By David Nagel
Cricket lovers are in for an absolute treat when Pakenham and Kooweerup lock horns in a mouth-watering Casey Cardinia Premier Division Match of the Day at Toomuc Reserve this Saturday.
The leading run-scorers in the competition, Luke McMaster (446) and Dale Tormey (343), will take centre stage as the Lions and Demons battle it out for a huge prize.
A Pakenham victory would almost guarantee Tormey and his side a top-two position heading into finals – earning hosting rights – while third-placed Kooweerup’s hopes of securing the same prize rest on this week’s outcome.
McMaster and Tormey have well-and-truly earned headline status, they have both had stunning seasons, but the Lions and Demons have stellar support casts that can change a game in an instant.
Chris ‘Wombat’ Bright is a feared force at the top of the Demons’ order, while prized-recruit Gamini Kumara is warming to the task after an inconsistent start to the season.
And the Demons are likely to welcome back former Dandenong speed-machine Adam McMaster, who returns from a stint in Queensland.
The Lions are not short on star-quality themselves, with opener Chris Smith a dual Terry Stephenson medallist – one of the most attractive stroke-makers in the region – while Jason Williams and Rob Elston are class acts that provide stability through the middle order.
And Jack Anning has improved his cricket no-end after a thorough pre-season training regime under former Sri Lankan international Thilan Samaraweera.
Anning has copped the brunt of opposition taunts in recent seasons, but is answering his detractors in the best possible way with a breakout season at the top of the order.
Tormey is thrilled that the right-hander is reaping the rewards of his hard work and a totally restructured technique.
“It’s very different to what he’s had over the last few years, and that’s probably testament to Thilan (Samaraweera) as well, because he’s working with a bloke that works with international cricketers most weeks,” Tormey said.
“He’s taking those learnings on board and becoming a better cricketer for it.”
Tormey said his Lions are up and about for this week’s challenge, after the early-season game between the two teams was washed out on consecutive weekends.
“We’re positive, we’re upbeat, and it’s the first time we’ve played them this season,” he said.
“A couple of their players are unknown but we pretty much know what to expect.
“It’s a massive day for the club and it’s exciting to be a part of.
“We’re positive and confident and looking forward to the challenge, we’ll back ourselves in and see where that takes us.”
In other games this week, Tooradin should lock down a top-two position with a comfortable home victory over an inconsistent Merinda Park, while Cardinia can end Clyde’s faint finals hopes when the Bulls host the Cougars at Gunton Oval.
The Bulls, winners over Merinda Park last week, are trying to win back-to-back games for the first time since round two.
Skipper Jake Prosser and talented all-rounder Trav Wheller have been leading the way for the Bulls, who have been struggling to post big scores.
In the final game of round 11, Carlisle Park host Officer with both teams recovering from a pounding at the hands of the top-two last weekend.
The Vikings were towelled up by a Josh Lownds-inspired Tooradin, while the Bullants were carted to all parts by Pakenham.
This is the final one-day contest of the season, with rounds 12 to 14, and finals, being played in the 80-over two-day format.
CCCA PREMIER DIVISION
LADDER: Pakenham 102, Tooradin 102, Kooweerup 78, Cardinia 54, Merinda Park 42, Officer 42, Carlisle Park 30, Clyde 30.
FIXTURE-R11: Tooradin v Merinda Park, Carlisle Park v Officer, Pakenham v Kooweerup, Cardinia v Clyde.
