Above: The one that got away … Southern Pirate Damien Lacy dropped a catch, and possibly the match, against Cranbourne in their Turf One clash at Wachter Reserve on Saturday.By Glen Atwell
THE first round of the Dandenong District Cricket Association season was completed on Saturday, and the results certainly surprised.
Narre Warren defeated St Mary’s, snaring first innings points after cruising to the Saints’ total of 230 with five wickets to spare.
Narre Warren opener Dimitri Dimakopoulos inspired his side with a patient knock of 64.
Wendell Perumal provided some exciting support, smashing seven fours in an innings of 51.
St Mary’s paceman Emmanuel Coomaraswamy took 3/44 and was the only bowler to trouble the batsmen.
Berwick easily accounted for Buckley Ridges in their clash at Arch Brown Reserve.
Defending only 166, the Buckley Ridges’ bowlers took early wickets, but Alex Roberts and Ash Henry soon steadied the ship.
Roberts scored 94 before being trapped lbw, Henry powering his way to 113 in what proved to be the match-winning innings.
Shane D’Rozario was the best of the Buckley Ridges bowlers, taking 6/118 from a lengthy 34-over spell.
Springvale South fell five wickets short of outright victory against Keysborough.
Defending its declared total of 6/272, Springvale bowled Keysborough out for 126 to collect first innings points.
Gavin Fewkes did the bulk of the damage, returning with an impressive 5/41.
Forced to bat again, Keysborough dug deep to save the second innings and finished the day 5/144.
Hemantha Alles anchored the innings with 59 not out.
North Dandenong defeated Parkfield with Scott Neeson the game’s high scorer, smashing 77 not out in North Dandenong’s second innings.
Cranbourne defeated Southern Pirates in a close encounter at Wachter Reserve. Chasing 161, Cranbourne opener Brad Angus did half the job and high-scored with 86.
Steven Hall provided solid support in his knock of 48.
Dandenong West denied Doveton any points in their clash at Hallam Reserve.
The Doves, defending 109, could not stop the Dandenong batsmen, who raced to 7/155.
Ryan Hendy was the best of the Doveton bowlers, taking 3/51.
