By Nick Creely
DDCA TURF 1 Review
ROUND 9 (Day 2)
After a season full of twists and turns, day two of Turf 1 action may just take the icing on the cake.
Any side, on any day can win, but the top-four is starting to take shape, while the battle to avoid relegation is starting to seriously heat up.
DINGLEY v CRANBOURNE
The Dingoes continue to shock and amaze, and have pulled off one of the wins of the season, knocking off the powerful Cranbourne side in stunning fashion.
In a week full of triumph for the Eagles, having won on the famed MCG in the Regional Big Bash last Wednesday, the Dingoes made them look second-rate in a bid to make a shock finals appearance.
After amassing 195 off the back of Ryan McLean (61) last week, it was time for another man to step up – Andrew Dalby (4/32) then bowled one of the spells of the season, knocking the Eagles off just 129.
Star Eagle Matt Chasemore (52) was virtually a lone-hand, with skipper Steven Spoljaric (4) falling cheaply and the others failing to provide much resistance.
The Dingoes remain just outside the top-four, while the Eagles still sit second and are now unlikely to be able to clinch second spot.
BERWICK v NORTH DANDENONG
The form of Berwick in the last three matches would have any opposition quivering in their boots, and after powerfully dismantling the Maroons, are eyeing a top-two spot.
Following last week’s commanding first-innings, the Bears flayed some quick runs, to push them to 7/251 before declaring – Jarrod Armitage (41), James Wilcock (31 not out) and Jack Phillips (13 not out) all continued on the momentum with the bat.
But it was the Maroons that showed some grit later in the day, denying the Bears an outright victory, batting 70 overs to finish on 8/138 – Zafar Sheikh (32 from 120 balls) showed great composure in the middle-order.
Armitage (3/37) was once again stellar, while Wilcock (2/31) and Jarrod Goodes (1/17) threatened to clinch an important result.
HEINZ-SOUTHERN DISTRICTS v MORDIALLOC
The Cobras’ season is beginning to slip away, falling disappointingly to a Mordialloc unit now certain to feature in finals action.
After posting a less than secure 124 last week, the Bloodhounds resumed play at 2/43, and lost an early wicket, before Stuart Squires (44), Damith Mapa Ralage (21) and Leon Kennedy (72 not out) got the visitors home.
Lee Brown (3/64) continued his strong form with another strong display, while Kaushyla Weeraratne (2/24) also threatened with the ball.
The Bloodhounds now sit in third spot, ahead of a crucial two-week block before finals.
PARKFIELD v NARRE WARREN
It’s been five-months in the making, but finally the Magpies have a win next to their name – surviving an early scare to knock off fellow cellar-dweller Parkfield.
And it was their star all-rounder Janaka Liyanabadalge (77) that stole the show, compiling yet another classy half-century as the Magpies crossed the Bears six wickets down.
Liyanabadalge was well supported by Damien Gamage (23), while with the ball, Matthew Aslett (3/40) and Shane Bell (3/35) did all they could.
Finishing on 9/168 off 88 overs, the game was called off about an hour earlier.
The battle for the wooden-spoon continues to heat up, with both teams, including Dandenong West, looking to remain in Turf 1 next season.
HALLAM-KALORA PARK v SPRINGVALE SOUTH
From the beginning of day one, this contest was destined to have serious ramifications for one side.
The Bloods, who kept the Hawks to 7/247, would have strode to the crease with the upmost confidence of knocking the total off with ease, considering the quality they possess with the bat.
However, now the Bloods must face the prospect of missing out on finals all-together, after falling away by 45 runs, and more importantly, out of the top-four.
It began smoothly enough with a string of solid partnerships, but each time the Bloods looked likely to run away, the Hawks halted them in their tracks and took a wicket.
The Hawks ended the match, bowling the visitors out for 202, with no player really going on with it and posting a big score – Mitchell Forsyth was the top-scorer with 36.
Skipper Steven Gilmour (3/43) was dangerous, while Leigh Booth (3/25) and Jordan Hammond (2/41) combined excellently and ripped apart the middle-order.
The Hawks now appear certain to finish as the minor-premiers for 2016/17, in what has been a stunning rise.
BUCKLEY RIDGES v DANDENONG WEST
The effort of Dandenong West all season cannot be questioned; however it was a matter of class that saw the Bucks easily overcome the potential wooden-spooners.
After the Bucks pierced their way to 7/279 last week, the Bulls entered the day’s play at 0/7.
Despite putting in a noble effort with the blade, the Bulls were rolled for 193, with Greg Siwes (53) playing a strong knock at the top, and Jake Weeks (37) providing some excitement.
Daniel Watson (3/14) and Wes Nicholas (3/48) controlled the tempo for the most part in a fairly comprehensive performance.
The Bucks now sit in fifth spot, in what has been a stellar few matches for the competition’s slow starters, while the Bulls must find a way to remain in second-last spot, or face the possibility of relegation.
Turf 1 Team of the Year
Matthew Hague (Dingley)
Ian Daniel (Mordialloc)
Janaka Liyanabadalge (Narre Warren)
Matthew Chasemore (Cranbourne)
Steve Spoljaric (Cranbourne)
Jarrod Armitage (Berwick)
Brodie Yapp (HSD, Keeper)
Jarrod Goodes (Berwick, Captain)
Jurgen Andersen (North Dandenong)
Stuart Squires (Mordialloc)
Matthew Aslett (Parkfield)
