CRICKET

PROVINCIAL

PINES locked up a top four spot with a thrilling win over Sorrento on Saturday.

A finals spot was on the line at David Macfarlane Reserve. Pines was sent in to bat first, and nearly let the game slip.

Pines was bowled out for just 113 runs. A disastrous collapse saw them lose 6/15 to close out their innings.

Liam O’Connor did the damage late. He took 3/6 from 3 overs.

Sorrento had victory in their sights, but couldn’t get the job done. They also suffered from a brutal collapse late in their innings.

The chasing side was in the box seat at 6/90, but disaster soon struck. Sorrento lost 4/10, finishing all out for 100. The collapse meant Pines secured a 13 run win and a coveted finals spot.

Ricky Ramsdale was the best of the bowlers for Pines. He took 3/13 from 8 overs.

Pines will be joined in finals this weekend by ladder leaders Old Peninsula, Langwarrin, and Baden Powell.

Old Peninsula defeated Baxter on Saturday to finish the home-and-away season on a high note. Baden Powell comfortably beat Red Hill, and Long Island bested Langwarrin.

PENINSULA

PENINSULA division ladder leaders Seaford Tigers will head into finals this weekend with momentum on their side.

The Tigers picked up a good win over fellow finals qualifiers Dromana on Saturday. At Belvedere Reserve, the traveling Dromana was sent in to bat first.

Dromana had a tough time with the bat. They were sent back to the sheds for a final score of 141. They lost 6/27 at the end of their innings.

Luke Kranzbuhler was awesome for Seaford Tigers. He took 5/36.

The Tigers didn’t do it easy, but managed to reach their target. They won with four wickets left to spare after 37 overs. Tigers opener Brayden Roscoe top scored with 41.

The Tigers and Dromana will play in a semi-final rematch this weekend.

The other semi-final this weekend will see Mornington take on Heatherhill. Those two sides also played in home-and-away action last Saturday, with Mornington emerging victorious.

Moorooduc scored a win at home over Flinders on Saturday. Mt Eliza closed out their season with a big win over Somerville.

DISTRICT

NOTHING separated Carrum Downs and Main Ridge after a competitive day of cricket on Saturday.

Ditterich Reserve hosted the match. Main Ridge stamped their authority on the game early with a 102-run opening stand between Sam Lyons and Ryan Harrison.

Carrum Downs wrestled some momentum back by dismissing both openers back to back. Wickets then began falling quickly, and Main Ridge lost 5/30.

Main Ridge ended up bowled out for 212 shortly before their innings was due to expire.

Carrum Downs’ run chase looked in danger at 5/76, but number six batter Robert Johnston proved the difference. He scored an unbeaten 76 from 59 balls, however he didn’t get much support from his batting partners.

With time ticking away Carrum Downs chased the game aggressively. They lost three consecutive wickets to run outs.

At the end of 40 overs Carrum Downs was left stranded on 9/212. Both sides ended up sharing the points.

The tie was enough for Carrum Downs to lock up the top spot on the ladder. They will be joined in finals cricket this weekend by Delacombe Park, Rosebud, and Seaford.

Rosebud defeated Seaford on Saturday in a hard-fought match. Delacombe Park bested Carrum and Crib Point picked up a five wicket win over Hastings.

SUB DISTRICT

BALNARRING scored another big win on Saturday to close out their home-and-away season in style.

Skye hosted Balnarring on Saturday. Skye was bowled out for just 100 runs by the ladder leaders.

Balnarring made short work of their target. They won after 23 overs with eight wickets left to spare.

Mark Walles top scored with 42. Luke Hewitt scored an unbeaten 41.

Balnarring has lost just once this season, and has the premiership firmly in their sights.

Finals will start this Saturday. Balnarring plays Boneo in the first semi-final.

Boneo was defeated by Rye on Saturday. They fell to a three-wicket defeat.

Tootgarook and Mt Martha will play in the other semi-final. Mt Martha comfortably beat Ballam Park on Saturday, but Tootgarook was defeated by Tyabb.

Frankston YCW got the better of Pearcedale to close out their season with a win.

First published in the Mornington News – 7 March 2023