DISTRICT
RED Hill were comfortably the best team in MPCA District cricket this season and again proved why against Flinders in the semi-final.
The Hillmen cruised into the grand final after smashing the Sharks at RM Hooper Reserve.
An early Red Hill Show shifted the Hillmen from their home ground advantage, however, it made little difference to the end result.
Flinders won the toss and batted first, however, things turned pear-shaped early for the Sharks losing 3/0 to be 3/3 early in the match.
Glenn Collett was at his vintage best and removed Andrew Power for a duck, before Simon Dart sent Tom Clements and Charlie Burgess packing.
Flinders were never allowed to get any rhythm and form any long-standing partnerships, despite some cameo batting performances.
Keeper Mason Mail made 31 in the middle order and Shane Beggs scrapped for 30, while Waide Symes contributed 30 batting at eight.
Brent Martin and Carl Robinson came into the attack for Red Hill though and were able to keep momentum swinging their way with consistent wickets.
Martin finished the day with 3/41 from 19 overs, Robinson claimed 2/26 from 13 and Collett was super with 2/15 from 20 overs, including 12 maidens. Dart finished with 2/20 from eight overs.
The Hillmen faced the final 11 overs of the day and at sumps they were 0/22 with Matt Merifield not out 20 and Andrew Mock on one.
The Hillmen’s cruising continued on Sunday, getting the win with nine wickets in hand.
A wonderful performance from Joel Malcolm placed Delacombe Park in a very strong position overnight against Main Ridge at the end of the first day’s play.
It was Dean Blight with the ball on Sunday that did all the damage, taking six wickets as the Parkers rolled the Ridge and advanced to the big dance against Red Hill.
Winning the toss and electing to bat on their home deck, Delacombe had a disastrous start losing arguably their best two batsmen in Jon Guthrie (11) and Nick Christides (6) to be 2/21.
However, Malcolm came to the crease and was very patient to get the score to 77 before losing another wicket.
Andrew Christides then came in and contributed 33 and Ricky Ramsdale helped out too with 27 to give the Parkers the upper hand.
Rowan Charles then belted 28 late in the inning to help Delacombe park to 9/235 in its 80 overs.
Malcolm finished unbeaten on 87.
Luke Collins claimed 3/46 for the Ridge off 17 overs while James Abbott and Nick McNamara picked up two wickets each.
The Ridge lost wickets in quick succession and despite Michael Holmes and Ed Aarons getting things back on track, a direct hit from Nick Christides saw Holmes head to the sheds run out and it was all over at that point.
First published in the Mornington News – 14 March 2017
