By Jonty Ralphsmith
Once the fiery opening spells were finished and the novelty of two-day cricket’s return to the Dandenong District Cricket Association on Saturday had worn off, there was a period of rhythm in Turf 2 and 3.
The clear theme from teams batting first was panic early – and stabilise with the lower-order.
The expectation was that many would fail to bat their full 80 overs in the early season two-day fixtures as teams grappled with the return to the longer format.
What materialised was synonymous with long-format cricket as batting sides were able to wrench control back for periods after losing early wickets.
Wickets flattened out and it allowed teams with batting depth to shine.
Parkfield turned a score of 5/40 into 8/158 after its 80 against Heinz Southern Districts.
Narre Warren lost 4/2 but the Magpies score of 7/113 reached 255 against Dandenong West.
Cranbourne’s 4/90 became 8/309.
In Turf 3, Silverton recovered from 7/68 to put 183 on the board against Lynbrook.
Fountain Gate sat at 7/90 before reaching 175 against Doveton North.
Cobras seamer Triyan De Silva delivered a vicious spell at Parkfield Reserve, claiming five early wickets – all his scalps dismissing top six batters.
Travis D’Souza and captain Stephen Canon put up a strong defence, absorbing spin at both ends, with Hansika Kodikara’s unbeaten 38 also playing a key role in helping Parkfield bat its overs.
Only 42 overs were bowled the following day, with the Cobras forced to settle for a draw after losing consistent wickets, the hosts attack lead by Nick Jeffrey’s 5/14.
Mackenzie Gardner again missed out, run out on nine.
Nuwan Kulasekara helped put the Bulls in the driver’s seat at Greaves Reserve with four early wickets, but Pansilu Deshan and Sahan Jayawardana absorbed the onslaught.
Then, they attacked.
They batted with a plan, picking gaps and running hard.
Both players passed 50, Jayawardana bringing up his milestone via a six over midwicket, indicative of the fearless partnership.
The Magpies weren’t given the opportunity to defend their score, with no cricket played the following day.
For Cranbourne, Harsaroup Singh and Sajana De Silva capitalised on the true wicket late in the day, Singh reaching three figures and hitting it crisply, while De Silva made 87.
Characteristic of the flat Frederick Wachter wicket, Pirates tweaker Lankesh Samaraweera opened the bowling and he was the best throughout the day.
In Turf 3, Fountain Gate’s Ray Pal and Jasdeep Singh saw off more than 100 balls to ensure their team faced 75 overs, scoring 31 and 38 respectively which proved crucial runs as the pitch flattened out.
Bowling with discipline all day, Gayan De Silva was eventually able to get the final three wickets to finish with the fine figures of 6/75 off 23.
He bowled well in tandem with Hallam Kalora Park recruit Sachith Jayasinghe, who finished with three wickets, including one with his first ball for the club.
There were 41 overs bowled on Sunday, as Doveton North looked to push for victory.
Ravin Dissanayake and Amardeep Hothi each made quick inroads on the target but the strong intent brought the downfall of wickets, with Doveton North ultimately settling for a draw.
There were nine new players in the Doveton North lineup and the club showed it could match it at Turf 3 level, having been promoted ahead of 2022-23.
Meanwhile, Berwick Springs had a momentous win against Coomoora, Lynbrook got past Silverton in a classic, led by all-rounder Jattinder Singh and Doveton was too good for Hampton Park.
In Turf 2, Lyndale made light work of Keysborough, Rajika Fernando tying down an end and finishing with 4/16 off 17 overs as the Knights were bowled out for 65, which the Dales reached by stumps on day one.
