Round Report: Round 8 - week 2
Longmuir
Defending 126, the boys struggled to make inroads early against Le Page, but Hugo finally made the breakthrough with the score on 36. The hosts kept the scoreboard ticking over on a fast outfield, with our bowlers toiling hard to restrict them. But, in the end, the opposition proved too good, despite brilliant bowling performances from Hugo (6/50) and Dolly (4/42).
Quiney
In an absolute thriller at Centenary, the 'twos' got off to a slow start defending 199, with West Bentleigh taking the score to 50 without loss. But, three young cubs took it upon themselves to wrestle back the ascendency, with Liam, Harry and Mason each claiming a wicket before tea. From that point on, the game see-sawed, as both teams landed blows in a tense finish. Inspirational leader 'PD' chimed in with two vital wickets, but it was young guns Harry (4/44) and Mason (2/12) who held their nerve at the end and brought home 6 points that keep the boys in the top four.
Thirds
Chasing 142 against Cavaliers, senior citizen Pete Manakis once again outlasted his son Liam, limping his way to a well-made 62. Not much more was needed from that point, with Badger also among the runs with a blistering 60 (4 fours and 2 sixes). The win sees the boys just two points adrift from the top spot.
Fourths
Needing 178 to win, Stilly did what Stilly does and smashed the ball to all parts of Duncan McKinnon. While his selection in the side was questioned by a sooking Wash ups side, the decision by skipper Mick Britt to give his star all-rounder Ryan Davidson out LBW first ball, was quite possibly the worst judgement made by him since he last picked up at the pub (and that was a while ago, apparently)😬. Anyway, Stilly keep going until he was dismissed for a magnificent 115 (just the lazy 6 fours and 11 SIXES). The captain made up for his massive balls up with a fighting 24 not out, that saw his side sneak home for a three-wicket win. A game clear in fourth position, the boys are all but assured a place in the finals.
Fifths
Are spending 6 weeks in the wilderness due to the Xmas break and walk-overs, Aloi's All-Stars finally were back in action on the road against Elwood. After losing the toss, a young attack of Ewart, Gleeson and Davidson toiled hard against a more experienced opponent. In the end, the hosts posted a very competitive score of 4/209. Gourmet chef and part-time trundler Simon Carolan was the best of the bowlers with 2/12. In return, Brissie and Simon overcame the loss of the skipper early to post sparkling half-centuries. But the veterans received little assistance, especially from James Bruce (🦆). Falling 62 runs short, the boys face a must-win clash against CHAG in the final round.
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