VICTORIAN PREMIER CRICKET
DANDENONG (1st) v PRAHRAN (9th)
Shepley Oval – 12 and 19 November from 11am
ROUND 7 PREVIEW
Current Form:
Rd 6: Dandenong 7/197 def Kingston Hawthorn 193
Rd 1 replay: Footscray Edgewater 5/302 def Dandenong 8/277
By Nick Creely
THE Panthers have been the in-form side of the competition so far this season, but finally lost their first game of the season last Sunday against Footscray.
But the loss should spur Dandenong to reach greater heights, as Premier cricket looks to finally have shaken the dogged weather.
Sitting atop the Premier ladder after six complete rounds may come as a shock to others, but the Panthers came into this season supremely confident of their squad.
This round features another massive test, this time against a Prahran side that is trying to break different records with the bat.
In the Blues’ high-scoring victory against Geelong last Saturday, they scored a whopping 6/489, off the back of a brilliant double-century by Shaun Miller and a ton by Evan Gulbis.
Although they lost their Round 1 replay the next day, the Blues are a seriously dangerous side that has extensive firepower and match-winners.
But the Panthers are on a top for a reason.
Players such as Tom Donnell, Brett Forsyth, the rising duo of Lincoln Edwards and Edward Newman are in tremendous form.
With ball in hand, the Panthers can shut down the Blues like not many other sides.
James Nanopoulos has been one of the most improved players in the competition, while Peter Cassidy, Justin Butterfield, Callum Parkinson and Adam McMaster make up a potent bowling group.
Another big talking point will be whether James Pattinson finally bowls for the Panthers.
After a long layoff with injury, Pattinson is almost there, and if fit, will give the Panthers an even greater edge.
Pattinson got amongst the runs last week, but his pace and natural ability will go a long way in getting the desired result over a strong batting opposition.
Dandenong First XI 2016/17 statistics
Brett Forsyth 6 matches, 229 runs, Avg 57.25, HS 74*
Tom Donnell 6 matches, 181 runs, Avg 45.25, HS 114*
Lincoln Edwards 6 matches, 159 runs, Avg 159, HS 83*
Cameron Forsyth 1 match, 0 runs, Avg 0
James Pattinson 5 matches, 81 runs, Avg 40.50, HS 66
James Nanopoulos 6 matches, 50 runs, Avg 16.67, HS 24, 10 wickets, Avg 17.50
Jacques Augustin 6 matches, 42 runs, Avg NA, HS 36*
Callum Parkinson 6 matches, 73 runs, Avg 24.33, HS 45m 6 wickets, Avg 30.00
Adam McMaster 6 matches, 3 runs, Avg 3, HS 3, 5 wickets, Avg 44.20
Peter Cassidy 6 matches, 8 runs, Avg NA, HS 8*, 8 wickets, Avg 21.38
Justin Butterfield 6 matches, 5 runs, Avg 5, HS 5, 9 wickets, Avg 17.56
Players to watch:
Panthers batsmen Lincoln Edwards is certainly a player that is going from strength to strength, and shapes as one of the most important wickets for opposition sides. The recruit has been a revelation thus far, with two brilliant unbeaten fifties. For the Panthers to win, Edwards needs to continue his consistency with the bat in the middle-order.
It may sound simple enough, but the Panthers must ensure they don’t allow Evan Gulbis off the leash. Gulbis’ first two matches at this level have been something to marvel at. Scores of 136 and 40, with a five wicket-haul are just astonishing numbers. Not allowing Gulbis to play his natural, attacking way with the bat will be a major focus for the Panthers.
It is set to be an exciting match down at Shepley Oval, between two sides that continue to shine, particularly with the bat.
The Panthers would love nothing more than to grab a strong-hold at the top of the ladder, and a win against a side that should be around at the pointy end of the season will go a long way.
