
Jindivick have shown their intentions ahead of the two day cricket season, claiming victory in the C Grade final on Sunday.
C Grade Final
Jindivick 2/124 def Ellinbank 9/118(cc)
Jindivick proved too strong for Ellinbank in the C grade final with a dominant batting performance the key to the Jumping Jacks' success.
Chasing a small target, the opening combination of Sean Viotto (17) and Matt Brewer (75 n.o.) set a cracking pace, putting on 61 for the first wicket. A couple of quick wickets to Michael Pandolfo (2/36) did little to slow the momentum as Jordan Smith (27 n.o.) came out with intent.
The 43 required for victory quickly dissolved as the home side wrapped up proceedings in the 25th over. Earlier in the day a combined effort with the ball made it hard for the Eagles batsmen to get going with skipper Jeremy Gray again playing a lone hand.
Gray recorded his second half-century, top scoring with 52. Luke Hume (2/20) and Harrison Moore (2/10) were both tidy with the ball in hand while Jarratt Eastburn chimed in with 2/25.
D Grade Final
Drouin 9/114(cc) def by Western Park 4/154(cc)
Western Park has toppled traditional rivals Drouin to take out the D grade title. Choosing to bat first, the Warriors made a steady start as Elliot Kennedy and Travis Maher put on 57 for the second wicket.
Maher (40) was looking dangerous before being trapped in front by Duane Lucas. Marc Fleming and Dave Nobels kept the scoreboard ticking before Nobels retired hurt on 34. Fleming top scored with 46 not out as the visitors posted a score that was around par.
In reply, the Hawks innings soon became about survival as early wickets to Connor McCluskey (2/17) put the middle order under pressure. Lachlan Carroll cashed in on this with a five-wicket haul, finishing with 5/29 off eight overs as the Warriors ran out convincing winners.
E Grade Final
Yarragon 7/133 def by Western Park 7/142
Western Park claimed the E Grade shield after defeating archrivals Yarragon in a nail biting final.
Chasing a decent total, the Warriors made a solid start with Raman Gautam and Richard Kelly (36) putting on 52 for the second wicket. Yarragon fought their way back into the contest with three quick wickets before a mature knock from Thomas Wans (18) steadied the ship.
With the required run rate climbing steadily however, the pressure was on to score quickly which again saw the wickets tumble.
Russell Muir called on his skill and experience to close the gap as the game entered its final over, with the visitors only one good hit away from a long-awaited piece of silverware.
Ethan Le Brocq made the most important single of his short career with Western Park to get Muir on strike who efficiently dispatched the ball to the boundary, leading his side to victory with just three balls to spare. Muir ended the day not out on 20.
Pick of the bowlers was Jake Green who’s 4/33 kept the Panthers in the contest all day. Shanith Madhusanka snared key wickets in a tidy spell of 2/13 off seven overs.
Earlier in the day, Carlo Ierfone (18) and Steve Green (26) got things under way for the home side, putting on 55 for the second wicket.
Multiple breakthroughs left Yarragon looking shaky at 5/61 but an important 33 not out from Dave Butterworth helped his side through to the end of the 35 overs.
Caleb McIntosh turned in a near best on ground performance with the ball, the youngster snaring 3/15 off six overs. Raman Gautam chimed in with 2/23.