By JARROD POTTER
WAGGING tails helped Keep Buckley Ridges (203) and Dandenong West (9/243cc) alive in DDCA Turf 1 action this week.
Narre Warren v Dandenong West
Some frenetic tail-wagging helped push Dandenong West (9/243cc) towards an impressive total against Narre Warren. A 32-run opening stand from Matt Sofoulis (22) and Justin Stanton (17) didn’t kick on as the Bulls fell from 0/32 to 5/55 in quick succession. The fight-back started from Matt Fielding’s (78) bat – as the middle-order Bull got his horns dug into the crease. With help from Gehan Perera (33) and Jacob Weeks (27no), the trio pushed ahead to post the impressive 243-run chase for the Magpies next week. Narre’s Mitch Shirt (6/49) was in scintillating form with the ball to post his best figures.
Mordialloc v Buckley Ridges
Simon Fonceca (76) would’ve been the toast of Buckley Ridges (203) on Saturday night, as his innings along with some impressive lower order batting helped keep the Ridges alive against Mordialloc (0/3). At 4/29, the ship looked like it was starting to keel over, but resistance from Fonceca and Jayson Hobbs (32) pushed the Ridges in the right direction. Healthy additions from captain Matt Goodwright (28) and Jeremy Kuru (21no) helped push Buckley Ridges past 200 and set up a solid showdown next week.
North Dandenong v Lyndale
Outside of Shane Leonard (40), the Norths (114) failed to make any inroads at the crease as Lyndale (7/136) set up first-innings points. The change bowlers did the damage – Sanjeewa De Silva (3/26) and Quyen Pham tore through the middle and lower order as Lois Twohig Reserve started to resemble a triage ward. When Leonard’s pegs were rearranged by Pham, the tail added a crucial 27-runs to at least give the bowlers something to defend. In reply North Dandenong tore through Lyndale in the same fashion – spreading the wickets around, North bowler Jurgen Andersen (2/33) picked up a couple to halt any Lyndale advance. The lower order pushed Lyndale to first innings points as Pham (31) combined with Priyan De Silva (40no) to push past 114. North Dandenong will need a trio of early wickets on Saturday and a quick-fire slog to push for second-innings points.
Springvale South v Heinz Southern Districts
The Bloods would’ve been in prime position this week to chase down a minor target; if not for Heinz Southern District’s (257) number four Matt Cox (134). Cox was the glue holding together the Cobras’ effort as he pummelled Springvale South’s attack around the park with nine boundaries and six sixes in his batting card. The scorecard could’ve looked hazardous for the Bloods if not for its ability to negate the impact of the non-Cox batsmen – snaring consistent wickets to choke the partnerships to a minimum. Jackson Sketcher (4/81) toiled to claim his four scalps and Aaron Morrison (2/39) also claimed a brace in a forgettable day for the tenants at Alex Nelson Reserve.
Coomoora v Parkfield
The reverse of the trend occurred for Parkfield (216) this week, with its top-order holding strong before the tail collapsed in a heap. Jarryd Williamson (92) and Rob Carr (42) kicked-off proceedings with a 73-run partnership before the wheels came off. Losing four wickets for 25, Williamson was left as the only resolute defender for Parkfield, getting much needed help from Shane Bell (18) at the end to post a 50-run partnership. Williamson fell to Luke Vincent (2/44) eight-short of a maiden DDCA century. Coomoora’s Rob Johnston (5/39) tore through the order, with Jake D’Atri (2/41) also claiming a double.
Turf 2
Shakeel Ahmad posted a whopping 165 not out to guide Keysborough (8/289cc) to a gargantuan total against Silverton. St Marys had to work for wickets as Doveton (8/252) made its intentions clear to bounce back up to Turf 1 next season. Ron Prudham (3/43) was the best from St Marys with Corey Ely (2/36) and Jack Ryan (2/60) taking two apiece. Southern Pirates (262) are in the box seat after scalping Narre North for 262.
