By Gavin Staindl
Doveton’s Brad Downe pushes one through the covers on his way to 29. 55386
IT HAS been a slow start to the Dandenong and District Cricket Association season but play finally got under way on Saturday.
After three weeks of postponed and cancelled matches, there was a general feeling of relief among Turf clubs who were given the all clear to play last week’s one-dayers.
Although not all teams did take the field – with two Turf One and four Turf Two matches abandoned because of unsafe pitch conditions from Friday night’s downpour.
The six matches finished in a draw and will not be replayed at a later date.
TURF ONE
@BT Sub Sport News:Berwick v Hallam Kalora Park
Despite heavy recruiting over the off-season, it was Berwick’s old names that got the job done at Hallam Rec Reserve.
Berwick’s James Davies (58 not out), Brad Francis (30) and Paul Evans (28) were among the list of familiar faces that gave the Bears a 66-run win on the weekend.
Along with a 30 from Jarryd Williamson, Berwick reached 6/169 before restricting Hallam to 8/103.
The home side fell to 5/35 before Cory Booth steadied with 62 not out.
Booth averaged over 50 last season and will need another stellar year if his team is to return to finals contention.
@BT Sub Sport News:St Mary’s v Doveton
Long-time St Mary’s stalwart Stewart Dowel took the first Turf One five-wicket haul this season, leading his side to a comfortable six-wicket victory at Robinson Reserve.
Dowell took 5/36 from eight overs as Doveton was bowled out for 106.
St Mary’s opener Brendan Rydquist made 36 and from there it was smooth sailing for the visitors who cruised past the target with six wickets and nine overs to spare.
@BT Sub Sport News:Keysborough v Narre Warren
Due to pitch conditions the game was called off and the two teams will split the points.
TURF TWO
@BT Sub Sport News:Maranatha Methodist v St Brigid’s/St Louis
Maranatha pulled off an unlikely 28-run victory at Bondi Oval.
The six opening Maranatha batsmen all reached double figures but none managed to progress beyond 20, leaving Maranatha struggling at 8/148 after 40 overs.
Maranatha found itself in further trouble as St Brigid’s/ St Louis cruised past the 100-run mark with 10 overs in hand.
But some handy last-minute bowling by Kyle Hardy (3/17) sparked a 4/7 collapse that restricted St Brigid’s/St Louis to 120.
Fountain Gate, Cranbourne, Southern Pirates, Narre North, Heinz Southern Districts and Hampton Park all had their matches abandoned because of poor pitch conditions.
Each team will receive three points and the games will be registered as a draws.
