By Nick Creely
While Geelong may have held sway on day one of their clash with Dandenong, it provides the perfect opportunity for the Panthers to gear up ahead of the Victorian Premier Cricket finals in a few weeks.
On a warm Saturday at Shepley Oval; which was always going to be tough work for the side bowling first; the Cats sliced their way to 8/312 at stumps, setting a challenge that will be welcomed with open arms by Tom Donnell and his hungry middle order.
Left arm paceman Jak Jowett (2/77) struck gold early, prizing out Tom Treble (4) LBW, but it was only fleeting moments of momentum from there on in as the Cats continually built partnerships.
Skipper Eamonn Vines (49); fresh off a stint with the Bushrangers; combined with an aggressive Mitch Reid (63 off 58 balls) for the second wicket, clocking up 60 runs before James Nanopoulos (4/62) gifted gun gloveman Jacques Augustin a catch to remove Reid and instil more hope.
Tim Ludeman (28) provided a constant threat and hit four boundaries and was eventually removed shortly before Vines; who was gearing to bat all day; but when Luke Inglis (53) and Brenton McDonald (85) settled into the day, the runs started flowing off the bat and a big scored loomed.
The pair added a smooth 111 runs, combining for 18 fours and a six, making the Panthers work relentlessly for their wickets as the sun beat down on the pitch.
It was a grind that is likely to benefit them in the long run, with left arm tweaker Akshat Buch (1/66) getting a chance to bowl a whopping 31 overs and nine maidens.
Nanopoulos continued his fine season with the ball with another four scalps, taking his tally up to 36 for the year, making it his most prolific individual season at Premier level.
“We had a really ordinary first session, but fought back really well and that has probably kept us in the game,” Donnell said of his side’s day one performance.
“I was happy with the response, and we showed some really good fight.
“But it was probably the flattest wicket I can remember at Dandy, so it did set us a good challenge, and one we will probably get in finals.”
Donnell also confirmed that champion opener Brett Forsyth is still in a bit of doubt to bat on the weekend due to an injury in the field.
“Yeah, he hurt his back, and he’s been a bit crook the last few days, so he didn’t field much on Saturday,” he said.
“We think he should be right, but obviously with finals around the corner we won’t risk him if he’s not right.”
The Panthers’ batsmen will be hoping for a strong start to the chase when play resumes at 11am next Saturday.
