Panthers’ attack mauls bats

CHASING Dandenong’s moderate total of 227, Hawthorn-Monash University battled with intent at Shepley Oval on Saturday in their Premier League game, but succumbed to the Panthers bowling attack to go down by 68 runs on the first innings.
The Hawks fought all the way and at 6/157 had the home team needing a break.
With the new ball only a couple of overs away, captain Warren Ayres gave opening batsman Matt Chasemore a bowl and in only eight balls, he all but secured victory with three quick wickets.
Chasemore dismissed Spoljaric for 34 and then broke the back of the Hawks’ resistance with the wickets of Doherty (21) and Hewat (one) in a short, but effective two-over spell.
Jimmy Prendergast, who replaced Darren Pattinson called up for state duties, took the last wicket of Christie to finish the game.
Earlier, Nathan Allen bowled as well as he has all season and Ayres was encouraged by the improvement in Allen’s performance.
Although he only took the one wicket, Nathan bowled with great line and length, while Peter Siddle bowled without luck, conceding just 28 runs from 24 overs.
Paul Boraston took two wickets and bowled well, taking the important wicket of Cookson, who top scored for the Hawks with 46.
Dave Newman continues to be a player of the future with a wicket and a couple of good catches.
Ricky Damiano, playing his 50th first XI game, was in great form behind the stumps with two catches, together with plenty of encouragement throughout the day.
Dandenong seconds had a solid win with Bula taking 4/18 from his 17 overs, while the thirds continued their claim for a finals’ spot with a victory on Wilson Oval.
Arron Moldrich took a hat-trick to secure the last three wickets and help chalk up a great day for the club with a fourth XI victory at Monash University.
This week Dandenong will take on neighbours Casey-South Melbourne at Casey Fields with a victory vital.