Dandenong all-rounder Matt Chasemore trudges back to the sheds at Shepley Oval as Footscray-Edgewater players celebrate his dismissal.
By Paul Pickering
BUSHRANGER-in-waiting Kumar Sarna returned to Shepley Oval on Saturday, but the exciting young opener was denied a triumphant homecoming as the Panthers slumped to a five-wicket loss at the hands of Footscray-Edgewater in their Premier Cricket match.
Fresh from an Australian under 19 squad tour of Pakistan and a blistering Victorian second XI century in Tasmania, Sarna opened up in ominous fashion on Saturday morning.
But after racing to 37 on the back of five fours and a spectacular six over cover, Sarna gave his wicket away with an ill-advised slash off the bowling of Bulldog Andrew McCammond.
The Panthers’ early-season batting woes continued as Tom Donnell failed once again, while Warren Ayres (33) – slotting back into the middle order – and Andrew Bull (19) provided only momentary resistance.
Early wickets exposed Dandenong’s feeble middle order, allowing former Bushranger Grant Lindsay take full advantage on his way to figures of 5/49.
Ultimately, it took a gutsy 10th-wicket stand from tail-enders Brett Fairbanks (23) and Justin Butterfield (10 not out) to extend Dandenong’s total to 161.
In reply, Bulldog duo Matthew Love (54) and Dean Russ (52) plundered their way to an opening stand of 99 runs to quell any thought of a Panthers uprising.
Despite a commendable fightback from second-gamer Justin Butterfield (3/29), the Bulldogs cruised to victory with 12 overs to spare.
Having won just two games from their five one-day outings, the Panthers will be hoping a return to the two-day format this weekend will reverse their fortunes.
The reigning premier in the long version of the game, Dandenong is sure to benefit from some extended time at the crease as it travels to Camberwell to face the Magpies over the next fortnight.
