EVERYTHING clicked for Dandenong (0/82) – throwing Richmond’s (119) finals aspirations to the wind as a Darren Pattinson five-for doomed the Tigers.
Richmond was ticking along comfortably early at Shepley Oval, with Victorian Bushrangers Ryan Carters (20) and former Dandenong all-rounder Cameron White (20) getting set.
White would fall to James Nanopoulos (2/22), but Carters and Andrew Delmont (27 not out) looked like they’d bat all day.
That is until Pattinson ripped the Tigers apart.
Whatever Pattinson had at tea, he should order a pallet or two, going from a wicketless opening session with great economy at 0/8 off 11 overs before snaring 5/5 in four overs after the main break to guide his team’s challenge for a finals berth.
Pattinson took Richmond’s main run-makers Carters and Daniel Sartori (0) from the wicket, leaving it up to Delmont to weather the storm unfolding around him.
Into the 61st over, Nathan Lambden (1/12) cleaned up the last Tiger to dismiss Richmond for 119.
The response from Dandenong spoke more of the 2011/12 season than the current one, with last season’s best opening partnership Tom Donnell (46 not out) and Brett Forsyth (35 not out) reunited at the top of the order to make 0/82 off the remaining 26 overs.
With only 37 runs needed, first innings points are assured for Dandenong, leaving only one more piece in their finals puzzle to be placed.
Dandenong will need either of Carlton, chasing 269 runs against North Melbourne, or Fitzroy-Doncaster, chasing Camberwell’s 226, to lose in order to advance to the final eight.
