– Glen Atwell
ON Saturday at the quiet Shepley Oval in Dandenong – on the same day that Brian Lara was making test cricket history – Dandenong coach Warren Ayres scored his 38th century, the most of any player in District/Premier League history.
Ayres’ commanding 193 drove the Panthers to a declared total of 6/332 against Northcote, a position the Dandenong side should be able to aggressively defend.
Matthew Chasemore (43) and Brett Forsyth (40 not out) both made starts and might be hitting some valuable form.
Northcote had to face six overs before the end of play and finished unscathed at 0/6.
Unlikely to reach the mountainous target set by the Panthers, Northcote will no doubt be on a bat-pad, forward defensive mission to survive the second day’s play and escape with a draw.
This is where the Premier League rules get tricky as a side that can bat through the day can, regardless of its run-rate, prevent the opposition from gaining any valuable points.
Dandenong strike bowlers Peter Siddle and Darren Boraston will need to be at their deadly best to ensure the Panthers get a full-points win.
The match concludes at Shepley Oval this Saturday.
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