By Stuart Teather
ROUND Five of the Dandenong District Cricket Association came to a close on Saturday with few surprises, as all top four teams recorded victories. A Will Carr hat trick helped Berwick to an outright victory over Coomoora in an impressive return to form for the reigning premiers.
Berwick v Coomoora
Having posted 7/251 on day one of the clash, Berwick was in a good position to go on the attack against Coomoora with the ball, and it did just that. Played at Berwick’s Arch Brown Reserve, the home side took just 36.4 overs to dismiss Coomoora in the first innings, skittling the side for 91 runs and handing Berwick first innings points. Will Carr was the destroyer, picking up 4/19 off 9.4 overs, while Englishman Alecs Roberts chimed in with 3/35 off 11.
Forced to follow on, Coomoora was even more dismal in its second stint at the crease, lasting just 19.1 overs for 71 runs. Again, Carr did the damage, this time picking up a hat trick among his five wickets for the innings, with figures of 5/21 off six overs, helping his side to its first outright victory of the season.
Hallam-Kalora Park v Springvale South
Springvale South successfully defended its day one score of 249 against Hallam-Kalora Park on Saturday.Charged with bowling to the league’s highest scoring team, Springvale South’s bowlers took control of the game, wiping out the batsmen for 167 off 58.2 overs.Nick Bole-Brown picked up 4/59 off 21 overs, while Glen Scales claimed season-best figures of 3/34 off 10.2.
Doveton v St Mary’s
Doveton’s impressive day one score of 8/306 stood the test against St Mary’s, with the Doves recording a solid victory. St Mary’s had a less than ideal start to the match when Jesse McCartney lost his wicket without score; and when first drop Daniel Davis went for 14, the side languished at 2/25. But captain and opener Troy Cashman was a rock at the top of the innings, compiling 73 as he churned through a series of partners. Aside from Luke Byron (31), no one offered much support and when Cashman was finally run out the side lost 6/47 in quick succession, collapsing all out for 178.
Keysborough v Nth
Dandenong
North Dandenong’s bowlers put on a remarkable display to lift their side to victory over Keysborough at Keysborough Reserve on Saturday. The visitors posted a paltry 136 in their first innings, but had Keysborough on the ropes at 6/47 at the end of day one, and the bowlers continued their fine form into day two. Chris Clarke led the way with the ball, taking 6/43 off 18 overs as North Dandenong skittled the home side for 90 runs off 40.5 overs. Chasing an outright victory, the visitors came out swinging in their second innings, thumping their way to 6/139 before declaring, leaving 24 overs to bowl out Keysborough a second time. It was not enough time, with Shiran Rajakaruna proving a rock at the top of the innings, putting on 69 to end North Dandenong’s hopes of a 10-point haul.
Parkfield v Buckley Ridges
Parkfield cruised to a comfortable first innings victory against Buckley Ridges, with the side successfully chasing down the required 183 runs at Park Oval. Resuming the day at 0/31, Parkfield lost two early wickets but healthy scores to John O’Hare (46), Tony Payne (39) and Hemantha Alles (50 not out) guided the team to 6/189 off 72 overs.
