By Jonty Ralphsmith
Kooweerup’s clash with Upper Beaconsfield shapes as the match to watch in round 3 of the Casey Cardinia Cricket Association’s Premier competition.
In preseason, it presented as a game that Kooweerup would have gone into as unbackable favourites; a perennial flag contender against a team looking to find its feet in the Premier competition.
But Upper Beaconsfield’s form across the first two matches of the season adds intrigue in a round where the four finalists from last season take on four teams looking to break in.
It’s predominantly been the Maroons’ bowling attack which has proven itself at Premier level in the past two weeks, with Scott Pitcher and Daniel Brennan continuing to take wickets and Chad McDonald bowling with control.
In addition to the comprehensive victory over Merinda Park on Saturday, Upper Beaconsfield also bowled to a well-executed plan against Pakenham in round 1 to have them 6/110 before the match was abandoned due to rain.
But remaining disciplined and staying patient against a batting order which consists of Luke McMaster, Chris Bright and Jess Mathers, among others who can do damage quickly, will be an enormous challenge.
The batting lineup, meanwhile, was underwhelming, falling to 5/24 the lower-middle-order forced to resuscitate.
A competitive showing will hinge on an improved batting performance, with Kooweerup’s venomous and experienced opening bowlers unlikely to give them a second chance if they fall behind the game.
A win to Upper Beaconsfield would make a statement, but even a competitive showing could give them some confidence going into another two games against respected sides Cardinia and Tooradin.
For the Demons, it’s a game they will expect to win and after four key batters spent significant time in the middle in round 2, and six bowlers were thrown the ball, they will be seeking a workmanlike performance.
Elsewhere, Pakenham will be favoured against Devon Meadows, Tooradin will be hoping to bounce back against Clyde and Merinda Park will hope to show some positive signs against Cardinia after a poor start to the season.
