By BRAD McGRATH
HALLAM Kalora Park and Mordialloc have tied in a thrilling Dandenong and District Cricket Association clash at Hallam Recreation Reserve.
Hallam Kalora Park was chasing a meagre 121 for victory but a disastrous batting display kept the visitors hoping for a miracle win.
Hawks captain-coach Johan Vorster was disappointed with his team’s batting performance with only Leigh Booth (61) showing any resistance in tough batting conditions.
“You just have to take it on the chin,” he said. “There is a reason why Mordialloc are in a finals spot and we always knew they wouldn’t give up the 80 runs we needed easily.
“They managed to pull out a draw, which is I suppose better than not getting any points.
“Myself and a couple of other senior players didn’t score runs when we needed to and it was left to the young guys.”
Mordialloc opening bowler Chathura Athukorala was the star with 7-37 in one of the best bowling displays seen this season. The Hawks were cruising at 7-118 before Athukorala snared the last three wickets for just three runs to tie the scores. “It’s the first time in my life that I have played in a draw,” Vorster said.
“I’ve got this funny saying that a tie must be like kissing your sister.”
Dandenong West belted 5-365 in response to Coomoora’s 159 with Alex Roberts making an unbeaten 129.
Doveton successfully chased down Narre Warren’s 9-257 with Jason Arnberger (78) the catalyst for their three-wicket win.
Parkfield’s decision to declare their first innings just nine runs ahead backfired on them spectacularly in their clash against North Dandenong. Despite dismissing North Dandenong for 100 in their second innings and needing just 92 for victory, Parkfield was bowled out for just 68.
Heinz South Districts defeated Berwick by four wickets.
DDCA Turf 1 ladder: Dandenong West 42 points, 2.34 per cent; Buckley Ridges 36, 1.79; HSD 36, 1.24; Mordialloc 36, 1.13; Berwick 34, 1.11; Springvale South 30, 0.83; Parkfield 25, 1.15; Narre Warren 24, 0.81; Coomoora 24, 0.67; Hallam Kalora Park 18, 1.00; Doveton 15, 0.72; Nth Dandenong 12, 0.45.
For all the latest breaking news, stay with this website. Also, follow the Weekly at facebook.com/dandenongjournal or on Twitter @DandyJournal.
