Big totals could be decisive

By Stuart Teather
THE Dandenong District Cricket Association’s Turf One season began in style on Saturday, with some big day one scores setting matches up for exciting finishes this weekend.
Perfect weather greeted the players for the opening round, though the Cranbourne v North Dandenong and Coomoora v Parkfield clashes were postponed due to heavy rain on Friday, and both matches will be played as one-dayers this weekend.
Berwick v Buckley Ridges
Reigning premier Berwick started its season tentatively, posting 9/228 off 80 overs in its clash against Buckley Ridges at Brown Reserve.
Justin Stanton (18) and Brad Francis (33) set up the innings with a 46-run partnership, but it was Paul Evans (62) who led the batting charge.
James Prendergast (34 not out), batting at number 10, provided some crucial late-innings runs to help his side to a strong position.
Former captain Alex Roberts hit 29 in his first game for Berwick since almost signing with Buckley Ridges, before Benjamin Watson claimed his prized scalp.
Shane D’Rozario was the pick of the bowlers, taking 3/55 off his 21 overs, and was well supported by Watson, Westley Nicholas and Anthony Clarke-Bruce, who took two wickets each.
St Marys v Springvale South
Springvale South captain Craig Slocombe (129) stole the show on day one, and combined with newcomer Michael Davies (84) for a 183-run fourth-wicket partnership, helping their side to 7/353.
Davies’ knock will be particularly pleasing as it was his first with the side since making the move from HSD during the off-season.
Slocombe declared after Jason Quirk (51) made his half-century, and St Marys made 0/13 in reply, before stumps were called.
St Marys’ import Englishman Dan Davis had a difficult introduction to the DDCA, taking 1/78 off his 18 overs.
All-rounder Jesse McCartney was the best of the bowlers, taking 2/58 from 21 overs.
Narre Warren v Keysborough
Narre Warren made the best possible start to the DDCA season, belting 7/413 against Keysborough at Sweeny Reserve.
Former captain Wendell Perumal relished playing without the added pressure of leading the side with 154, an epic innings that included 23 boundaries and a six.
Perumal found plenty of support in Shean Vanderwert (55), brother Keith Perumal (47) and John Simpson (39).
Perumal and Vanderwert set up the total with a strong 154-run second-wicket partnership, after opener Ruwantha Fernandopulle (22) fell early.