St Mary’s batsman Aaron Dragwidge makes the long walk back to the pavilion after being run out for 25 against North Dandenong on Saturday.ST Mary’s managed to get across the line in yet another nail-biter, looking dangerous and consolidating a spot in the top four of the DDCA’s Turf One ladder.
On a day when the majority of games were washed out and declared a draw, the Saints managed to get the points and snatched second spot on the ladder.
North Dandenong took one look at what appeared to be a green and two-paced wicket and were eager to play as it looked as though the pitch would offer plenty of lateral movement.
While there was a little inconsistent bounce the opening batsmen got the Saints off to a flyer.
Ash Henry blazed early, hitting to all parts of the ground and mostly over the infield.
Troy Cashman was brilliant playing the unfamiliar anchor role, picking up the singles and giving the strike to the red-hot Henry.
When Henry was dismissed for 35, the Saints were 1/54 and well on the way to the 200-run target.
The wicket brought Aaron Dragwidge to the crease, and while scratchy early he took over the anchor role as Cashman began scoring quickly.
The pair put on 39 before Cashman was stumped off the bowling of the deceptive Roshan Periera.
With eight wickets in hand the Saints looked well-placed to score the remaining 115 runs required.
However Periera and former captain David Bell had other ideas, coaxing the St Mary’s batsmen into playing false strokes.
Middle order batsmen Rhys Serpanchy, Nick McKay and Paul Sharp fell in quick succession, and when Dragwidge was run out for 25 a short time later the momentum was with the Northeners.
The Saints were at 6/135 and still needing a further 65 runs to win.
It was the ever-reliable Michael Turner who did it again for the Saints.
Batting first with wicketkeeper Gary Cake then with all rounder Manny Coomaraswamy, Turner batted patiently and with minimal risk.
He scored slowly but occupied the crease, enabling the Saints to get across the line.
Turner hit the winning runs and finished on 25 not out with the Saints innings closing at 8/201.
St Mary’s plays Narre Warren in the last game before Christmas this week, and will be desperate to win and consolidate a spot in the top two going into the break.
North Dandenong is up against former competition powerhouse Hallam in what looms as a season-defining game for both clubs.
