SUB-DISTRICT
BALNARRING went from chocolates to boiled lollies in MPCA Sub District cricket on Saturday.
After recording an outright victory in their last match and again putting themselves into finals contention, they failed with the bat on Saturday when placed under some real fire.
Rosebud is looking to cement its place in the top four and even push for a place in the top two, a position it has held for the most of the season.
The Buds hosted the Saints on Saturday, turned up the heat on the visitors and they wilted under the pressure.
It’s one thing to bully a lower side and get an outright, however, you have to be able to step up to the plate when the pressure is on.
Other than old stager Pete Mereszko with 26, no other Balnarring batsman gave the scorers any trouble.
Billy Quigley was the pick of the Rosebud bowlers with 4/37, helping his side roll the Saints for 116.
In reply, the Buds are 1/16.
Frankston YCW only made 123 against Ballam Park on Saturday, however, it find itelf in an outright position.
Currently 12 points outside of the four in sixth place, the Stonecats could leap frog Balnarring is they can pull off an outright in this match.
The Knights batted first on Saturday and were bowled out for just 58. Andrew Kitson took 6/21 and Paul Bradley 3/21.
Frankston YCW was then bowled out for 123, still a lead of 65. Ryan O’Connor snared 6/29 for the Knights.
In their second innings, the Knights slumped to 4/34, still 31 behind with six wickets in hand. Kitson has nine wickets for the match after picking up 3/18 in the second dig.
Third placed Carrum Downs is in some strife against top of the ladder Pearcedale.
The Cougars batted first on Saturday and were rolled for 105. Shayne Gillings was at his best for the Panthers with 6/40.
In reply, Pearcedale is 1/40.
Tootgarook is in a commanding position against Dromana.
Batting first at Pier St Reserve, the Frogs smacked 9/315. Openers Rob French (94) and Luke Thompson (66) recorded an opening stand of 173 for the visitors.
Skipper Gerard Clarke then contributed 43 to help the Frogs past 300.
Zac Klan was the pick of the Hoppers’ bowlers with 4/125 from 29 overs.
Tyabb was on fire with the bat again on Saturday, hitting 8/299 against Skye.
The Yabbies were in some strife at 2/24, however Brodie Bennett and Jarrod White got things back on track.
Bennett smashed 123 and White played the supporting role, although he still did manage an unbeaten 105.
Paul Fillipone and Rohan Simpson each claimed two wickets for Skye.
