PROVINCIAL
MORNINGTON’S quest to push into the MPCA Provincial cricket top four was dealt a boost on Saturday when it left the field after the first day with the upper hand against Baxter.
In a must win game for the Dogs, they lost the toss and bowled first against the competition’s ladder leader and sent them packing after 67 overs.
Luke Popov was at his vintage best for the visitors, bowling 18 overs and finishing with eight maidens and a super performance of 5/26.
Sam Buchanan was brought into the attack late in the day and did the job for his skipper Matt Foon, snaring 3/27 from eight overs.
James Eadie, who has spent most of the season in the seconds, was a saviour for Baxter, top scoring with 42 batting at seven.
Skipper Daniel Warwick made 19 and Chamika Sattambi made a welcome 20 as the last man in. There weren’t a lot of batting performances outside of those to crow about.
Baxter was eventually dismissed for 151, which is a defendable total at Baxter Park.
Mornington was very cautious in the final 13 overs of the day, going at just over one an over and finishing the day on 0/14.
Whilst Mornington is lurking, fourth-placed Long Island is in a strong position against second-placed Sorrento.
The Islanders would be well aware that the Doggies are breathing down their neck, however, they continue to hold them at bay.
On Saturday, Long Island batted first at home in Peter ‘Potto’ Conell’s 400th game.
Whilst ‘Potto’ opened with 39, the little master Scott Phillips was at it again, top scoring with an unbeaten 73 while Andrew Tweddle was still out there with him at the end with an unbeaten 33.
Long Island gave themselves every opportunity to keep their winning streak, making 7/271.
AJ King was the pick of the Sorras’ bowlers with 3/66 while Chris King claimed 2/65.
Langwarrin refuses to go away, making 7/274 against Moorooduc.
Matt Prosser batted at three and top scored with 66, while Andy Johnson made a dominant 51 before being run out. Skipper Mark Cooper opened with 48.
Ross Cordeaux was the best of the Ducs’ bowlers with 3/90.
Peninsula Old Boys are in some early trouble against Rye, however, are only chasing down 140 for victory.
The Old Boys bowled first on their home deck and rolled the Demons for 139. Beau Suffern top scored for Rye with 42.
Leigh Lambert then got his side away to a solid start with the ball, picking up two wickets to have the Old Boys 2/34 at stumps.
Crib Point will be looking for an outright against Heatherhill.
Mathematically still a chance to play finals, the Magpies batted first and declared their innings at 7/202. Luke Herrington top scored with 71, Chris Richmond made 49 and Ricky Thompson 29.
At stumps, the Hills were 4/98 with Herrington and Glenn Barclay both taking two wickets.
Mt Eliza is in the box seat against Pines.
The Mounties batted first at Eric Bell Reserve on Saturday, however, were bowled out in the 79th over for 186.
Jason Mathers top scored with an unbeaten 59, while Jake Prosser was the best performed bowler for the Piners with 5/28. Brett Remy claimed 3/18.
Pines was forced to face the last over of the day and lost opener Jeremy Weare for a blob. Pines will resume this week at 1/0.
