By Nick Creely
Dandenong has finally shaken off its post-Christmas hangover, thrashing a hapless Geelong over on the west of town.
The Panthers relished the conditions on day one, restricting the Cats to 243 with Brett Forsyth and Tom Donnell resuming at 0/70.
And apart from the early wicket of Forsyth (44), caught off the bowling of Brenton McDonald (1/74), the Panthers rolled on with their momentum, finding the same brutal touch of the blade that saw them enter the break as the ladder-leaders.
UK recruit Callum Parkinson (72) was in fine touch in what looks like his last game for the club, notching up his third half-century in a row and his fourth for the season, while skipper Donnell (77) found the appetite with a strong knock at the top.
The pair were well complimented by the impressive Lincoln Edwards (66), while Edward Newman (28), James Nanopoulos (43 not out) and Cameron Forsyth (32 not out) all spent valuable time at the crease as the Panthers racked up a whopping 5/380 off their 94.6 overs.
Eventually the mercy rule was rolled out, with the game being called off an hour before the scheduled close of play.
Parkinson said it was a pleasing result, and a great response from a lean patch.
“It was disappointing to lose the week before, but we responded really well and it was the best performance we have had as a batting group to be honest, and to get the win was really pleasing,” he said.
“I think we have let ourselves down, especially against Carlton, and Camberwell were better than us last week, but it was pleasing that we all contributed well – we probably won the game on day one by bowling them out for 260 on a good wicket, and then for Brett (Forsyth) and Tommy (Tom Donnell) to bat out the end of the day was really pleasing and set us up for a good finish.”
With the talented first-class all-rounder set to fly home at the start of February to prepare for the County season in the UK, he said the culture of the club and his experience has been memorable, and can’t wait to see what the group can produce in finals.
“I feel like the group is in the right direction – there’s a real strength in depth, and a lot of lads are having great seasons,” he said.
“Hopefully they can push on and go deep into finals.”
With the possibility of having Australian quicks James Pattinson and Peter Siddle available for the rest of the year, Parkinson said that they have what it takes to go all the way this season.
“Jimmy Pattinson has been unbelievable for us this season, and the commitment he shows is a real example to follow, and to possibly have Siddle will be massive for us.”
