Jindivick jumps past Ellinbank in division three

by Samuel Laffy
Ellinbank (187) def. by Jindivick (9/202)
A truly remarkable sixth-wicket partnership between Yasatha Kariyawasam and Ranga Bandara helped Jindivick claim a 15-run win over Ellinbank in their division three clash, the duo's 146-run stand transforming what was looking like being a disappointing day's cricket into a sensational win.
The Jumping Jacks' top order found the going extremely tough against some parsimonious bowling from Harmanpreet Singh (3/39 from 13) as Robert Wind (0), William Stevenage (1) and Tharindu Wathudura (1) departed in quick succession to see the scoreboard read 5/41.
Kariyawasam (61 from 67) and Bandara (a stunning 88 from 99 balls) seemed entirely unconcerned by the chaos that had unfolded around them however, the duo repeatedly sending back-of-a-length deliveries to the leg-side boundary, Bandara particularly brutal on anything slightly loose.
Kariyawasam eventually departed with his side on the verge of victory – squared up by Jaipal Singh (who claimed a host of late wickets on his way to 4/30) – but by that stage the result was beyond doubt, Jindivick reaching 202 before being dismissed in the 53rd over.
Garfield-Tynong (205) def. by Longwarry (8/230)
Matthew Trofa delivered a lesson in application to his teammates on the weekend, but despite his magnificent 93* Garfield-Tynong still fell short against Longwarry, the Titans slumping to a 25-run defeat.
Having watched as his top order teammates were undone by some quality bowling from Cole Cook (3/35) and Ali Sarosh (4/61 off 22.1) – with Michael Cooper fending to slip and Ricky Mitchell snicking off soon after – Trofa settled into his innings courtesy of some powerful strikes square of the wicket.
Jack Salan (a watchful knock of 34 from 111) was a willing ally for Trofa, but his dismissal – bowled by Sarosh – meant the pressure was firmly on Trofa to lead his side.
Fintan Fox (2/32) snared two wickets in the 49th over to see the Crows in control, but Trofa continued to fight, and a 45-run ninth-wicket partnership with Hayden Porter had the Garfield-Tynong faithful daring to dream.
Sarosh – who was superb with ball-in-hand across the entire afternoon – had the final say however, trapping Jamie Denton in front to end the Titans' innings at 205.
Warragul (9/193) def. by Catani (3/198)
A masterful century from Ross Douglas saw Catani make light work of a potentially challenging chase against Warragul on the weekend, with the Cats sealing a seven-wicket win over the Gulls.
Douglas – who has shown sporadic glimpses of his talent over the course of recent summers – found early enjoyment against Warragul's openers, in particular taking a liking to the offerings of Kieran Morton who he dispatched over the fence three times in the first few overs of the innings.
Jatinder Pal Singh (0/10 from 7) and Amandeep Singh (1/38 off 13) did their best to slow the scoring of Douglas, but they had no answers for the extended assault on the bowlers from the dynamic Catani opener.
Bailey Sporish (a patient 26) and Jackson Bennett (26*) played handy supporting roles as Douglas reached a glorious 123 from 130 balls before finally being lured into a false stroke.
In the end it took just 49 overs for Catani to reach victory at 3/198 as they extended their unbeaten start to the summer – comfortably sitting atop the division three table.
Western Park (153) def. Neerim District (92)
Cricket pundits have long acknowledged that a leg spinner in rhythm is one of the more pleasing sights to see, through their ability to confound opponents with sharp turn and steepling bounce.
And on Saturday Neerim District had the misfortune of encountering Ed Dieu on a day where he bowled nary a loose ball, the youngster snaring 4/27 to help Western Park claim a 61-run win.
Quickly settling into rhythm after being thrown a well-shined ball early in the day, Dieu delivered a stark examination of the defensive techniques of Neerim District's middle order, and the build-up of pressure proved too much to overcome, with Dave Burn aiding proceedings thanks to a stunning catch at first slip.
Kody Wilson (23) and Matthew Kelliher (25) did what they could to counterattack but Wilson's dismissal, undone by a lack of pace from a back-of-a-length delivery from Burn, signalled an end to the contest.
Pacers Ben Allsop (2/16) and Archie Dunn (1/20) chimed in with handy spells as the Stags could only make their way to 92 before being dismissed in the 54th over.
Trafalgar (7/156) def. Iona (126 and 4/83)
Oliver White's staunch refusal to bow to the whims of Iona's bowlers proved to be the difference in Trafalgar's 30-run win over Iona in division three, with his innings anchoring a successful Ships' chase.
Whilst Oscar Pratt (2/23 from 8), Thomas Cottrell (2/30 off 12), and Riley Miller (1/16) did their best to disrupt the rhythm of Trafalgan bats, White serenely stood above it all in a rearguard knock that provided endless frustration for the Swamp Tigers.
Shane White (37 from 69) came along for the ride in a resolute 85-run sixth-wicket stand that saw Trafalgar seal first-innings points, before they declared at 7/156 from 51 overs.
Left with 29 overs to see out the day's play, Iona was led by Cecil Haysom (who notched 29 opening up), whilst Josh Miller (18 off 61) also enjoyed some valuable time in the middle.
The Swamp Tigers made safely through to 4/83 at stumps, with Zack Brown (3/15) the pick of the bowlers for the Ships.