Panthers conclude on high

By JARROD POTTER

Victorian Premier Cricket
1st – Round 11 (Twenty20)

WRAPPING up the season nicely, Dandenong (2/153cc) finished off Fitzroy Doncaster (6/122) to give the Panthers some momentum heading into the last match of the year.
The problems surrounding Dandenong’s start to the season – conceding early wickets – failed to feature in this week’s powerhouse performance as Tom Donnell, Brett Forsyth and James Pattinson smacked the Lions away.
A Swashbuckling start from Tom Donnell (40) gave the Panthers the perfect foundation to shoot for the stars.
Forsyth (52) struck the leather cleanly to set up a 90-run stand with Pattinson (56 not out) as the duo turned the match on its head.
Pattinson backed up his starring effort with the blade as he charged in for four overs while the damage was done by Dan Doran (3/17) and James Nanopoulos (3/26). The Lions had their pride dented by the spin/medium pace tandem as Doran skittled the top order before Nanopoulos finished the job.
A gallant captain’s knock from Tim Sheehan (58 not out) was the only shining light of the Fitzroy Doncaster innings as Sheehan failed to find any significant help.
Year’s end will be at home for Dandenong as the Panthers take on Greenvale this week.