Knight caps win for Beavers

By Iain Harley
IN THE closest game of the round, Lysterfield ensured a win over Upwey with a six in the second last over of the day. Jason Knight struck the telling blow, landing it in the Lysterfield Primary school grounds.
These two clubs have a history of close games with Upwey winning by 1 run in their last encounter. Beavers batsmen, Knight, Castaneda and Dempsey all contributed while the Tigers were hit with injury woes early in the game.
Rowville easily accounted for Knox Gardens as they stake their claim for March action, it seems that after their taste of a first premiership the Hawks are keen to have another one. The Falcons were dismissed for 105 in their first innings, with Craig Arnell being the main wicket taker, and were 5/33 at the close of play. Harbinson took 3/8.
St Johns Tecoma registered their first win in emphatic fashion over Johnson Park. The Saints amassed 3/305 at the Hospital ground with Dean Palandri anchoring the innings with 116 not out. Susantha Pradeep added to his 5 wickets last week with 80, De Bruijn and McDonald were also among the runs. For the Sharks former Hawthorn Monash first XI player John Wilson took the only wickets to fall in the innings.
At Batterham Park, The Basin only managed 146 in reply to Mountain Gate’s 306. Luke Bowyer did the damage for the Gators with 4/39. Despite the loss, the Huntsmen will still retain a position in the four.
Ferntree Gully dismissed Belgrave for 119 with Mark Butters taking 5/31. Jonathon Levell was the only Magpie to make double figures with a stoic 35.
Upper Ferntree Gully overcame Knoxfield at Kings Park. The Knights fell 22 runs short of victory with Morris making 49. For the Kings, “Sticks” Colee took 4/49.
In the Decoite Shield, South Belgrave managed an outright win over the Basin with Burley and Barell taking the wickets in the Huntsmen’s second dig.
Monbulk’s 315 proved too much for Upwey, who managed 91 in reply. Johnson Park beat Footballers with Dantini bagging 5.
Lysterfield overcame Upper Ferntree Gully and Eildon Park beat Ferntree Gully.