PROVINCIAL
PEARCEDALE has started its 2016-17 Provincial cricket season in fine fashion after knocking over last year’s minor premier, Crib Point, in Saturday’s season opener.
The Panthers have moved from Sub District to Provincial in the past two seasons after winning the past two premierships.
There was no bigger test than coming up against Crib Point in Round 1 in a one-day match on Saturday.
The Magpies won the toss and elected to bat on their home deck, scoring a defendable 5/162 against the new kids on the block.
The Panthers started well with Brad Trotter (26) and Matt Cousland (28) getting them going, however, they then lost 3/5 to go from 0/45 to 3/50.
Brad Davidson took control with the ball and the field for the Magpies and got his side back into the contest.
However, with three overs to spare, Shayne Gillings (49no) and Max Blackburn (31) steered the Panthers to victory.
A massive innings of 89 from skipper Matt Foon helped Mornington to a thrilling win against Sorrento. His efforts with the bat supported his 2/38 with the ball.
The Doggies chased down Sorrento’s 6/159 with five overs to spare. Brad Lynch played a great supporting role for the Dogs with 36.
Pines recruit Damien Lawrence smacked six fours and seven sixes on his way to 93 against Moorooduc.
Pines made a massive 9/208 against the home side. The Ducs replied with just 9/121 from 40 overs.
Nick Wilcox, Alex Coad and Pat Jackson all snared two wickets each for the Piners.
Langwarrin has started its campaign the same way it did last season, causing a major upset by beating Somerville in the last over of the day.
Teenage debutant Jai Elcock top scored with 37 for the Kangas at the top of the order in the chase, while Mal Coutts, Taylor Smith and Joel Bateman saw their team home after some early trouble.
The Eagles batted first and made 8/145 with Nick Marshall and Sean Parker top scoring with 31 opening the innings.
Bateman was the best of the Kangas’ bowlers with 3/22 off 10 overs, while Matt and Jake Prosser claimed a couple of wickets each.
Peninsula Old Boys began its title defence with only a reasonable performance against Long Island, however, it was good enough to win.
The Old Boys were bowled out in the 39th over with Will Crowder top scoring with 33 in the total of 146.
Andrew Tweddle was the pick of the Islanders’ bowlers with 3/37 while Stuart Swift claimed a couple.
In the run chase, only three Long Island batsmen made it to double figures – Pete Connell with 33, Greg Lamb with 17 and Swift with 11. The home side was bowled out for 100 in the 32nd over.
Adam Gailitis and James Labrooy picked-up 3/28 and 3/29 respectively.
Baxter and Mt Eliza are expected to be two sides vying for a top four finish.
Despite being bowled out for 108 with an over to spare, Baxter picked up the win.
Nick Baron was the best of the Mt Eliza bowlers with 4/24 while Daniel Warwick top scored with 38 for Baxter.
In reply, Chris Brittain was on fire for Baxter, snaring 6/28 off 10 overs to help bowl out Mt Eliza for just 91 after 40 overs.
Justin Grant top scored for the Mounties with 31.
First published in the Mornington News – 11 October 2016
