By Richard Millott
The run home to Season 2020/21 continued over the weekend, with plenty of twists and turns still to come after Round 9 results shape the fortunes of the clubs.
Knox Gardens travelled to Belgrave in search of the points.
Batting first, the Pies had many a contribution through the batting card, with Aaron Brunner (37), Chad Hitchcock (37) and Jordon King (33) getting starts to contribute to the hosts 7/178 from the 40 overs.
In reply, Pete Dunlop and Joe Morsello posted a 153-run opening stand before Morsello fell for 63.
Shortly after, Dunlop was dismissed for 82 – including 11 fours and three sixes.
The Falcons ran out seven-wicket victors, reaching 3/183 in the 26th over.
The win keeps the Falcons pressing for a spot in the top four, sitting in sixth place just three points outside – albeit with the best percentage in the competition.
For the Pies, they continue to search for another win to put pressure on teams above to escape the lower order of proceedings.
Ferntree Gully continue to cement their place in the top four after an eight-wicket win over Johnson Park.
Jesse Christensen tormented the Sharks batsmen, claiming 4/15 alongside Mark Butters (3/19) to dismiss the hosts for 98.
Paul Jeffimenko lead the response for the Blues, reaching 51 not out as the visitors logged the points at 2/100.
The Blues continue to hold onto 3rd place, a game clear of 4th as the run home continues.
Johnson Park hold on in 9th place and will look ahead for points to improve further up.
Knoxfield continued their pivotal run home to keep the pressure on with victory over Eildon Park.
The visitors posted 9/161 in the first innings, with Matt Plumridge (49*) and Clint Buckland (34) scores of note for the Knights.
For the Panthers, Adam Bronsgeest (3/14) and Jarrod Hicks (3/22) held form with the ball to lead the attack.
In response, Jake Pollard (37) topped the scorecard for the Panthers’ chase however the Knights held their nerve, sharing the wickets around to keep the hosts to 9/149.
The Knights now sit just outside of the top four on percentage only, whilst the Panthers will be looking to climb up from 10 th place in the coming weeks.
Lysterfield continue their stay at the top of the order after logging a win over Upper Ferntree Gully.
Batting first, Anthony Brolic flew the flag for the Beavers with 46, however Coby Law matched up equally claiming 4/45 as the hosts posted 166.
The Kings reply was bolstered with efforts from Tom Roleff (38) with the bat, however Tim Chivers (3/14) and Adam Kinniburgh (3/32) ensured the ball lead the way, dismissing the visitors short for 127.
The Beavers look to continue their winning ways to stay off the chasing pack, whilst for Upper Ferntree Gully they will be looking for a late season resurgence on the winners list.
Upwey-Tecoma had a 24-run win up the hill against Monbulk.
Jordan Dunstone (32) lead the scoring effort for the Tigers, however Craig Broekhof (3/31) kept the visitors at bay to keep the total to 6/166.
In reply, the Hawks started well with Jason Creed (36) and Aaron Powell (36) leading the chase effort.
But Cameron Wheeler struck through the attack, claiming 4/15 to dismiss Monbulk for 142.
Upwey-Tecoma will keep the pressure on Lysterfield at the top of the table, whilst Monbulk’s run home will be bolstered with late wins to push for the top four.
The Basin claimed a key six points in their chase against Ferntree Gully Footballers.
The Griffens set 9/175 as a target, with Liam Hunt (43) being the feature of the scorecard despite Matt Heskes (3/40) effort with the ball for the Bears.
Scott Vozzo continued his recent form, reaching 71 not out alongside Jayden Turcinovic (44) to reach 7/179 with nine balls to spare.
The Bears sit at the head of the pack in third, whilst Ferntree Gully Footballers will be looking to return to the winners list to return to the top four.
In Decoite Shield, South Belgrave broke free of Olinda in proceedings with victory.
Olinda posted 9/160 from their overs with Tim Scott (63*) and Jonty Scott (43) posting efforts towards the total, whilst for South Brenton Miller (3/19) and Ohlsson D’Sylva (3/38) kept the flow of wickets coming.
In response, Darren Ray lead the way with 79 against the visitors to reach 7/162 with an over to spare.
The win sees South pull a match clear in second place, whilst for Olinda they remain in fourth place.
Knox Gardens continue to press for a finals berth after a 31 run win over Mountain Gate.
The Falcons lost two early wickets, however Jay Wagner (65) and Tyler Voulanas (56) both recovered and, with Dylan Wylde (41), reached 7/219 by innings’ end.
Mitch Goddard produced a quality all-round performance, claiming 3/58 before hitting 86 as part of the Gator reply.
Luke Turner (45) stepped up for the visitors also, however Josh Curnow (3/40) and Jack Marget (3/41) ensured the Falcons logged the win, keeping Mountain Gate to 7/188.
The Falcons sit just outside on percentage, whilst Mountain Gate will be looking to open the account next week in the return encounter.
St Johns Tecoma returned to the winners list after hosting Rowville at Talaskia Reserve.
Luke Guest (30) was the scorer of note for the Hawks whilst Kyle Grenda (3/15), Aaron Grenda (3/21) and Dean Lucas (3/25) claimed the wickets, dismissing the Hawks for 112.
In response, Jake Sali (51*) showed class at the top of the order getting the points for the Saints at 3/114.
NORM REEVES SHIELD – PROVISIONAL LADDER (AFTER 9 ROUNDS)
LYSTERFIELD – 48PTS (1.449%)
UPWEY TECOMA – 45PTS (1.552%)
FERNTREE GULLY – 39PTS (1.555%)
THE BASIN – 33PTS (1.091%)
Knoxfield – 33pts (0.872%)
Knox Gardens – 30pts (1.599%)
FTG Footballers – 24pts (0.944%)
Monbulk – 21pts (0.854%)
Johnson Park – 18pts (0.703%)
Eildon Park – 15pts (0.782%)
Belgrave – 12pts (0.509%)
Upper FTG – 6pts (0.804%)
DECOITE SHIELD – PROVISIONAL LADDER (AFTER 9 ROUNDS)
ST JOHNS TECOMA – 39PTS (2.014%)
SOUTH BELGRAVE – 39PTS (1.235%)
ROWVILLE – 30PTS (0.927%)
OLINDA – 27PTS (1.029%)
Knox Gardens – 27pts (0.841%)
Mountain Gate – 0pts (0.518%)
