Saints post solid target

ST MARY’S will be confident of winning its Dandenong and District Cricket Association Turf 1 clash with Buckley Ridges next Saturday after posting 235 on the small Ridges ground.
After losing the toss and being forced to bat, the Saints began disastrously with the club’s leading run scorer Troy Cashman caught behind off the bowling of Buckley Ridges captain Shane Simpson. Cashman was seething at the decision.
Aaron Dragwidge foolishly ran himself out 12 runs later after turning blind and at 2/35 the only positive for the Saints was that opener Ash Henry was still in.
Henry and Saints wicketkeeper Gary Cake batted well together and formed the Saints’ first partnership of the day.
The pair added 43 before Henry was bowled by Ridges spinner Shane D’Rozario.
Cake was back in the shed shortly after when he tried to loft D’Rozario over the mid-wicket fence, only to hit it straight down a fielder’s throat, leaving the Saints 4/101.
But St Mary’s vice-captain Michael Turner ensured the Saints would not fall deeper in trouble.
When Turner was dismissed in the third-last over for 64 the Saints had reached 8/220.
Cam McDonnell was dismissed soon after for 25 and with Turner ensured the Saints reached a competitive total.
St Mary’s bowler Jonathan Nolan faced the last three balls of the innings and belted two sixes and a two to register his highest score of 14 not out.
The Saints reached the competitive total of 9/235.
D’Rozario took 6/75.