Bruised and battered Hills

By Gavin Staindl
ENDEAVOUR HILLS was comprehensively beaten by Oakleigh at Warrawee Park Oval – but at least they were having fun.
Despite playing in miserable conditions and having lost first innings points before lunch, the Hills players still found time to enjoy themselves.
The youthful team could be seen jumping on each other as they returned from rain delays and sharing jokes in the slips cordon, even as the Oakleigh batters proceeded to trounce the 3-7 Endeavour Hills by nine wickets.
The Sub-District league leaders Oakleigh cruised passed the visitors’ first innings total of 119 for the loss of only one wicket and continued to bat on and make 5/266 by the time stumps was called on day-two.
Hills coach John Hayes had hoped his team could take 10 wickets but unfortunately they came up well short of the goal.
Hayes took two wickets for 24 runs and youngster Matt Ashlett also took two wickets for 52 runs.
In slow conditions, the Oakleigh batters were happy blocking out the day with openers Julian Hay content in making his 87 runs in four-and-a-half hours and Daniel Junkeer following suit making 33 in two hours.
Endeavour Hills will next week play at home against Bayswater in a one-dayer and their last match of the season.