SUB-DISTRICT
HASTINGS finished 2016 on top of the MPCA Sub District ladder, despite going down to Frankston YCW on Saturday.
Chasing 151 for victory and resuming at 3/18, the Blues had a lot of work to do with the bat on day two of the contest.
The Stonecats were up to the challenge though, given their 2016/17 season was dependent on them winning the match.
The Blues were rolled for just 103, YCW skipper Andrew Kitson doing the bulk of the damage with 4/31, while Craig Burch snared 3/22 from 14 overs. Sam Fulton also picked up 2/21.
Mitch Floyd top scored for the Blues with 30.
Ballam Park has really set themselves for a big finish to the year after beating Tootgarook on Saturday. In beating the Frogs, the Knights are now 18 points clear in second place on the ladder.
Chasing 170 for victory on Saturday, Ballam Park lost 2/27 before skipper Stuart Plunkett again saved the day with 80, while Aaron Barrett played a solid supportive role with 24 to help their side to 7/170.
Paul Stevenson was the pick of the Tootgarook bowlers with 3/48 from 22 overs.
Dromana kept its place in the top four after a solid victory against Balnarring.
The Hoppers resumed at 2/35, chasing 207 for victory. They got the runs with two wickets still in hand.
Jason McKenzie with 37 and an unbeaten 38 from Craig Dunlop saved the match for the Hoppers, who at one stage were 4/49 and then 7/147.
Tony Wilson with 3/23 from 17 overs and Mitch Kleinig with 3/58 from 19 overs were the best of the Balnarring bowlers.
Tyabb has finished off the year positively, beating Carrum comfortably.
After scoring 4/270 last week against the Lions, the bowlers backed up the strong batting effort, bowling out the home team for 166. Ryan Dyer top scored for the Lions with 44.
Adam DiTrocchio starred with the ball for the Yabbies with 5/31 from 13.3 overs, while Nathan Hudgson picked up 2/33 from 15 overs.
In the final match, Carrum Downs recorded a comfortable victory against Skye.
Skye resumed on 7/40 and were bowled out for 46 in 39 overs. David Dervan snared 6/24 from 19 overs and Chris Maloney picked up 3/31.
First published in the Mornington News – 19 December 2016
