Ayres’ ton fails to save Panthers

– Glen Atwell
WARREN Ayres’ 39th Premier Cricket century could not save the Dandenong Panthers from a miserable defeat against the St Kilda Saints at Central Reserve in Waverley on Saturday.
Ayres’ magnificent 110 was the standout performance as his side haplessly collapsed to be all out for 237.
Chasing the Saints’ mountainous total of 340, the Panthers’ innings began the worst way possible, losing Matthew Chasemore for a duck in the first over of play.
But Ayres and Adrian Burgiel soon stabilised the innings and put on 99 runs before Burgiel was caught on 42.
At 3/168 the run chase was on.
But as the wickets began falling around Ayres and five Dandenong batsmen failed to make double figures, it was clear the Saints had the Panthers’ measure.
Adam Warren was the pick of the St Kilda bowlers, taking 4/53 off 19 overs that included the bowled wicket of Ayres.
The loss leaves Dandenong in an awkward seventh position, as top side Carlton goes into the Christmas break with nine wins from nine matches.
But with the current runs scored against the Panthers this season, totalling 2006, it might suggest that when the season resumes in the new year, Dandenong could return to its winning ways.
The season resumes on 7 January, when Dandenong takes on Ringwood at Wonthaggi in the league’s country round.