By Richard Millott
Eildon Park’s finals credentials strengthened on Saturday, bowling Knoxfield out cheaply then scoring most of the required runs before stumps.
Batting first, Knoxfield faced the hungry Panthers bowlers, with the visitors having the defending premiers 3/26 early in the piece.
Adith Sundaresh was the only Knight to get a start as Monto Perera claimed 5/24 from 20 overs – including 12 maidens.
Likewise, Nathan Caton-Robertson enjoyed the day with the ball in hand, with 3/24 to play a part in dismissing Knoxfield for 102 after 53 overs.
With 22 overs of play still remaining, the Panthers set off in chase of the target, reaching 2/67 at stumps with Cody Morris on 36*.
Jayden Turcinovic led the way for The Basin to assist in posting a healthy score against Upwey.
Turcinovic’s 74 was the main defiance against the Tiger bowling, lead by Cam Wheeler with 5/78.
Scott Vozzo (33) joined in to score runs as the Bears were dismissed late in the day for 222.
Johnson Park’s finals hopes remain after reaching 8/268 against Upper Ferntree Gully.
David Devenish led the way with 73, with support in Paul Wilkinson (69) and Steve Devenish (42) to help the Sharks into a strong position at the midway point.
For the Kings, Jay Collee claimed 4/41 as reward for his efforts with the ball.
Belgrave continued its purple patch of form, with the Pie batsmen scoring 6/211 against Knox Gardens.
Johnathon Levell reached 78 while alongside Andrew Hyland (54*) and Jordon King (31).
Nav Singh led the way for the Falcon bowlers, ending the day with figures of 3/76.
In the Ferntree Gully Derby, the Blues had a number of starts to reach 191 against Ferntree Gully Footballers.
Daniel Salan (36), Adrian Catalano (33) and Mark Teofilo (31) were all able to get their innings underway, in defiance to the Griffens’ Tharanga Lakshita who claimed 4/25.
In Decoite Shield action, Daniel Cormack was the highlight for South Belgrave, hitting an unbeaten 138 to lead South to 232, with Cameron Smith also joining in with 39.
With the ball, Adam Wild claimed 5/52 to show the way with for the Falcons, well assisted by Josh Curnow (3/33).
Knox Gardens commence at 0/8 in chase next week.
Lysterfield’s dominance was on display in its encounter with Mountain Gate, with Anthony Brolic (124*) reaching triple figures while Nathan Hicks (93) and Ryan Hicks (54) both hit half centuries to send the Beavers to 4/341 from their 80 overs.
Olinda reached 221 against Monbulk with several contributors on the batting card for the Swans.
Adrian Wiloughby (36), Andrew Bruce (35) and Tom Gelbert (34) all helped lift Olinda to a respectable target, despite the best efforts of Duncan Maher who claimed 3/56 for the Hawks.
In its match against St Johns Tecoma, Rowville posted 259 on the board, thanks to Brett Gatehouse’s 70.
