PROVINCIAL
Baxter has placed itself in a strong position to win its final match of 2015 against Somerville.
Currently in eighth place on the MPCA Provincial ladder, a loss here would really put them behind the eight ball in 2016, leaving them at least two games out. With the competition so tight, picking up 24 points is a tall order. Nonetheless, the home side is most certainly in this contest after winning the toss and electing to bat.
A 154-run partnership between Chris Brittain (79) and Dale Irving (76) really set Baxter up to post a solid total. With Ben Brittain hitting 41 and keeper Daniel Lanati contributing 21, Baxter was able to post a total of 9/281. Considering the form that Chamara Sattambi and Irving are in with the ball, that total looks defendable. Matty Roach was the best of the Somerville bowlers, getting through 21 overs and finishing with a return of 5/48.
Langwarrin has set Long Island a tricky total, but considering the depth of batting talent at the Islanders’ disposal, they should chalk up another win. The Kangaroos had a number of players who started well, but none were able to maintain. Matt Prosser opened with a top score of 32, Simon McEvoy got 29 and Mal Coutts finished unbeaten on 29. The Islanders’ bowlers made it difficult to score, restricting the home side to 8/178 in its 80 overs. Chris Hocking bowled 27 overs and finished with 3/47, while Mike Reynolds claimed 2/16 from 10 overs.
Pines were looking for an outright win to keep its season alive against Rye, but it almost backfired. The Piners have already picked up the win after bowling Rye out for 80 in 33 overs and then posting a score of 7/98 in the next 34 overs. At one stage, Pines were in all sorts of trouble at 2/1, 4/13 and 6/19. Jarred Coad (37) and Pat Jackson (42 not out) put on a partnership of 79 to steer the home side to a first-innings win. Tom Baron was superb for his side, collecting 4/48, while Andrew Dunn claimed 2/24.
Crib Point has left Sorrento with plenty of work to do, scoring 7/317 on Saturday at Crib Point Recreation Reserve. Luke Herrington was at his vintage best with 110, while Ricky Thompson hit an unbeaten 40 in honour of his Dad, who passed last week. Jacob Cook also hit 40, batting ninth.
Chris King bowled 25 overs for the Sorras with a return of 4/101, while Hayden Bell picked up 3/52 in his first game back. Sorrento faced the last over of the day and will resume this coming Saturday on 0/2 with Corey Harris and Nick Jewell at the crease.
Mt Eliza has set Moorooduc a valiant 234 for victory after positing 9/233 on Saturday at Moorooduc Reserve. Jordan Fuhrmann was superb in his third match, top-scoring with an unbeaten 86 despite deserving a ton. Cameron Bailey was the pick of the Ducs’ bowlers with 4/44 off 23 overs.
Mornington has set Peninsula Old Boys a winning total of 231 runs at Peninsula School.
The top four Old Boys were all over the wickets with the ball. Zac Fillipone opened to claim 2/46, with Adam Gailitis snaring 2/42, Adam Jones 3/35 and Jon Forrest 2/59.
First published in the Mornington News – 15 December 2015
