Panthers’ prime position

By Ben Hope
THE Dandenong Panthers continued their fight to secure a Victorian Premier finals position this weekend after setting a 255 target for Hawthorn-Monash University.
Last weekend’s decision to declare on 9/255 proved valuable for the Panthers after they left the Hawks to start this week with 2/10 after six overs.
Panthers captain Darren Dempsey said his team was in a good position for a victory after the Hawks lost both an opener and a night watchman in the sixth over.
“We had a minimum of five overs to fight back with which was good because we took two wickets, one off the first ball of the sixth over and one of the last ball of the over,” Dempsey said.
“It was good to get things swinging our way late in the day. It means we can head into the week needing eight wickets rather than 10, which is a big thing as the last couple of wickets in the day are always tough.”
The Panthers proved they had what it took to play in the finals thanks to half-centuries from Tom Donnell (68) and Nick Thomas (66).
“It was Nick Thomas’s third half-century in a row,” Demspey said.
“He is batting really well which is important for us heading into the most important round of the year. We have battled in the middle order for a bit, so for someone like him to come in and perform like he has is great.”
At lunch the Panthers were chasing 99 after 28 overs, making use of the home-ground advantage before losing Fonseka, Thomas and Sweeney in quick succession to leave them 8/245.
If the Panthers can secure a win this weekend they will end up in the top eight going into the final round.
“If we win this week we will be in the top eight and could possibly even stay there with a loss in the final round,” Dempsey said.
“If we win both games we are assured of a finals spot.”
“I would be very disappointed if we didn’t take the eight wickets for less than 255 but it will be a matter of us putting in the effort on Saturday.”
Dandenong is currently sitting in 10th on the ladder with 35 points, three points short of the final eight.