PROVINCIAL
MORNINGTON Peninsula Cricket Association reigning Provincial premiers, Mornington was knocked out of the top four on Saturday by Crib Point.
Needing to win to keep their fourth position and take part in the finals, the Dogs needed just one wicket to pick up the vital victory.
However, the fighting Magpies dug deep and scored the necessary runs in the final over to win by just two runs.
There were emotional scenes at the conclusion of the match – elation and despair from the opposing teams.
However, despite winning the game, Crib Point still missed out on a finals spot by percentage.
Baxter needed to win against Long Island in the final game and hope the Magpies did the rest against Mornington. That’s exactly what played out and Baxter replaced Mornington in the top four.
All of the interest was always going to be at Crib Point Recreation Reserve.
In front of a bigger crowd than normal, Mornington won the toss and batted first.
They lost some early wickets and scoring was made difficult after some tight bowling from the Magpies.
Luke Popov remained unbeaten on 34 and Brad McDonald hit 30, while Michael Heib blasted a quick 20 at the end.
Despite Matt Foon snaring four wickets, the Dogs couldn’t stop Crib Point from hitting the target.
Matty Blake got the Pies going with 50 and it was Waide Symes and Glenn Barclay at the end who hung about long enough to get their team over the lines.
Baxter simply had to beat Long Island and they managed to do it pretty comfortably.
Batting first, Baxter made 6/174, skipper Daniel Warwick hitting 73 and Dale Irving 36. Ben Smith was also solid batting at six and making a valuable 29.
Scott Phillips was the pick of the Islander’s bowlers with 3/30.
The Islanders looked the goods in the chase at 2/62, however, two quick wickets and it was all down hill from there. Only a wag from the tale at the end between Chris Hocking (13) and Greg Lamb (17) gave their score some respectability.
Long Island finished on 9/146 from 40 overs.
In only his fourth First XI game this season, Brad Holton snared 5/26 from eight overs.
Peninsula Old Boys won a thriller against Langwarrin.
The Kangas batted first and made 184, skipper Mark Cooper top scoring with 64, Jake D’Atri helping himself to 36 and Nathan Volpe hitting 31.
Adam Jones was the pick of the Old Boys bowlers with four wickets.
Langwarrin had their chances to win the game, however, they couldn’t prevent the Old Boys getting the required runs with four wickets and three balls to spare.
Heatherhill won its last game of the season but it wasn’t enough to avoid relegation against Moorooduc.
Despite the win, the Hills will play in District cricket next season, which will allow them an opportunity to rebuild with a young group.
The Hills batted first and made 9/144, Jake Theobald top scoring with 33 and Brent Maxwell scoring 27.
The visitors then bowled out the Ducs for 119 in 24.3 overs. Jason Hinde was the star with the ball for the Hills, picking up 7/30 off 7.3 overs.
Mt Eliza saved its biggest embarassment to the final game of the year, humiliated by Rye.
One wouldn’t have thought that a disastrous season could get any worse, however it did for the Mounties.
They were bowled out for 88 in 34.2 overs against the Demons, Aaron Fiddes claiming 3/10 from six overs.
The Demons then got the runs with six wickets and 10 overs to spare.
Sorrento will head into the finals with plenty of confidence after beating Pines.
Pines batted first and made 131 in 40 overs with Harley Parker and Harley Peace-Sterling each getting 33.
Anthony Blackwell claimed 3/15 for the Sorras.
The Sorras were 3/34 at one stage in the match before Nick Jewell hit an unbeaten 41 and together with Leigh Poholke (20) got their side across the line.
Nick Wilcox was the best of the bowlers with 3/29 while Luke Bartlett took 2/14 in his first match.
