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Athula takes long handle to Huntsmen

By Iain Harley
MOUNTAIN Gate batting star Athula Samarasekera hit Batterham Park with a vengeance. “Big Sam” compiled another ton in Mountain Gate’s match against The Basin, with “The Gators” making 8/306 from their allotted overs.
While his innings wasn’t without chance the genial giant has already compiled in excess of 340 runs this season. Luke Bowyer (67) and Clint Buckland (42) made sure “The Hunstmen” would be chasing a large target.
Leigh James and Adam Luckman were the only multiple wicket takers both taking two apiece. Luckman must find that elusive ton after several handy scores this year, for the Huntsmen to be in with a chance.
Former Dandenong Districts first player Scott Duane also made a century as Rowville set Knox Gardens a healthy target. Duane (102) and Dave Kennett were the best for the Hawks, with Adams taking five wickets for the Falcons. With the runs on the board ladder leaders Rowville look likely to notch up another win.
Johnson Park got out of jail in compiling their 266 at the hospital ground after being 7/109 against St Johns Tecoma. Some lusty late order hitting soon erased the early inroads made by the Saints.
Josh Dowling (94) and Steve Bowen (43) were the main aggressors with Pennington also making 33. Susantha Pradeep took 5/68 and Dual Lomax medal winner Marc Hardy took three. The Saints top order needs to fire to take the points in this one.
Ferntree Gully put 223 on the board against Belgrave at Ferntree Gully thanks to the efforts of two-time Feaver Medal winner Graham Salan (62) and Matt Black (34). The Magipies captain Scot Vosso took three wickets in a game that is in the balance.
At Lakesfield, Upwey were bowled out for 178 by Lysterfield. Best performers for the Tigers were Brendan Heath (48), Henry (41) and Paul Evans 33, while for the Beavers, Binks and Hill were the standouts. The Tigers will rely on their deadly duo of Grace and Cross if Upwey are to get home.
Knoxfield are 2/13 going into next week after bowling Upper Ferntree Gully out for 162. Powell (51) and Collee (37) were the Kings’ best with skipper Trent Scholfield bagging three wickets for the Knights. This game could go either way but the balance seems to be in Upper Ferntree Gully’s favour.
In Decoite Sheild, league legend Jason Fraser rattled up another century (150) in Monbulk’s score of 6/315 against Upwey.
Eildon Park has 179 on the board for Ferntree Gully to chase.
Lysterfield bowled Upper Ferntree Gully out for 115.
South Belgrave has taken first innings points reaching 9/230 in reply to The Basins 111.
Footballers will require 190 to get home over Johnson Park.

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