St Mary’s batsman Paul Sharp survived this lbw appeal after a medium-paced delivery thumped into his front pad on Saturday.NORTH Dandenong batsmen applied themselves to make a respectable 199 against St Mary’s on Saturday, ensuring the home side would have a fight on its hands in their Dandenong and District Cricket Association match.
After winning the toss on a typical Carroll Reserve wicket, North Dandenong captain Paul McDonald decided to bat.
The first over was one of the more remarkable this season. St Mary’s captain Paul Sharp sprayed the ball, struggling to control the swing.
There were no-balls, wides, byes and a wicket when North Dandenong opening batsman Paul Palmer flicked off his pads to be caught at square leg. After looking like it was going to be a long day in the field, the Saints were all of a sudden off to a flying start with North Dandenong 1/5 after the first over.
The previous week’s hero with the bat, Manny Coomaraswamy, then performed with the ball, bowling a tight line and length and making the batsmen play at nearly every ball. Affectionately known as Snake Charmer among teammates due to his ability to charm the batsmen into false shots, Coomaraswamy bowled 17 accurate and controlled overs to take 2/32.
Jonathan Nolan backed up a good bowling performance last round with another solid display at Turf 1 level. Nolan showed he was a quick learner and is developing as a bowler.
Veteran Cameron McDonnell again showed he was one of the premier players of the competition by taking 3/42 for the Saints, bowling a length that was exceptional.
Patient batsman Shane Clarke and the hard-hitting Adrian Baltruschaitis made 57 and 61 respectively, their contrasting styles proving a potent mix for the Northerners.
The Saints find themselves chasing again and the heat is on several of their top order.
