DESPITE stubborn resistance, Upper Beaconsfield Bgrade eventually winkled out the Cranbourne Meadows Rebels to record its second win on the weekend.
The Maroons also discovered a handy spinner in Andrew Haythorpe who recorded his best figures of 4/43 by extracting magnificent bounce and turn.
Needing 274 to win the Rebels were always behind the eight ball and struggled from the outset.
At tea the Rebels were 5/60 and after the break Haythorpe continued his grand spell. After some late resistance, Cranbourne Meadows was dismissed for 163.
Haythorpe was well supported by bowlers including Glen Kilburn who chipped in with 3/22, together with Scott Pitcher 1/42, James Haupt 1/30 and Kim Hassall 1/5.
This week the Maroons play Nar Nar GoonMaryknoll in a big test of the season.
C GRADE
A heart stopper was the result when the Maroons, after setting Pakenham 109 the previous week had the Lions 2/19 and were hoping for early wickets.
A canny bowling tactic was applied and spinner Rob Hansen opened the day’s action picking up the first wicket as Steve Finnerty took a welljudged catch diving forward. Shawn Hassall also bowled tightly and the Lions were soon 5/30.
A steadying partnership of 47 saw the score move to 77 with no further loss, but Luke Sorati was to leave a telling imprint on the match. He snapped up a great slips catch then bowled a crafty spell to take 3/11. Aided by Shawn Hassall 4/31 from 17 overs Sorati left the Pakenham bats four runs shy of victory.
In the second innings Upper Beaconsfield struggled to 5/54 with Steve Finnerty (10 not out) and Rob Hansen (8 not out) denying Pakenham the chance of another bat.
F GRADE
The Maroons are still to record their first win.
Meeting Merinda Park the batting was fragile and the team slumped to be dismissed for 49 with only Stuart Bryen (15) and Dave Jancovic (13) reaching double figures.
In a day of individual performances, Jancovic captured the first five wickets as Merinda Park teetered to 5/29.
A recovery happened however and the Cobras were eventually dismissed for 98. Jancovic took 5/8 while Richard Edwards pitched in with 2/11.
UNDER 15
The coaches were pleased with the determined batting performance displayed in the second innings as the Maroons’ opponents Beaconsfield searched for outright points.
The youthful squad showed it can resist for long periods and Lachy Henstock (13 not out) led the way and was well assisted by Brad Abela (10) and Daniel Stafford (seven).
The team batted all morning to reach 63 all out.
CLUB NOTES
All club supporters are reminded of the trivia night/auction to be held on Saturday, 11 November in the Community Centre at Upper Beaconsfield.
All teams are urged to make up at least one table for the fundraiser.
