By JARROD POTTER
VICTORIAN PREMIER CRICKET – ROUND 7 REVIEW (Day 1)
UNABLE to command a powerful position in a club legend’s 100th first grade clash, Dandenong had the screws tightened by the inexperienced, but gutsy, Carlton (8/339) line-up.
Dandenong mainstay Justin Butterfield (2/56) steamed in for his 100th Victorian Premier Cricket match in the Dandenong uniform and had to work hard for his wickets on a difficult day in the field.
Dandenong coach Ross Woodall said Butterfield’s perennial efforts throughout the years though – sticking by the Panthers through lean years after the club’s premiership success in 2010/11 – was a testament to his character.
“He’s the heart and soul of the place and it’s really important for us to perform well in his 100th,” Woodall said. “He’s done a hell of a lot for the club and the blokes out here today, so it’s about time we repay the favour.”
With 168 first grade wickets at an average of 22 since joining the club in 2006/07- including 17 already this season – he’s been a force throughout the competition and Woodall was pleased to see his best on show early in the season.
“10 seasons and he is pushing life membership now,” Woodall said. “The good thing about it is he’s got his swing back this year.
“He’s already taken 17 wickets, so that’s added to an already imposing tally – they’re proper figures and we’re very pleased for him.”
James Nanopoulos (4/83) powered through 22 overs as his efforts were rewarded early to knock over both Carlton openers. Butterfield returned fire to reduce the visitors to four-for, but no matter what Dandenong threw at them, Carlton was able to slip the net after falling to 5/162. The tail wagged furiously to keep the visitors at the crease all day as the sun started to take its toll on the Panthers.
Tim Buszard (53) combined with Jayden Borg (48) and Cameron Stevenson (45no) at the depths of the Carlton batting line-up, helping steer the side towards a whopping 339 by stumps, leaving a lot of work to do next weekend if Dandenong wants to get the points for Butterfield in his milestone match.
In Women’s Premier League, Dandenong (104) was unable to hold off Essendon-Maribyrnong Park (177).
Sarah Elliott (6/19) – who will captain the Melbourne Renegades Women’s Big Bash League team – was sensational with the ball, picking up her first five wicket haul and career best figures to boot. But her efforts couldn’t displace Molly Strano (74) who guided the EMP attack. Elliott (31) was the best of a lacklustre Lions’ batting performance as the side slipped away after her dismissal at 3/57. Erica Kershaw (23) was the next best scorer. The third ranked Lions host Prahran in a Twenty20 match on Saturday.
