By JARROD POTTER
HALLAM Kalora Park put its name down as a premiership contender in Turf 1, restricting a long Berwick batting order to 172. Tanner Stanton (37) and Ryan Crawford (23) started things off at the top of the order, with Nirmal Wickramaratne (24) next to push the run-rate along. All along the way Hallam resisted the Bears’ attack – as Callum Prosser (5/55) and former Doveton spearhead Corrie Wilson (3/49) ripped through Berwick.
Berwick was crying out for someone to carry on from a decent start – with seven batsmen notching double figures, but none eclipsing Stanton’s 37. At every turn Berwick was halted by Hallam’s attack, with Leigh Booth finally claiming the crucial scalp of the resilient youngster Stanton. Captain Jarrod Goodes (22) and Cory Bevan (13) postponed the final death-rattle for as long as they could, but Prosser’s rampage through the lower order claimed both their heads.
It was the opening bowler’s party as Wilson and Prosser knocked in 39 overs to keep Berwick winless from its opening two matches. Berwick hosts Coomoora this round while Hallam Kalora Park has a first versus second showdown against Parkfield with top of the ladder for the taking.
Springvale South v Heinz Southern Districts
The Cobras would be livid that Springvale South (9/97) was able to hold on to prevent a well-deserved win. Rain stopped most of the day, with the Bloods only batting 48 overs – but what they did have to bat was terrifying for the home side.
Heinz ripped through the line-up with ease – Justin Davis (6/20) smoked six victims from the crease while veteran tweaker Paul Stockdale (2/49) kept the run-flow to a minimum at the other end.
The Bloods’ defence happened in the middle order as Ryan Quirk (23), Jackson Sketcher (17) and captain Craig Slocombe (24) helped put some runs in the ledger before another round of Davis’ heat destroyed the next phase of Springvale South batting. It was left to Mitch Forsyth (8no) and Cameron Scott (3no) to scrape a draw from the precarious predicament. The pair survived 70 balls collectively to deny Heinz its victory.
Springvale South sits fifth on the ladder and faces Narre Warren in a two-dayer starting this week.
Narre Warren versus Dandenong West was called off this week on account of unfit playing conditions.
TURF 2
Doveton (8/252cc) spearhead Shane White (7/40) terrorised the St Marys’ attack – running through the top order with ease following last week’s smackabout from Doves batsmen Brad Down (82no) and Nathan Wilson (76). White’s rampage was only weathered by Jay Windross (63), who defended 133 balls against the Doveton attack. He couldn’t gain enough support from the rest of the order as White’s carnage ensued. Charith Anthony (38no) also prized his wicket, but ran out of team mates as White knocked over the tail as well.
Parkdale (8/194) knocked off Fountain Gate (191), despite the best efforts of Gators’ bowler David Lucas (3/46).
Cranbourne (116 and 5/94) had a dog day chasing down Narre South (241) with a last wicket partnership of 64 between C. Kelly (45) and M. Leinmuller (14no) the only highlight.
Narre North (9/221) fell short of a monster Southern Pirates (262) total with Josh Tonna (49) the best of the Northerners.
