By Nick Creely
DDCA TURF 1
REVIEW – ROUND 1 (DAY TWO)
It seemed like a routine win for Berwick was on the cards.
Something stunning would’ve needed to happen for North Dandenong to recover from 4/68 to chase down the Bears’ 250 in their own backyard.
Enter Akshay Ballal (110), the Maroon import with a point to prove.
In an exquisite knock that not only resulted in a century on debut for the club and in DDCA Turf 1 cricket, he secured a win from the clouds for his side in an incredible, breathtaking knock that actually ended in controversy.
When Muharjithan Thedchanamoorthy was dismissed, the scores were tied with the Maroons finishing on 250, but on a recount after the scorebooks didn’t add up, found that the visitors actually won, scoring 253.
But it was the sublime effort of the Maroons’ new recruit that was the big talking point, flaying a highly rated Bears bowling side to all parts after steering them out of trouble.
It’s a massive result in the opening round of a long season, and one that could be a catalyst for the revival of the Maroons.
Buckley Ridges, meanwhile, made their run chase against St Mary’s look almost easy at times down at Park Oval.
Chasing an imposing 284 for victory, champion opener Daniel ‘DJ’ Watson (82 off 62 balls) completely blitzed the Saints, belting six sixes and seven boundaries.
DJ – the most destructive batsman in the DDCA – picked up where he left off in his brilliant 2017/18 season, putting on 122 runs for the opening wicket with reliable batsman Jayson Hobbs.
Hobbs continued to bat and bat, using his class and elegant stroke play to keep the scoreboard ticking over , compiling crucial partnerships with Susa Pradeep (26) and Greg Todd (28), and eventually raised his bat for a sublime century, finishing 116 not out as the Bucks crossed the total with five wickets left and in just 65 overs.
Down at Alex Nelson Reserve, a spin masterclass by Springvale South saw the Bloods hold off a brave Mordialloc.
Resuming at 0/66, the Bloodhounds were a long way away from Springy’s 313, and at 2/97, urgently needed a strong partnership to keep the game alive.
Brendan Morris (95) and Damith Mapa Ralage (50) were simply outstanding, piling on over 100 runs to get the Bloodhounds into a position for a potential win.
But spinning trio Malinga Bandara (3/65), Jarryd Straker (2/25) and champion skipper Craig Slocombe (5/18) ensured the visitors would lose their last seven wickets for just 41 runs, in a wonderful pressure performance.
And HSD lost to Hallam Kalora Park in the final game, with Jordan Hammond snaring 6/25 as the Cobras rolled over for 73 in response to the Hawks’ 257 from day one.
