Two-day cricket returns after Christmas

CRICKET

By Brodie Cowburn

PROVINCIAL

MPCA CRICKET returned after the Christmas break on Saturday. The first day of two-day matches were played across the peninsula.

At Bruce Park, the travelling Red Hill are off to a good start against Heatherhill.

Red Hill batted all day long on Saturday. An excellent middle order partnership between Will Cooper and Andy Restein helped them reach a final total of 9/177.

Restein scored 50 from 79 deliveries. Cooper played an important supporting role, scoring 33 from 140 deliveries.

Heatherhill’s Brett Maxwell was the pick of the bowlers. He took 4/35 from 19 overs, wiping out most of the top and middle order.

At Peninsula Grammar, Old Peninsula will start day two at 2/33 chasing 140 to win.

Old Peninsula hosted Sorrento on Saturday. The Sharks batted first and put 140 runs on the board before being sent back to the sheds.

Despite losing a couple of wickets before stumps, the Pirates are in a strong position heading into day two.

Pines set Langwarrin a target of 172 to score to win at Lloyd Park on Saturday. Long Island was bowled out for just 123 by Baden Powell last weekend - Baden Powell scored 10 runs before stumps.

PENINSULA

MORNINGTON are well on their way to picking up a win against Moorooduc.

Alexandra Park hosted the two sides for the first day of a two-day match on Saturday. Mornington chose to bowl first, and had an immediate impact.

Moorooduc openers Thusith Silva and Raymond Curry were both sent back to the sheds without scoring a run. They were two of five ducks taken during Moorooduc’s innings.

Skipper Benjamin Williams did his best to stop the damage for his side. He scored 36 from 70. Moorooduc was eventually bowled out for 121 after just 43 overs.

Mornington made a good dent in their target before stumps. They will start day two from 2/72.

Dromana scored a mammoth 271 runs against Rosebud on Saturday. Somerville have also set their opponents a huge target to chase - the Eagles scored 7/232 against Mt Eliza. Seaford Tigers set Baxter a score of 194 to score to win at Belvedere Reserve.

Off you go: Moorooduc batted first to reach 121, Mornington were 2/72 at the end of play. Picture: Paul Churcher

DISTRICT

BALNARRING set Crib Point a big target to chase down on Saturday.

Crib Point played host to the two-day match. Balnarring won the toss, chose to bat first, and did some serious damage on their opponent’s home turf.

Skipper Luke Hewitt, Jake Hewitt, and Xavier Warmbrunn each scored half centuries for Balnarring. Mark Walles also scored 45.

Balnarring was bowled out for 242 shortly before stumps. Crib Point survived an over before the end of the day, scoring three runs in the process.

Carrum had a good day at home last weekend. They scored 239 runs against Flinders.

Josh Dent and Gus Kennedy each scored 50 runs for Carrum - Dent’s knock came off 96 deliveries, and Kennedy’s was from 189.

Jarrad Lymer limited the damage for Flinders. His 5/81 from 29 overs saved his side from disaster.

SUB DISTRICT

TOOTGAROOK made life difficult for Ballam Park on Saturday.

After putting 229 runs on the board, Tootgarook sent Ballam Park in to bat. Ballam Park batted for 18 overs, and had a miserable time.

Ballam Park collapsed to 4/30 before the close of play. They face a huge uphill mountain to climb next week to get anything from the two-day matchup.

At Skye Reserve, Skye lost two late wickets in their match against Pearcedale.

Batting first, Pearcedale scored 9/186 before declaring. Skye had to face two overs before stumps.

It proved a prosperous two overs for Pearcedale. Skye fell to 2/12, and will need to regain some momentum on day two to get back in contention.

Frankston YCW was bowled out for 228 on Saturday by Hastings. With nine overs to bat before stamps, Hastings made good ground. They scored 0/30 before the end of the day.

Tyabb scored 221 runs against Boneo last weekend. Mt Martha also posted a big total, scoring 216 against Rye.

Wide open: Frankston YCW batted first and were all out for 228. Hasting are currently 0/30 at the end of play. Picture: Craig Barrett

WOMENS

DELACOMBE Park completed an impressive run chase against Tyabb on Sunday, as MPCA women’s cricket returned after the holiday break.

Tyabb chose to bat first, and put 100 runs on the board in their 30 overs.

A brilliant partnership between Trish Hawkins and Melissa Newham got Delacombe Park over the line. At 3-5 they came in and carried their side to victory.

Hawkins scored an unbeaten 37 and Newham scored an unbeaten 28. Delacombe Park hit the winning runs with seven wickets to spare and five overs left to play.

A knock of 71 not out by Sarah Norris helped Crib Point pick up a good win over Seaford Tigers on Sunday.

The Magpies batted first, and scored 174 runs from their 30 overs. The Tigers only managed to score 109 in reply.

Balnarring scored a comprehensive ten wicket win over Somerville at home last weekend. Jemma Reynolds scored 64 not out with the bat and took a wicket as well.

Rye recorded a forfeit win over Flinders, and Tooradin had a bye.