Panther bats not up to scratch

By Glen Atwell
IN perfect batting conditions at Shepley Oval, the Dandenong Panthers failed to shine at the crease on Saturday and require a supreme bowling effort this week if they are to collect the six points against Footscray-Edgewater in their Premier League match.
A contrasting scorecard tells the tale – five Dandenong batsmen were unable to reach double figures as the team scrapped to be all out for 214.
Winning the toss, there was little doubt in captain Tim Hooper’s mind that batting was the right thing to do, but the Footscray-Edgewater bowlers soon sent that decision back to the pavilion, collecting two early wickets.
After losing youngster Kumar Sana for a duck, coach Warren Ayres would have been looking to get comfortable and keep the scoreboard ticking over, but the veteran managed only a single run before being caught off the bowling of Andrew McCammond.
Tim Hooper (45) then partnered Chasemore (37), who had survived the strike bowling attack and the duo combined before both lost their wickets in quick succession.
Hooper had batted dominantly, cracking six fours in a standout innings.
When Adrian Burgiel was knocked over for just four runs and the scoreboard read 5/109, the Panthers could have been all out for 150, but important innings by Ricky Damiano (29), Brett Forsyth (43) and Nathan Allen (28 not out) helped the score reach 200, a more than defendable target.
McCammond was the crucial bowler for Footscray-Edgewater, taking 3/58 from his 24-over effort.
The Panthers had 11 overs to nab early wickets at the end of the first day, but could not draw the Footscray-Edgewater batsmen into offering any chances, ending the day 0/24.
Without the pace of Peter Siddle, holes are beginning to show in the Dandenong bowling attack and unless Boraston and Pattinson can take seven wickets between them, it’s hard to see Dandenong defending their modest total.