By Stuart Teather
BOWLERS, for the most part, ruled the day when round five of Dandenong District Cricket Association matches began on Saturday.
But, on a day when a number of sides struggled with the bat, Doveton excelled with it, scoring an impressive 306 from 80 overs.
@BT Sub Sport News:Hallam-Kalora Park v Springvale South
In the match at Alex Nelson Reserve, Hallam-Kalora Park won the toss and sent the visitors in, a decision that paid dividends early.
The home side took two early wickets, having Springvale South 2/12, before Andrew Sharp joined Steven Masterson.
The pair built a solid partnership and kept the runs ticking over, putting on 112 before Sharp (68) fell.
Masterson held firm and saw off another two partners before falling himself for 66, but by then the damage was done and Springvale South had taken a hold on the game.
The visitors were out for 249 off 78.2 overs, with Leigh Booth picking up his first five-wicket haul for the season.
Hallam-Kalora Park had one over to face, and did so successfully.
@BT Sub Sport News:Berwick v Coomoora
Berwick broke its form slump with a solid knock at Arch Brown Reserve, the home side having contributors throughout the innings.
The reigning premier had been dismal in the previous two rounds and is eighth on the ladder, but looks to have turned a corner after posting 7/251 against Coomoora.
Gavan Wills (62) and Englishman Alecs Roberts (45) led the way, combining for a 78-run stand when the innings was in the balance.
For Coomoora, Dillon Fernandesz was outstanding, capturing 2/23 off 14 overs and further establishing his credentials as an economical wicket-taker.
@BT Sub Sport News:Doveton v St Mary’s
Doveton posted the highest Turf One score of the day, smashing 8/306 at Robinson Reserve. St Mary’s won the toss and sent the opposition in to bat, but Doveton relished the conditions, with Ryan Pearson (79) and Shaun Tongue (55) combining for a 68-run third-wicket stand.
Ryan Hendy (71 not out) continued in the same vein, helping his side past 300.
For the visitors, Druvie Lorenz Daniel had the best figures, picking up 3/69 off 17 overs.
@BT Sub Sport News:Keysborough v North
Dandenong
North Dandenong was on top of a see-saw clash at Keysborough Reserve after redeeming its poor batting performance with a strong bowling spell at the end of the day on Saturday.
North Dandenong batted first and was in trouble at 4/53, but 47 from Scott Nichols helped push the total into triple figures.
Nichols combined with Javid Khan (8), who played a supporting role, for a 59-run stand as the visitors finished with 136.
Andrew Staude (4/32) and Nalin Wijesinghe (3/17) were the main wicket-takers for Keysborough.
The home side looked to be in a strong position, but lost any advantage in the 24 overs before the close, surrendering six wickets.
Chris Clarke led the bowling assault for North Dandenong, picking up 3/20 as Keysborough slumped to 6/47.
@BT Sub Sport News:Parkfield v Buckley Ridges
A six-wicket haul to Parkfield’s Brad Houghton put his side in a strong position heading into day two at Park Oval.
The home side was restricted to 183 off 74 overs, largely thanks to Houghton, who captured 6/45 off 23.2 overs, including eight maidens. He had good support from Hemantha Alles, with 3/28 off 15. In reply, Parkfield was 0/31, with John O’Hare unbeaten on 25.
