Deep contributions guided Upper Beaconsfield to its first win of the season as the Maroons took down Devon Meadows in round two of the Casey Cardinia Cricket Association (CCCA) Premier Division.
Skipper Will Haines won the toss at home and opted for the bat, a decision that proved fruitful with promising opener Josh Westra playing his best innings as part of the first XI.
Westra blasted an important 75 with four fours and one six as the hosts battled to 4/178.
A 76-run partnership between Westra and Haines (40) solidified Upper Beaconsfield’s innings to reach 4/178 and gave it a great chance with the ball.
Lucas Carroll took three of the Panthers’ four wickets.
In the chase, captain Lucas Ligt looked extremely dangerous as the superstar bat smashed six boundaries, including two sixes, to get to 39.
However, he was bowled by Kyle Gibbs and became the first Devon Meadows wicket to fall.
Ethan Wood (13), Nathan Kleinig (17) added a little more before three consecutive single-digit scores from Zach Bates (5), Nathan Worsteling (8) and Carroll (6) had the Panthers on the back foot.
Ben Marsh (43) then brought much-needed reassurance and guidance but he couldn’t be supported at the other end and the visitors came up short in their pursuit, finishing on 8/168.
Poles were spread across the board for the Maroons with five different wicket-takers as Tyler Astle, AJ Claxton and Westra snagged two each.
Captain Haines was proud of his side’s ability to play the way they wanted to.
“We had confidence in the score we made and had to execute a plan to reduce the boundaries and stop the easy singles and ensure the pressure was going to be put on them late with the bat, which it was,” he said.
“I think we executed our plans well.
“Gibbs got the big wicket of Ligt who was looking good and looking like he could take the game away from us.
“But we just stayed patient, stayed consistent and backed the team plan, all the boys played well and it paid off.
“We all have a role to play, there’s no egos in the team, we’re not playing for ourselves, we’re all playing for each other.
“It showed on the weekend with everyone contributing in the bowling and everyone fielded well and that’s come from our team mentality and showing up for each other week in and week out.”
Westra’s innings was a big highlight for Haines, as the young opening bat looks to break out this season.
Haines was impressed by the emerging talent’s composure in a high-pressure situation.
“He batted incredibly well,” Haines said.
“He hits the ball so hard and he’s got a nice technique and nothing seems to fluster him.
“I was really happy to see him get a big score on the weekend.
“He absolutely took the opportunity and showed us what he can really do.
“It wasn’t just little snippets, he showed us the full thing on Saturday.”
At Rutter Park, a Josh Lownds innings for the ages saw Tooradin get past Pakenham.
The Seagulls chose to bat on their home deck and Lownds had a field day with 132 not out off 125 balls, a knock that included 14 fours.
Lahiru Jayakody showed plenty as well, also raising the bat with a performance of 54.
Brad Butler came ever so close to become the third Tooradin bat to notch the half-ton but was run out trying to rush a single for his 50.
Despite missing out on the milestone, he helped the hosts post 3/276 after 40 overs.
Butler showed immense resilience when he turned around and grabbed a wicket in his second over bowling, trapping Jack Anning (8) in front.
Russell Lehman dismissed Jackson Luka the same way in the next over, leaving the Lions 2/10.
Then, Imesh Jayasekara stepped to the crease.
He controlled the second innings and was unfazed when partner Dom Paynter (13) fell as the recruit continued to hit the Seagulls to all parts of their home turf.
Jason Williams was also superb in support and the pair looked extremely threatening.
Jayasekara reached the half-century mark, as did Williams, before Williams (68) was dismissed by Lownds.
The required run-rate had slowly climbed and the Lions were well below the mark, notably stemming from their tough start to their innings.
The next three bats couldn’t get going and Tooradin cruised to the victory even with Jayasekara reaching his ton with 114.
In round three, Pakenham hosts Cardinia, Devon Meadows has its first home game of the season against Kooweerup, Tooradin visits Clyde and Upper Beaconsfield will look to make it two in a row on its home deck when Officer comes to town.
