
“We’ve still got 50 or 60 runs we have to get, with four wickets in the shed, and we’re keen to get those runs in very quick time.
“They’re in a position where they have to win the game or at least get some points because they’re a chance to slip outside the eight.
“But when things have looked like they’re going well for us this year, they’ve turned pear-shaped pretty quickly.”
The clash resumes at Casey Fields at 11am on Saturday.
