Panthers claw into contention

By Glen Atwell
THE Dandenong Panthers continued their charge towards the Victorian Premier Cricket finals with an away win over Geelong in their one-day match.
Dandenong captain Tim Hooper won the toss and elected to bat, and opener Matthew Chasemore did not let him down.
Chasemore scored 71 of the Panthers’ 201 total, and found support from Ricky Damiano (45) and Hooper (24).
Warren Ayres could not mount his fourth successive century, out for 8 off the bowling of Trent Walerys.
Luke Muller was the best of the Geelong bowlers, taking 2/26 from his 10 overs.
Panthers strike bowler Darren Pattinson ensured Geelong got off to the worst start possible, taking Shaun Dean’s wicket in the first over to leave the score at 1/1.
The wickets continued to fall, with Andre Borovec (43) the only Geelong batsman to offer any resistance before being run out.
Geelong was all out for 194.
Pattinson was the best of the Dandenong bowlers, collecting 4/47 from his spell.
The win over third-placed Geelong leaves Dandenong in fifth position and knocking on the door of a finals place.
Dandenong returns to Shepley Oval this Saturday to commence a two-day game against Hawthorn-Monash University.