Record run-fest

By Gavin Staindl
NORTH Dandenong bat Carman Mapatuna’s 207 not out on Saturday set an all-time Dandenong and District Cricket Association Turf One record for an individual score.
Mapatuna’s mark was one of three set in a big hitting weekend that had officials reaching for the record books. In one of the competition’s highest scoring rounds, three teams recorded tallies of 300-plus that included the two highest team totals of the season.
With Doveton, Buckley Ridges, Parkfield and Springvale South all fighting for the two remaining finals positions, teams did some hard hitting to get that extra percentage boost.

@BT Sub Sport News:Berwick v St Mary’s

It is party time for Berwick as they enjoy the spills that come from securing top spot in the league’s top turf grade.
Berwick belted St Mary’s bowlers around the Arch Brown Reserve and after 80 overs they finished at 7/359.
St Mary’s bowlers Agnelo D’mello and Jesse McCartney both took two wickets but the day belonged to Berwick and, specifically, captain Paul Evans who made 135 runs at a run rate of better than a run a ball.
His 23 boundaries along with Brad Francis’ 76 were the backbone of what was an enjoyable day at the crease for the home side.

@BT Sub Sport News:Parkfield v Buckley Ridges

Buckley Ridges has given itself the greatest chance to leap-frog Parkfield into the finals after they made a commanding 9/251 at Parkfield Reserve.
Needing a win to have any chance of a finals appearance, Ridges’ openers Clint Walker (64) and Suren Ekanayake (19) put on an 87-run first wicket stand before Parkfield bowlers Shane Doig (3/51) and Hemantha Alles (5/57) took three quick wickets to leave the Ridges stunned at 3/87.
A good recovery by Ruwan Jayadeva (36) and Shane D’Rozario (43) ensured Buckley Ridges passed 200 for the loss of only five wickets and their eventual score of 9/251 means the home side has much work to do if they wish to defend their finals position.

@BT Sub Sport News:Springvale South v Coomoora

Desperately clinging to a shaky fourth position on the ladder, Springvale South has all-but put to bed fears of being knocked out of the finals after scoring an impressive 4/333 at Alex Nelson Reserve.
As Coomoora bat out the remainder of the year knowing their next match will be in Turf Two next season, Springvale South’s run machine Alex Roberts (103 not out) was, by contrast, determined to avoid making this Springvale South’s final match for the season.
His highest score of the season could not have come at a better time as the home side looked to secure an outright victory to solidify their spot in the finals.
Roberts teamed up with captain Craig Slocombe (84) for 146 runs while Michael Davies (49 not out) chipped in at the end to take the total to 4/333. Coomoora are 1/29 in response.

@BT Sub Sport News:North Dandenong v Narre Warren

Carman Mapatuna’s record score and an unbeaten 349-run partnership with Craig Gunawardana had DDCA enthusiasts jumping for the record books as North Dandenong finished on 4/384 at the end of 80 overs at Lois Twohig Reserve.
Mapatuna’s 207 not out passed Craig Slocombe’s 202 – a Turf One record that dated back to 2003 when records were first kept.
The 349-run partnership with Gunawardana’s (135 not out) was the highest this season, and more importantly the pair’s contribution dragged North Dandenong from a seemingly disastrous position at 4/35 to a handy 4/384 – the highest total for any Turf One team this season.

@BT Sub Sport News:Hallam-Kalora Park v Keysborough

Needing a win to guarantee a top-two finish, Hallam-Kalora Park restricted Keysborough to 172 on a fast pitch at Hallam Recreation Reserve.
Hallam’s James Hawley took 6/39 off 16 overs to remove the top six batters for only 50 runs. A saving 69 by eighth batter Andrew Chapman was the only upside for Keysborough.
At stumps, Hallam-Kalora Park is 2/57.