Clinical Donnell steers Panthers to victory

By Jarrod Potter
TOM Donnell’s omission from any form of Victorian-level cricket became more baffling this week as the Dandenong opener belted 139 not out to guide the Panthers to a 40-run victory over Carlton.
Dandenong, coming into the round in ninth place, knocked off the ladder leaders in a clinical batting display.
Donnell batted through the innings and put on 108 for the third wicket with captain Darren Dempsey (58) to set up a total of 4/258cc.
In response, Carlton was unable to hunt down the runs, despite a well-made half century from Nick Ross (65).
“Excellent win,” Dandenong captain Darren Dempsey said.
“They’ve been probably the best team in the competition, so they’ve set the standard and it’s good to get a win against them.”
Dempsey had high praise reserved for Donnell, who he was lucky to watch from the best spot on the ground at the non-strikers end.
“Fantastic the best knock he’s played,” Dempsey said.
“Best one day innings I’ve seen, superb knock.
“It’s not easy to get 139 in a one dayer.”
Dempsey’s half century was his second 50 for the year, and it takes him to 9905 career runs in Premier cricket.
“It’s good to get a couple and get us back on track, so it was pleasing,” he said.
“Good enough to get us a total to defend.”
Spinners Liam Dawson (3/42), the 21-year-old Englishman, and Paul Stockdale (2/37), who returns to the Dandenong set-up from Heinz Southern Districts in the DDCA, proved a potent combination.
“Spinners bowled well, and there’s a bit of improvement to come from the quicks.
“Dawson was good – he didn’t get it with the bat, but he chipped in with the wickets and bowled really well and looking forward to his contributions for the rest of the year.
“He’ll bat at three – he opens at Hampshire, and we’ll get some overs out of his left arm offies.”
Dandenong faces Camberwell Magpies at home in a two-dayer starting on Saturday.