Panthers ready for the kill

By Glen Atwell
THE Dandenong Panthers amassed 7/347 and are poised to defeat Prahran when their Victorian Premier Cricket clash concludes at Toorak Park on Saturday.
After winning the toss and deciding to bat, Dandenong coach and second-drop batsman Warren Ayres barely had time to strap his pads on before striding out to the pitch.
After Ricky Damiano was adjudged LBW without troubling the scorers, Ayres found himself facing the brunt of the Prahran pace attack, but in his typical style, soon dictated play to the bowlers.
Dandenong opener Matthew Chasemore (42) offered valuable support and the score raced past 100, before both Chasemore and Ayres lost their wickets in quick succession.
Ayres was out LBW for 60, after being stranded in front of the stumps by a Cameron Huckett (2/58) delivery.
At 4/130, the game was in the balance, but Dandenong middle-order pair David Newman and Tim Hooper formed a partnership that would turn the game in the Panthers favour.
Newman (107) blasted a magnificent century and Hooper played a crucial supporting role, scoring 66 runs of his own.
The 146-run partnership did not go to waste as the Dandenong tail end held strong and batted until the close of play.
But without the services of Darren Pattinson, who is representing the Victorian Bushrangers, Dandenong will have its work cut out this weekend.
In the other local match, Casey-South Melbourne posted a strong total (8/282) against Carlton at Casey Fields.
Casey batsman Craig Entwistle scored his second consecutive century, belting 141 in what was undoubtedly the individual highlight of the day.
Casey captain Roger Sillence continued his good form, scoring 64.