VSDCA South East 1st XI – Round 9 (day 1)
ENDEAVOUR Hills (193) virtually matched the Bulls to set a headache-induced chase for Brighton (180).
Starts through the top and middle order pushed through a sizeable tally, but no-one managed to convert their 20-30 into a big score to really tip the match in the Eagles’ favour.
Justin Merlino (48) fared best for the home side, as he carried on the strong start from Thomas Hafil (34) and Dayle Olson (28). Brighton started to shine as wickets fell in clumps at the hands of James Harrod (4/35) and a superb 27-over spell from Jack Rutter (4/92).
Richard Saniga (30 not out) shored up the lower order as the veteran all-rounder resisted a quick exit from the home field.
The chase was hampered from the get-go as Endeavour Hills claimed regular wickets against the Brighton order. Despite scoring its runs quickly – facing 59 overs for its 180 – the wicket column proved the difference maker for Brighton as Endeavour Hills dictated the tempo.
Not even the omission of captain Chris Periera could stop the Eagles’ bowling attack as Vaughan Baxter (3/38), Saniga (3/41) and Daniel Wiles (2/18) chipped away at the visitors wicket-by-wicket.
A 21-run last wicket partnership between Neil Bezuidenhout (21no) and Harrod (18) threatened to steal the victory, but Shane Peake (2/56) delivered the finishing blow to push the Eagles back into the top six.
The victory grants Endeavour Hills fifth spot on the VSDCA South East ladder and will host Malvern in a round 10 two-day match.
