By Iain Harley
BELGRAVE’S Scott Vosso is sure to have taken the votes in their emphatic win over Knoxfield at Belgrave Recreation Reserve in the season opener.
Former captain-coach Vosso plundered the Knoxfield attack for 131 ensuring that the Magpies set a target of 260 for the Knights. First year player Lee Newey from the Box Hill Reporter League made 82 and took 4/40 for Belgrave while club stalwart David Plumridge took 4/40 for Knoxfield.
In reply Jason Scanlon (62) and Trent Schofield (50) laid the foundations for the Knights but their efforts fell away being dismissed for 207.
Feaver medallist and debutant captain-coach Matt Black starred with the ball, taking 4/13 to ensure Ferntree Gully’s four-wicket win over long-time rival Upper Ferntree Gully. The Kings were dismissed for 79 with the Blues accumulating the required 80 runs for victory for the loss of six wickets.
Reigning Premiers Rowville (9/165) easily accounted for The Basin (112) with Paul Evans scoring 48 and taking 3/22. Top scorer for the Hawks was Matt Blackman with 59 and Anderson took 3/21. Best performers for the Huntsmen were Glenn Bunker (31) and Leigh Cook (32), while Shane Underhill took 4/36.
The Sharks were well served by Bryn Gaunt (54) and Mal Francis (37) as Johnson Park (5/181) overcame last season’s runners-up Lysterfield (4/174) despite the best efforts of Chris Hill (95).
In a game that pitted brother against brother St Johns Tecoma led by Trent Pitts (73) overcame an Upwey side led by Ryan (56). The Tigers started well with Brendan Heath making 61 in a total of 4/168, but the Saints managed to score the required runs finishing on 5/179. Keeper Matt Johnson made 36 not out at the end of the innings. Mountain Gate easily accounted for newcomers Eildon Park.
In the Decoite Shield, Lysterfield easily accounted for Johnson Park, South Belgrave won over Knoxfield, Monbulk beat The Basin and Ferntree Gully outpointed Upper FTG. Captain-coach Peter Tahin led Footballers to victory over Upwey with 70 not out. Knox Gardens overcame Aura Vale, who were playing their inaugural match in the FTGDCA.
Division 4 saw Blizzard from Knox Gardens scoring 208 not out in a score of 3/271.
