By JARROD POTTER
VSDCA SOUTH EAST 1ST XI – qualifying final
BOWING out at the first hurdle, Endeavour Hills (79) had little in the tank to stop the might of Caulfield (8/289cc).
Caulfield was led by a trio of half-centuries at the top of the order as Peter Cross (55) and Ricky Damiano (53) combined with Luke Bartholomeusz (63).
Bartholomeusz’s innings – plied off 170 balls against the Eagles’ attack – took the match all but out of Endeavour Hills’ grasp as he pushed the tally through to 3/191 before he was finally dismissed.
Shane Peake, four wickets, was the best of the Endeavour Hills contingent as he claimed the crucial scalps of Bartholomeusz and Damiano.
Matt Foenander, two wickets, and captain Chris Pereira also held up their ends to try and halt Caulfield’s charge. Thomas Hafil (25) held on as long as he could against Caulfield – seeing off the worst of the new ball – but ran out of partners as the top order folded.
Cameo knocks from Ben Swift (18) and Richard Saniga (14 not out) weren’t enough to push the Eagles through to the semi-finals.
Reigning premier Noble Park (203) was defeated by Ormond (256).
