By Paul Pickering
SPRINGVALE South took some semblance of revenge on Parkfield in the Turf One grand final rematch on Saturday, blasting their way to 5/318 at stumps on the day one of the 2009/10 DDCA season.
The Bloods, who were undefeated until the shock loss to Parkfield in last summer’s decider, built a formidable score on the back of a 121-run partner-ship between opener Rory Ingram (128) and second-year star Michael Davies (76 not out).
The pair joined forces when gun recruit Alex Roberts (six) departed cheaply to have the Bloods at 3/108.
And when Ingram was eventually dismissed by Parkfield’s Paul Polgar (2/52), skipper Craig Slocombe made a quick-fire 33 to help Davies drive the advantage home.
Polgar was the only multiple wicket-taker for the home side, but paceman Mark Butters (1/45) was economical in his 21 overs.
Parkfield will need to cause another upset if it’s to chall-enge the flag favourites next weekend.
@BT Sub Sport News:Keysborough v St Mary’s
KEYSBOROUGH won just one game last summer, but is well on its way to equalling that return after skittling St Mary’s for 91 on Saturday.
New-ball duo Andrew Chapman (4/37) and Jake Hennigan (3/25) tore through the Saints’ top order, reducing the visitors to 8/57 before tail-enders Steve Fernando (16) and Agnello Dmello (11 not out) launched a revival of sorts.
Baden Saunders finished the job with two wickets in nine balls.
The Burras will be eyeing an improbable outright victory on day two.
@BT Sub Sport News:Buckley Ridges v Coomoora
HARD-HITTING Buckley Ridges all-rounder Daniel Watson delivered a warning to all Turf One bowlers with a stunning century against Coomoora on Saturday.
Watson’s 121 was the headline act in Buckley’s total of 278, with Jason Cramer (35), Chris Batchelor (28) and Suren Ekanayake (28) making up the supporting cast.
Watson, who earned widespread acclaim for his astonishing Twenty20 innings against Springvale South last year, assumed the captaincy with aplomb in the absence of incoming Englishman Paul Franks.
Meanwhile, young Brit Liam Coates (3/43) and Justin Woodman (2/37) were the pick of the Roos bowlers.
Coomoora will resume at 0/3 this Saturday.
@BT Sub Sport News:North Dandenong v Mordialloc
NORTH Dandy made an unconvincing start to its 2009-10 campaign at Lois Twohig Reserve on Saturday, falling for 186 against reigning Turf Two premier Mordialloc.
Shane Leonard (46), Scott Neeson (36) and Chris Clarke (26) all made starts, but all fell to end promising partnerships.
Mordialloc opening bowlers Travis Campbell (4/45) and Andrew Taylor (4/59) combined brilliantly to restrict the Bulls to a meagre total.
Captain Clarke made life difficult for the visiting batsmen in an awkward twilight session, snaring a late wicket to give the Bulls some momentum heading into day two.
