Catani dampens Gulls' return
Across the first half of Warragul's clash with Catani it seemed as though the Gulls would mark their return to division one with a win, with their excellent efforts with the bat seeing them post a commanding 8/185.
by Samuel Laffy
Catani (5/188) def. Warragul (8/185)
Across the first half of Warragul's clash with Catani it seemed as though the Gulls would mark their return to division one with a win, with their excellent efforts with the bat seeing them post a commanding 8/185.
Amal Athulathmudali (a rollicking 18-ball 37 that included three fours and three sixes) took full toll on Cameron Brown's new-ball endeavours, the opener putting on a commanding display in the opening overs.
However, he attempted one extravagant shot too many as Mitch Goodwin entered the attack and he departed before he could completely take the game away from the Cats. Nonetheless, Greg Interlandi (33) and Patrick Mulqueen (42*) compiled handy contributions that continued to boost Warragul's total, despite Goodwin (3/33) and Coby Podd (2/15) doing their level best to restrict the flow of runs. Catani began their chase in a watchful manner, seeking to settle before accelerating, although Ben Lockett (2/28 from 6) made early inroads.
Unperturbed, James Vela (42 off 57) and Daniel Vela (75 from 85) soon picked up the pace and as they displayed their full repertoire of strokes it became more difficult for the Gulls to slow the run-rate. The duo was identified pre-season as crucial cogs for the Cats in season 2026-27 and they showed why in a dominant display.
Dulaj Abeykoon (2/32) attempted to claim back control for Warragul, but Riley McDonald (48* from 32) continued the assault as Catani reached 5/188 in the 34th over.
Quizzed about the superb run-chase post-game, Cameron Brown reflected on the growth of many within the Cats' squad that made the victory possible. "An awesome win. In previous years we probably would have rolled over being 2/20 in the first seven or eight overs chasing 180, it's a great sign of maturity. The lessons we gained from last year has helped us believe in high-pressure situations."
Longwarry (166) def. Trafalgar (128)
A handful of handy contributions from several of Longwarry's XI helped them claim a 38-run win over Trafalgar on Saturday, with Crows captain Jonah Serong a stand-out.
He strode to the crease amidst two wickets in the first eight deliveries after the removal of Craig Doherty – caught behind attempting a flashing drive – and Joseph Wilson (who bunted an attempted clip off the pads to mid-wicket) and quickly set about rescuing the Longwarry innings.
He found his rhythm courtesy of multiple boundaries off Zack Brown, and his innings of 47 ensured the Crows would post a competitive total. Daniel Pullen (31*) and Jason Hameetaman (26 from 19 including some exquisitely timed strokes) then accelerated late even though David Bremner (3/30) and Rhys Holdsworth (3/38) made regular incisions.
Trafalgar's chase began watchfully as Riley White (10 off 37) and Louis Hennessy (9 from 32) opted to suss out the conditions rather than attacking before comfortable, but they weren't able to fully capitalise on their time at the crease.
Lachlan Willis (2/24 including the crucial scalp of Holdsworth for just two) put a serious dent in the Ships' hopes of victory, but Matthew Wakefield fought back with a boundary-laden cameo. His ability to find the mid-wicket fence – and on one occasion clear it after walking at Matthew Aslett – was on display, but the harsh asking rate soon saw him depart and Trafalgar's innings was curtailed at 128 in the 38th over.
Drouin (4/119) def. Ellinbank (118)
Drouin marked Trevor Gardiner's 300th first XI match in style on Saturday, with the Hawks proving far too polished for Ellinbank.
Although, it seemed as though the Eagles might have the upper hand in the early part of the contest as Alex Gaudion and Daniel Pandolfo added 57 for the opening stand. Pandolfo (36) struck the ball powerfully through the covers when the Drouin attack overpitched and was quick to adapt to anything dropped back-of-a-length, whilst Gaudion (28 off 42) used his quick wrists to breach the off-side field.
The turning point came when James Wilcock clung onto a sharp chance at short cover to remove Gaudion, and the aforementioned soon removed Nick Fairbank and Pandolfo to break open the Ellinbank innings.
It was left to Kasun Ranasinghe (3/13) to rattle through the lower order as the Eagles were dismissed for 118.
The Hawks' chase wasn't without headaches early in the piece as Damon Healy flashed at Sean Masterson but only succeeded in finding the safe hands of Fairbank, and Matt Wall had his stumps disturbed soon after.
However, with an almanac of achievements worthy of recognition for Drouin Cricket Club, it was only fitting that Gardiner (34*) led the Hawks to victory, combining with Ranasinghe (25*) in an unbeaten 60-run fifth-wicket stand that helped their side reach 4/119 in the 30th over.
Troy Lehman had nothing but praise for his squad, with the atmosphere around the club reflecting the sense of anticipation for the upcoming summer.
"After having them 1/57 to get them all out for 118 was a super effort for our bowling unit. James Wilcock and Kasun were outstanding with the ball. Being 4/49 could have gone either way, and in the past, it normally doesn't go our way but the 300-gamer and Kasun really took it upon themselves to see us home. Pre-season our numbers have been through the roof…a real nice vibe down at the club at the moment."
Western Park (7/131) def. Hallora (128)
Western Park emerged with the points from their encounter with Hallora, but it wasn't without drama as the Warriors almost made a mess of a seemingly comfortable run-chase. Batting first, the Kangaroos innings couldn't have begun in worse fashion as Brett Williams enjoyed every batter's worst nightmare, trapped in front without offering a shot from the very first ball of the season.
From then, Matt Garner (4/14 from 8) was borderline unplayable on the Hallora turf, and he tore through the Kangaroos' middle order. Grant Duncan was the lone Halloran batter to occupy the crease long enough to have an impact, as the Kangaroos frequently lost wickets in clumps to put them on the backfoot.
He took the attack to Jason Croft in particular, sending the off spinner over the fence twice, and his 61* helped lift Hallora to 128.
In his A-grade debut, Ben Mills delivered a typically boisterous knock at the beginning of the Warriors' chase. His first scoring shot was somewhat fortuitous – with a streaky drive flying through the slips cordon – but a quartet of boundaries (two glorious drives, and a pair of powerful cuts and pulls) from Ethan Guest's fourth over saw the score 0/63 after just eight overs.
However, the removal of Mills – toe-ending an attempted leg-side swipe to mid-on – saw a flurry of wickets that put Western Park's pursuit in danger. Greg Munro was barbequed by Henry Allsop and found well short of his crease, Sanjaya Gangodawila picked out point without scoring, and a comfortable chase soon turned challenging.
Brett Watkins (3/17) proved to be particularly menacing, and a collapse of 7/42 had the match in the balance.
Thankfully for the Warriors, Jack Allen – also making his A grade debut – was able to steady the ship however, and his 14* his side over the line in the 37th over.
Sam Batson highlighted the benefits of a dedicated pre-season campaign in helping Western Park claim the win. "It was very exciting the have the match-defining contributions made by guys who have stepped in from the grand final side.
"The fielding was excellent, with Ben and Jack figuring heavily with some big stops. Zane's keeping was also absolutely top notch, a 'hanger' back to Garner, as well as three sharp chances off Jason were match defining in the end."
