Butters slides on top

By Iain Harley
YOUNG Ferntree Gully opening bowler Mark Butters is certainly a man on top of his game.
In their clash with the ladder leaders, Butters took control of the Rowville innings with 7/40, taking him to a season total of 37 wickets.
At the same time Rowville’s Phil Gillespie suffered a snapped Achilles tendon ending his Country week and Finals aspirations. The Hawks struck back to have the Blues 4/24 removing two night watchmen. With old hand John Franchi at the crease early there is still a lot of cricket left in the game.
In another fine bowling effort Mountain Gate’s Bryan Ferguson took 7 wickets against Lysterfield at Lakesfield Reserve. The left arm medium fast bowler toiled hard for the Gators while Jarrod Moody and Tyden Latty ensured the Beavers set a very decent target. Mountain Gate will need all their guns firing to take the points in this one.
Adam Luckman enjoyed the trip to Argyle Way, returning to form with 122 not out in The Basin’s innings of 6 declared for 262. Danny Rundle provided admirable support with 56 while for Knox Gardens Adam Wild returned the best figures with 3/69. The Falcons are 0/4.
St Johns Tecoma’s Marc Hardy had the game in hand against Belgrave. Dual Lomax medallist Hardy bowled unchanged throughout the innings returning 5 for 47 off 31 overs. He also snared the final catch to have Belgrave all out for 119. Dave Goodger was the best of the Magpies batsmen with 35. The Saints ended the day on 2/45 and have the opportunity to end Belgrave’s finals aspirations next week.
Upper Ferntree Gully dismissed Johnson Park for 185 but it may well have been a lot less with Sharks star Dulip Samaraweera dropped on 35 before being dismissed for 96. Al “Tsunami” Lord took 4/63 for the Kings. Upwey shared around the wickets, including 3 run outs, in dismissing Knoxfield for 135. Ben Morris stood tall for the Knights. The Tigers finished the day 0/12.
In Decoite Sheild, Ferntree Gully dismissed Upwey for 130 with Dean Glare taking 5 wickets. The Basin managed 134 against Footballers with Adam Carey taking 5/42, in reply Footballers are 6/37. Billy Ziza led the way for Upper Gully in their score of 189 with Damien Hart taking 6/35 for South Belgrave. Eildon Park bowled Lysterfield out for 158 and Johnson Park set Monbulk 138 for the win.
The Ferntree Gully and District Competition has two teams entered in the AGL Country week carnival. Keep an eye on our website http://ftgdca.cricketvictoria.com.au for daily results.
Hawkes Pharmacy Junior Player of the Week: Saviane Under15(2) Upwey.