SUB-DISTRICT
HASTINGS sits alone at the top of the MPCA Sub District ladder after smashing Carrum Downs on Saturday.
The Blues took 20 wickets for just 164 runs against the Cougars, giving them a 14 point break at the top of the ladder.
It was one of Carrum Downs’ worst results in recent times while Hastings appears to be flexing its muscles after a couple of years in lean times.
In other round five results, Dromana won a nail biter against Tootgarook, Carrum was too strong for Balnarring, Ballam Park upset Frankston YCW and Skye recorded a rare win against the up and down Tyabb.
The match of the round was no doubt between Dromana and Tootgarook.
The Frogs set the visitors 187 for victory after being bowled out in week one in the 78th over for 186.
After a wobbly beginning and a middle order collapse, Dromana’s Zac Clan and Craig Dunlop put on a 38-run partnership for the ninth wicket to get their team across the line.
The Hoppers looked to be in some strife at 6/90, however, Jedd Savage (61) was able to offer some resistance.
It was then left to Clan and Dunlop to knuckle down and get the runs required to grab the all-important 12 points.
AJ King was the front line bowler for Tootgarook with 4/37 from 28 overs, including 14 maidens. Matty Whelan jagged 2/59 from 17 overs.
The scoreboard will show that Ballam Park recorded a solid 25 run win against Frankston YCW, however, the scoreboard isn’t always the best indicator.
The Knights had just two batsmen score double figures on Saturday, Stuart Plunkett scoring 54 and Jay Yates, batting at nine, hitting 46. It was enough to record a win.
At one stage the Knights were in a world of pain at 5/33, then lost 2/1 to be 7/62.
The Stonecats, who batted again and were 0/90 at the end of play, shared the wickets.
Lai Leaunoa was the pick of them with 3/48 from 29 overs, the evergreen Andy Kitson snared 3/45 from 25 overs and Jack Butland helped himself to 3/32 from 13 overs.
Hastings added just a further 40 runs to its overnight score and lost six wickets, however, it was enough for an outright win over Carrum Downs.
The Blues responded with 197 in reply to the Cougars first innings total of 62.
Hastings then bowled the visitors out a second time for 102.
Isuru Dias was outstanding for the Blues in the second innings, claiming 6/27 from 11 overs.
Balnarring was bowled out for 189, chasing Carrum’s 256 and Skye bounced back from being 1/15 overnight to score 7/198 to get the win after Tyabb scored 156.
Andrew Craddock was superb for the winners with 70.
First published in the Mornington News – 6 December 2016
