By Gavin Staindl
IT HAS been a slow start to the Dandenong and District Cricket Association season but play finally got under way on Saturday.
After three weeks of postponed and cancelled matches, there was a general feel of relief among Turf clubs who were given the all clear to play last week’s one-dayers.
Although not all teams did take the field – with two Turf One and four Turf Two matches abandoned because of unsafe pitch conditions resulting from Friday night’s downpour.
The six matches finished in a draw and will not be replayed.
TURF ONE
@BT Sub Sport News:Buckley Ridges v Parkfield
Buckley Ridges started its premiership defence in fine form, beating Parkfield by 92 runs in an awesome batting display at Park Oval.
Winning the toss and electing to bat, Buckley reached 5/236 off 38 overs at six runs per over.
Daniel Watson raced to 68 backing up Clint Walker (36) and Suren Ekanayake’s (39) 50-run opening partnership.
In reply, highly publicised Parkfield signing Steven Spoljaric was a one-man wolf pack.
Spoljaric (70) was left without backup as his team crumbled to 144 from 33 overs.
@BT Sub Sport News:St Mary’s v Doveton
Long-time St Mary’s stalwart Stewart Dowel has taken the first Turf One five-wicket haul this season, leading his side to a comfortable six-wicket victory at Robinson Reserve.
Dowell took 5/36 from eight overs as Doveton was bowled out for 106.
St Mary’s opener Brendan Rydquist made 36 and from there it was smooth sailing for the visitors who cruised past the target with six wickets and nine overs to spare.
@BT Sub Sport News:Dandenong West v Mordialloc
Dandenong West’s winning streak from Turf Two has continued in Turf One with the recently promoted club defeating Mordialloc by seven wickets at Greaves Reserve.
Dandenong West chased down the required 155 with 12 overs to spare making it the 14th consecutive win since the club was beaten in the 2008/09 semi-finals.
Chandana Surgie Don made an unbeaten 50 and partnered with Anthony Brannan (47 not out) for a partnership of 80 that included 14 boundaries.
@BT Sub Sport News:Keysborough v Narre Warren
Due to pitch conditions the game was called off and the two teams will split the points.
@BT Sub Sport News:North Dandenong v Springvale South
Due to pitch conditions the game was called off and the two teams will split the points.
