By ROY WARD
DANDENONG Panthers’ grand final rematch against Richmond is now a must-win match as Premier Cricket enters its last round.
On Saturday the Panthers lost to Fitzroy-Doncaster at Schramms Reserve, with the visitors’ low first-day total of 169 well short of what was needed to trouble the Lions.
Resuming at 2-66, the Lions passed 169 in the 60th over. Star batsmen Scott Huntley (69 not out), Lloyd Mash (60) and Peter Dickson (23) took their side to victory with play continuing until the 69th over.
Daniel Doran (1-22) and Steve Mullaney (1-34) had the best figures for the Panthers.
Panthers captain Tom Donnell said his team had left themselves too few runs to be able to win.
“We had a big shout on Mash late on day one but it was turned down and the second day was pretty uneventful because they just batted through to the end.
“Mash steered them home and we couldn’t get any early wickets but in the end we didn’t make enough runs.”
The Tigers look well placed to make the finals and are coming off a disappointing loss to Footscray-Edgewater at Central Reserve on Saturday. The Panthers, however, are on the fringe of the top eight and will need a win to make sure of its place in the finals.
Donnell said his side couldn’t look too much at the ladder and would instead focus on beating the Tigers.
“We think that if we beat them we might have a chance to make it. We have to win it and hope for the best.”
Donnell added that the Panthers’ batsmen were still good enough to win matches but had to spend more time at the crease.
“I think we can turn it around. We have enough good players to score a decent total and we know our bowling good enough to get over the line.
“But batting time is the main thing. We have to bat for a whole day and do it comfortably.
“We have got the ability to do it. Now we just have to go out, play and enjoy it.”
■ One of the plum coaching jobs in Victorian cricket is available.
Panthers coach Steve Chapman has elected not to seek a new contract when his deal expires at the end of the Premier Cricket season.
Chapman coached the Panthers to the premiership in 2010-2011 season and has played a key role in developing the strong player list at the club along with the emergence of several fast bowlers into junior and senior state teams.
Chapman is a celebrated DDCA player and respected figure in Victorian cricket. His future moves are uncertain but he also manages his own cricket coaching business, so he looks likely to stay involved in the sport.
Panthers president Michael Findlay commended Chapman for his contribution to the club and his decision to give early notice of his intentions.
“Steve has been a fine coach for us, driving improvement in the lower grades and leading the firsts to two grand final appearances with one pennant win. Steve is seeking a further finals appearance this season.
“His early notification has given us the opportunity to look towards a coaching panel for next season early and with that in mind we have formed a subcommittee to investigate possible options.”
Findlay said anyone who wanted to express interest in the job could call him on 0438 340 595. Applications close on March 4.
PREMIER CRICKET LADDER: Melbourne 73 points, 1.73 per cent; Prahran 70, 1.28; Ringwood 65, 1.29; St Kilda 57, 1.32; Frankston Peninsula 54, 1.06; Melbourne Uni 53, 1.09; Richmond 51, 1.57; Fitzroy Doncaster 50, 1.16; Carlton 49, 1.03; Dandenong 47, 1.25; Geelong 45.4, 0.91; Casey-South Melbourne 41, 0.80; Footscray Edgewater 33, 0.98; Camberwell Magpies 33, 0.77; North Melbourne 32, 0.78; Hawthorn-Monash Uni 18, 0.66; Essendon 12, 0.63; Northcote 9, 0.52.
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