DEVON Meadows’ A-grade side faces a challenging run chase to keep its finals aspirations alive after bowling out Clyde for 288 at Glover Reserve on Saturday.
A GRADE
After losing the toss for the fourth time in a row, the Cougars elected to bat in perfect conditions and soon established a solid opening partnership before Craig Boswell’s (1/25) fiery opening spell was rewarded with a wicket to have the visitors 1/32 in the 13th over.
Callum O’Hare and Jarrod Leontini withstood the Panther bowling barrage, steering the visitors to 1/147 at tea.
Their formidable 131-run partnership ended when Bill Loudon (3/68) broke through, the wicket providing the spark that ignited the Panthers, taking 9/141 after the interval.
Skipper Danny Diwell captured 4/50 off 19 overs, while Darren O’Brien took 1/54.
While they fought back strongly in the final session, the Panthers were again disappointed with a number of dropped catches.
Their finals’ chances now hinge on their long batting line up.
C GRADE
The Panthers bounced back from the controversial defeat against Gembrook last week by dismissing Merinda Park for 126.
After a 49-run opening stand, Matt Boswell and Luke Wishart tore through the Cobra top-order, reducing the home side to 4/83 at tea before capturing 6/43 after the interval.
Boswell, Finning First National Real Estate player of the week, captured 6/19 off 19 intimidating overs, while Luke Wishart chimed in with 3/34 off 11 overs. Neil Baker claimed the other Cobra wicket.
After 11 overs, experienced Panther pair Lincoln Hepburn (2) and Peter Zauner (14) were already in the pavilion, the Panthers resuming their chase at 2/27.
E GRADE
Devon Meadows dismissed Kooweerup for 167, Justin Mentiplay being pick of the bowlers with 3/37.
In reply the Panthers were off to a shaky start, reaching 1/17 at stumps.
F GRADE
The Panthers lost a thrilling encounter against Kilcunda-Bass by three runs at Junction Village.
The home side made an outstanding start, Darren Logan (3/20) and Jason Osborne (1/13) reducing the visitors to 5/31 before the combine could consolidate.
Excellent Panther fielding netted three run outs and two wickets to Gerry O’Dwyer (2/17) restricted Kilcunda-Bass to 8/101 before the tail wagged, taking the score to 8/140 after the 35th over.
In reply openers David Hussey and Jim Logan fell early and the Panthers slipped to 2/25.
Paul Ladiges (22) and Darren Logan (18) resurrected the run chase, but when the pair fell in quick succession, followed soon after by Jason Osborne, the Panthers were again in trouble at 5/68.
Craig Hunter blasted 41 in his first hit for many seasons, but the target proved too much the Panthers taking just six off the final over needing 11 for victory.
UNDER 14 WHITE
Devon Meadows is in a strong position against Pakenham Upper, reaching 7/121 off its 40 overs.
Winning the toss and batting for the eighth time this season the Panthers made a shaky start, losing Hayden Enlund off the first ball, followed by Mitch Kemp (eight) soon after to be 2/10 in the third over.
Chris Morrell and Nick Thompson fell cheaply, leaving Daniel Marascia and Luke Howard to resurrect the innings, their 26-run stand ending when Marascia was caught for 10.
When Arthur Churchill fell the following over, the Panthers were in dire trouble at 6/62.
However Howard remained patient and reached his 31 before retiring for the fifth game in succession, leaving Jarryd Harley and Nathan Worsteling to share an undefeated 40-run eighth-wicket stand (each finishing 15 not out) to steer the Panthers into a strong position.
UNDER 14 RED
Devon Meadows had a tougher time against league leader Merinda Park, reaching 5/19 in reply to the Cobras’ 7/140 declared.
The home side got off to flying start, Jason Riley (1/11) taking a wicket off the first ball of the match.
There was little further joy for the Panthers until Chris Bendek (1/24) broke through and the Panthers were back in the contest when Craig Bradley (2/31) and Callum McLean (3/21) tore through the Cobra middle order to have the visitors 7/110.
Following the declaration, the young Panthers acquitted themselves well against the intimidating bowling of the Cobra bowlers, Brandon Wapshot (4) and Jake Shannon (2) to resume the chase this week.
