By Nick Creely
DDCA TURF 1 Review – Round 10 (Day 1)
In the context of the season, there is no round more important than this as the DDCA contenders get separated from the pretenders.
With just four points separating second from seventh, wins are now crucial, and any slip-ups can potentially draw the curtain for any team.
But it’s not just at the top that is most intriguing – down the bottom end of the table, three teams are battling to avoid relegation. Springvale South has posted a monster 7/331 in their season-defining clash with Cranbourne at Alex Nelson Reserve.
Needing a win to climb their way back into the four, Bloods skipper Craig Slocombe elected to bat.
And although no Bloods batsman made triple-figures, they completely dominated the Eagles, flaying them to all parts.
Michael Vandort (61) and Andrew Straude (71 not out) both made terrific, if not contrasting, half-centuries, while five other batsman made between 20-35, as the Bloods showcased that their batting is a force to be reckoned with.
The Eagles are going to need their two key lynch-pins, Matt Chasemore and Steven Spoljaric to fire next week, or they will face the likelihood of being booted out of the four with a round to go.
Berwick’s fight to stay inside the top-four will hinge on their star-studded bowling line-up, after scratching its way to 192 at Reedy Reserve against Heinz-Southern Districts.
The Cobras elected to bowl at home, where Bears openers Josh Holden (11) and Darren de Souza (3) were suffocated early before both fell within 20 runs.
And despite little cameo’s from Nathan Pilon (25), Paul Evans (34), Adam Watson (41) and Corey Bevan (25 not out), the Bears couldn’t find their trademark momentum with the blade.
Cobras’ bowlers Michael Davies (2/15) and Kaushyla Weeraratne (2/53) were at their best early, however no bowler really stood out in an even bowling performance.
The Cobras are currently 0/7, and with one hand on the trigger that could spell disaster for the Bears’ finals hopes.
Narre Warren seems likely to avoid relegation, after a strong showing against Dandenong West.
Winning the toss and batting, Janaka Liyanabadalge (64) once again starred for the Magpies, before Craig Boswell (69) and Matin Sultani (58) lifted the visitors to 242 – Peter Atkinson was the pick of the bowlers for the Bulls with 3/52.
The Bulls are 3/15, and suddenly are the team most likely to drop down to Turf 2 next season.
Mordialloc are in prime position for a finals-finish, completely outclassing Parkfield at Ben Kavanagh Reserve.
The Bears stood no chance to Stuart Squires (4/32), who shredded a hapless batting line-up, before Manish Dabarera (43) provided some brave resistance with the bat.
The Bloodhounds skittled them for just 96 off 50 overs in a powerful warning to their rivals.
Currently, the Bloodhounds sit comfortably at 3/59, and could potentially steal second-spot from the Eagles’ grasp next week, while the Bears are battling to stay off the bottom, and will need to provide some resistance to avoid an outright defeat.
Down at Hallam, the Hawks are locked in a close battle with Dingley on a flat batting-track, with the Dingoes needing to win to keep their finals dream alive.
Winning the toss and batting, the Hawks crafted their way to a strong total of 7/233, with Ryan Hillard (57), Ben Hillard (48) and skipper Steve
Gilmour (41) all combining.
Calvin Barlow was excellent with the ball, taking two wickets, while Jasenthuliyana Chathuranga continued his strong latter part of the season with a couple of wickets.
Finally, down at Park Oval, Buckley Ridges are set to sneak their way into the top-four after setting themselves up for an outright victory over North Dandenong.
The Maroons batted first and were skittled for just 129, before the Bucks swiftly chased it down by stumps, finishing the day on 4/135.
