By ROY WARD
DANDENONG Panthers will get the chance to prove their Premier Cricket finals credentials when they resume against Ringwood on Saturday.
The Panthers are 1-30 chasing the Rams’ total of 237 on a slow Shepley Oval wicket.
Rams opener David King made a stoic 106, batting until the 75th over to anchor the Rams’ innings.
Panthers star opener Tom Donnell (15) was bowled by Rams all-rounder Ian Holland with the second last ball of the day.
Panthers captain Darren Pattinson said his side had to chase the total if they wanted to be seriously considered as a contender.
“We have 200 runs to get with nine wickets in hand — top four sides chase down scores like that,” he said. “We probably gave up a few too many, we should have kept them under 200.
“It was disappointing to lose Tommy, he has been in good touch, but the game is in the balance now and we will have to bat well next week.”
The Panthers will lose James Pattinson, who will leave for India with the Australia side, while Darren Pattinson will most likely be selected for the Victorian side and travel to Adelaide, so both will need replacing, possibly with batsmen.
Darren Pattinson said he was disappointed his bowlers could not take their wickets quicker but felt the pitch gave them little assistance.
He did praise young seamer Nathan Lamden, who continued his good form with 4-29.
“He got the ball to reverse swing early in the day,” Pattinson said. “He has done the job for us all year.”
Rams captain Ben Osborne said King’s innings was outstanding and showed his quality as he battled both Pattinsons.
Osborne believed the late wicket has swung the match in the visitors’ favour.
“Getting Donnell out was a massive wicket,” he said. “He is one of the form batsmen in the competition and it gives us extra confidence heading into next week.”
Charith Cooray (15 not out ) and Brett Forsyth (0 not out) will return to the crease when play resumes at Shepley Oval this Saturday at noon.
■ Endeavour Hills is within sight of victory in its Victorian Sub District Cricket Association clash against Brunswick at Sydney Pargeter Reserve.
The Eagles are 1-70 heading into the second day of play after bowling out the visitors for 172 behind the bowling of Matt Peake (3-14) and Richie Saniga (3-21).
Justin Merlino (28 not out) and Neil Peake (25 not out) are set at the crease for the Eagles when play resumes this Saturday at 1pm.
Noble Park is in trouble in its clash against Coburg at Coburg City Oval with the Burgers making 245 all out, then having former Australian bowler Mick Lewis snare the wicket of Parkers opener Dirk Vandergert to leave the visitors at 1-15 at stumps.
Parkers’ bowler Eranga Pelpola took 5-12 in the Burgers’ innings.
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