Hawks win in 23 overs
A somewhat undermanned Western Park outfit did their level best to match it with Drouin, but the Warriors' inability to build pressure with ball-in-hand eventually cost them dearly.
by Samuel Laffy
Drouin (4/147) def. Western Park (6/146)
A somewhat undermanned Western Park outfit did their level best to match it with Drouin, but the Warriors' inability to build pressure with ball-in-hand eventually cost them dearly.
Chris Wettenhall (a typically lusty 41-ball 40), Dan Cormack (a watchful 28), and Dayne O'Dwyer (34 from 32) set an aggressive tone early, and at 1/116 in the 23rd over Western Park looked likely to set a formidable total.
However, the middle and lower order were unable to match the intent of the trio, and tidy spells from Cameron Webb (2/32 from 7) and Gav Mills (who snared 4/25) restricted the Warriors to 6/146.
Drouin's chase began in bizarre fashion as Flynn Pearson sent down seven no-balls and two wides before a legal delivery was bowled.
A watchful opening stand was curtailed to provide Western Park with hopes of a successful defence, but BJ Lewien (a 44-ball 51*) and Sam Barwick (a 15-ball 31*) bludgeoned the change bowlers, with the small confines of Bellbird No. 2 no match for their scything blades; the Hawks reaching victory in just the 23rd over.
Hallora (4/151) def. Ellinbank (8/147)
The confines of Lardner Recreation Reserve make even the best of bowlers fear for their economy rate, and the requisite plethora of boundaries flew from the bat of those able to shake off early season rust as Hallora claimed a six-wicket wicket win over Ellinbank.
Batting first, Liam Ancilleri (42 from 62) and Matt Dare (who blitzkrieged 38 from just 14 balls) provided the early impetus for the Eagles, although once their defences were breached the Kangaroos' attack were able to maintain a modicum of control.
It was Paul Bridges-Black who made the crucial breakthrough, trapping Dare in front, and his efforts inspired Angus Riley (2/16 from 5) and Veronica McLeod (2/6 off 3) to rattle through the middle order as Ellinbank finished 8/147. In reply, Hallora benefited from impressive knocks from Glenn Barnes (41 from 39) and Bridges-Black (a felicitous 53*) as they raced to 0/85 in the 9th over – with Michael Pratt's sole set of six smashed for 26 – and the rampant start helped them reach 4/151 in just the 24th over.
Yarragon (6/206) def. Neerim District (88)
A dynamic opening partnership between Stuart Anderson and Tim Jeffrey was enough to propel Yarragon to a 118-run win over Neerim District in their clash, with the Panthers simply too experienced for their opponents.
Anderson (50*) and Jeffrey (57*) took a liking to the new-ball offerings of Tessa and Lucien Naus, and despite a flurry of wickets in the second half of the innings – inspired by a spell of 4/20 to Edward Fleming – Yarragon had enough momentum to post 6/206 from their allotted overs.
Faced with a stern target, John Fleming did his best to counter the Panthers' attack with an excellent 31, but with little support from the middle and lower order the Stags were never in with a realistic chance, bundled out for 88 in the 34th over.
Longwarry def. Warragul by forfeit.
Jindivick def. Catani by forfeit.
