SUB-DISTRICT
THE season and run to the finals in MPCA Sub District cricket is still wide open and well and truly on with just two rounds remaining.
As has been the case for the most part this season, Hastings (98 points) and Ballam Park (84 points) are locks for a top two finish.
However, the real interest lies in the sub-battle of the next seven sides, all of which are just a game outside the top three.
Tyabb is on 54 points and is currently in third position. Carrum Downs is second bottom, yet, only one game behind the Yabbies on 42 points.
The Yabbies and YCW make-up the top four, with Tootgarook and Carrum also sitting on 54 points.
The Stonecats limped to the line against Balnarring in a thrilling contest.
Chasing 120 for victory, the Stonecats were wobbly early, resuming at 2/15. However, the home side was patient and past the total five wickets down in the 82nd over.
Joseph Gotts top-scored for the Stonecats with 36.
Tootgarook kept its chances well and truly alive, albeit far from convincing against Tyabb.
After bowling out the Yabbies for 51 on the first day and resuming at 8/81 themselves, the Frogs added a further seven runs to their overnight total – it was enough to win. The Yabbies were 5/121 in their second dig.
Carrum is still in the mix too in sixth place after beating Skye.
The Lions needed 155 for victory and did it comfortably, getting the runs five wickets down.
Josh Dent was superb with 66 while skipper Hayden Moulton opened with 51. Dylan Steed also played a major role in the win with his patient 21.
Ballam Park went for the outright win against Carrum Downs but didn’t get there.
Defending 245, the Knights rolled the Cougars for just 85 with David Cross getting 3/30 and Stuart Plunkett snaring 2/20 off 15. Chris Jones top scored for Carrum Down with 17.
In the final game, Hastings’ skipper Robbie Hearn scored 127 and Jake Hewitt 72 to guide the visitors to an easy win against Dromana.
The Blues were chasing 150 for victory and resumed at 2/68. Night watchman Isuru Dias went three runs later before Hearn and Hewitt then put on 159 for the fourth wicket. The Blues finished at 8/276.
First published in the Mornington News – 14 February 2017
