Cats continue charge in division one

by Samuel Laffy

Western Park (6/132) def. Drouin (131)

Western Park's Sam Batson summed it up best post-game when reflecting on his side's performances after the end of round three: "we definitely haven't hit our straps."

And yet despite this, the Warriors juggernaut continued unabated on Saturday, as they took home a four-wicket win in the grand final rematch against Drouin.

In the initial part of Western Park's run chase it seemed as though their new-look XI might be found wanting, as Simon Gardiner made merry with the ball.

Snaring 4/12 in an incredible eight-over spell, the Hawks veteran made light work of the Warriors' middle order and reduced them to 6/67 in pursuit of 131; Drouin seemingly well on their way to atoning for previous defeats.

However, nobody informed Sanjaya Gangodawila that teams shouldn't experience almost endless stretches of success, and the superstar once again notched a match-winning half-century.

His 59* contained an array of breathtaking strokes, and with Kade Burns (28* from 37) providing support the pair calmly added 65 for the sixth wicket to see Western Park over the line at 6/132.

Earlier in the day, Matthew 'G-Train' Garner (3/27) and Jason Croft (2/21) made regular incisions to halt Drouin's charge, although Damon Healy (37 from 65) proved particularly difficult to dislodge.

Gardiner (29) and Troy Lehman (21) boosted the Hawks' total after they slumped to 6/56, but a captaincy masterstroke saw Greg Munro make a rare appearance at the bowling crease late in the piece, his haul of 2/2 hastening Drouin's dismissal.

Batson – whilst patting himself on the back for the decision to throw the ball to 'Munners' – also reflected on the impressive form of his bowling unit.

"Garner has been excellent. His length control whilst swinging it reminds me of Chris Perry. He's a perfect compliment to Kade. Really encouraging to win two hard games with plenty of different contributors."

Ellinbank (8/195) def. by Catani (3/199)

Having made light work of a hefty run chase against Warragul in round two, Catani repeated the dose against Ellinbank on Saturday with the Cats underlining their class courtesy of a seven-wicket win.
Perhaps the most impressive aspect for Catani was that the bulk of the runs came from unexpected sources.
Having faced just a single delivery the previous round – albeit one that he drilled for four to seal victory – Cameron Brown strode out to open the batting in pursuit of Ellinbank's 8/195, a somewhat surprise spot for the all-rounder in the order.
However, he wasted precious little time settling, using his quick wrists and ability to powerfully drive the ball straight to tremendous effect.
Striking 80 from 93 – before being sharply caught down the leg-side by Daniel Pandolfo – he dominated a 97-run second-wicket stand with Jai Lewis that catapulted Catani into favouritism as the innings progressed.
Lewis, who had played the previous week in division three, showed his development with aplomb, having displayed glimpses of his talent in lower grades across previous summers.
His superb 67 ensured there was no let-up after Brown was dismissed, and Daniel Vela and Riley McDonald applied the finishing touches to help the Cats reach 3/199 in the 36th over.
Earlier in the day, Ellinbank's impressive total was made possible thanks to scintillating sixties from Curtis Howell and Nick Fairbank.
Howell (67 from 98) relished regular chances to clear his front leg and swipe the ball powerfully through the leg-side, whilst Fairbank (60 off 66) opted for accumulation through clever placement of the ball through the field.
Speaking after the game, Brown reflected on the manner in which his side clawed their way back into the contest.
"It was a great chase by the boys. Jai Lewis was unreal coming up from division three and batting the way he did is a great achievement. Been really proud of how we've gone about it with the ball. Teams have made a few runs, but we have fought really hard and stayed positive the whole time."
Trafalgar (6/154) def. Warragul (8/150)
Shrugging off a disappointing loss at the hands of Longwarry last weekend, Trafalgar bounced back to ensure Warragul would be forced to wait at least one more weekend until they claim a breakthrough division one win.
Unfortunately for the Gulls, some of the more dangerous batters in their top order found themselves back in the pavilion before they had a chance to impact the contest, with David Bremner (2/30) and Zack Brown (2/15) once again impressing with the new Kookaburra.
Amal Athulathmudali, Dulaj Abeykoon, and Eddie McGillivray were all restricted to single digit returns, and at 4/38 the innings was perilously placed.
Lachlan Ramage (46 off 57) and Jake Van Den Berghe (26) demonstrated admirable grit, and their 53-run seventh-wicket stand ensured that Warragul would post a competitive total, the duo helping their side to 8/150 at the end of their allotted overs.
Indeed, the Gulls would have been buoyed by their early work in defence, with Harrison Radcliffe (2/20) removing Aiden George to reduce the Ships to 3/37.
However, Rhys Holdsworth – as he's liable to do – steadied the Trafalgan innings and his brisk knock of 48 ensured the Warragul change bowlers weren't allowed to settle.
Zak Larkin (28) provided excellent support and Mitchell Claridge applied the finishing touches as the Ships reached 6/154 in the 35th over.
Longwarry (160) def. by Hallora (6/179)
A stunning 130-run opening stand between Fraser Duncan and Brett Williams allowed Hallora to post a winning total in their round three clash with Longwarry, as the Kangaroos notched their first win of the summer.
Duncan – who missed all of last season – sent a reminder that he isn't a spent force in the WDCA with a sterling half-century.
Thanks to Brett Williams' aggressive intent – the opener sending a volley of strokes to and over the fence – the pair's stand well and truly took the wind out of the Crows' sails.
To Longwarry's credit, Matthew Aslett (2/22) helped to peg back the scoring rate as the innings progressed, and they were able to restrict Hallora to 6/179 from their allotted overs.
The Crows began positively with Craig Doherty (24 from 44) and Joeseph Wilson (29 off 49) looking serene at the crease, and Jason Hameetaman (64* from 65, including two huge sixes) was sprightly, but the trio's endeavours were foiled by an outlandish display from Craig Byrnes with the gloves.
Almost unparalleled in his ability to change the game with the gloves, his two catches, the lighting leg-side stumping of Dan Pullen, and involvement in three run-outs ensured that Hallora would emerge victorious, as Longwarry were restricted to 160 in reply.
Asked post-game about the Kangaroos' efforts, Williams was measured in his response, but optimistic about what lay ahead.
"It was a strange sort of bowling day to be honest. I felt we were always on the mark, created plenty of plays and misses. Those sorts of days can really test a team's resilience to keep showing up and I'm pretty pleased with how we stuck at it," he said.
"Craig Byrnes had an absolute day out with the gloves, took a hell of a leg-side stumping off Aidan Phillips as well which kept the momentum swinging our way towards the back end of the day. Onwards to Catani next week."