By Nick Creely
DDCA TURF 1, 2 AND 3
REVIEW – ROUND 2 (DAY TWO)
TURF 1
As the year progresses, Springvale South captain Ateeq Javid is going to cause some serious nightmares for opposition bowlers.
The overseas pro crunched a century – only days after flaying 88 in a Twenty20 against Berwick – in Saturday’s one day match against Heinz Southern Districts at Alex Nelson Reserve.
With day one washed out, the Bloods and Cobras played out a 37-over per innings match.
Batting first, Javid, alongside aggressive opener Nathan King (42) crunched 63 for the first wicket, setting the scene for a potentially mammoth total.
Javid (110) continued on his merry way, combining with Bloods legend Craig Slocombe (23) for a 44-run stand, displaying the kind of class that’ll be on show for the Turf 1 season.
Playing the anchor despite going at a run-a-ball, Javid crossed over for a brilliant century, a knock glittered with 16 fours.
But a more disciplined bowling effort – particularly in the final few overs – ensured the Bloods were rolled for 222 off the final ball of the innings, with Udara Hettige snaring a late hat-trick to finish with 6/52 off seven overs, while Josh Dinger continued his strong start to the season with 3/21 off eight terrific overs.
The Bloods looked to have seemingly had the game in their grasp despite champs Kaushalya Weeraratne (38) and Michael Davies (46) looking good through the middle period, but Cameron Dinger (43 not out) made a late charge at an unlikely run chase.
Despite sending the ball flying to the boundary, the Cobras ran out of time, finishing 7/217 off 37 overs in a narrow loss to last season’s grand finalists.
In the remaining games, Buckley Ridges (9/233) easily accounted for North Dandenong (110 and 3/135) on day two of their clash at Park Oval, while Narre South (9/144) drew with Berwick at Strathaird Recreation Reserve and Hallam Kalora Park also drew with St Mary’s (7/170).
TURF 2
Parkmore Pirates looked, at one stage, to be coasting in their chase of Dandenong West’s sizeable 268 at Greaves Reserve.
But the Westers dug deep to secure its maiden win of the Turf 2 season in a stunning performance led by veteran Peter Atkinson.
The Pirates were 2/110 with time on their side and Aditya Ganesh (36) and Amal Athulathmudali (63) batting beautifully, but the home side slowly began to turn the tide in a decisive period of cricket.
Soon enough, with Atkinson (5/50) controlling one end with super skill, the Westers cracked the game open and stunningly rolled the visitors for 131, with the last eight wickets coming for just 21 runs.
163099 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS
Atkinson bowled 14 maidens in an incredible display of bowling, while Thushira Madanayaka (3/10) was also vital through the middle period.
In the only other completed game across the round, Lyndale took the points quite comfortably against Narre Warren at BJ Powell Reserve.
The Magpies could only muster up 117 in 27 overs after struggling to bounce back from some early wickets, with the home side racing down the runs and finishing on 4/157 in 28 overs. Priyan De Silva struck 60 in the win.
Cranbourne (1/23) and Dingley was washed out at Casey Fields, as was the clash between Narre North and Beaconsfield (7/117).
TURF 3
Keysborough continued its strong start to the Turf 3 season with a super win against another quality side in Parkfield.
After posting 8/199 on day one, Keysborough got the win, bowling the Bears out for 172 in a closely-fought encounter.
Daniel Banhidi (4/51) and regular wicket machine Hennadige Fernando (4/54) bowled brilliantly in the home side’s victory.
Coomoora (161) also secured a win against Springvale (106) away from home, with Dylan Jacotine starring on day two for the Kangaroos with 68 not out.
Fountain Gate (117) drew its clash with Silverton (0/19) while Lynbrook and Berwick Springs was also washed out.
