DEVON Meadows Agrade got its WGCA season off to a flying start on Saturday dismissing the highly fancied Cardinia for just 178.
After losing the toss in ideal conditions, the visitors got off to a flying start after a brilliant piece of fielding by Daniel Steet saw Cardinia opening batsman John Nooy run out in the second over.
However the home side soon gained the ascendancy with skipper Mark Cooper and Jamie Glen adding 59 for the second wicket before Glen edged a Doug Loudon bouncer to Peter Zauner.
Ben Da Rose joined his skipper and the pair held the Panther attack at bay until Peter Zauner joined Bill Loudon in attack.
Their consistent tight line and length suffocated the free scoring Bulls’ batsmen and were eventually rewarded when Darren Cooper brilliantly caught Da Rose off the bowling of Zauner for 21.
Soon after, Loudon ran out Steve Patterson backingup and when Loudon (1/29) and Zauner claimed a wicket each shortly before the interval the Panthers were well on top, Cardinia 6/96 at tea.
Zauner (3/26) claimed his third wicket in the first over after the break, however Mark Cooper remained resolute and with the steady Dwayne Doig, added a valuable 68 for the eighth wicket, the partnership ending with the introduction of Matthew Davidson.
Doug Loudon (3/58) took the final two wickets to complete a fine performance by the Panther attack. Despite their outstanding work, they were unable to dismiss Mark Cooper, who carried his bat to remain 91 not out in his first WGCA match.
With eight overs to bat, Daniel Steet (7) and Darren Cooper (3) steered the Panthers to 0/10 at stumps.
C GRADE
Devon Meadows finds itself in a difficult position in its clash against Kooweerup, requiring a further 332 runs for victory.
Neil Baker (1/82) got the Panthers off to a flying start, taking a wicket on the third ball of the day, however a costly dropped catch in the second over saw the home side pile on the runs.
The Panther bowlers had no answer for a rampaging Demon top order that capitalised on the lighteningfast conditions to score at a rate of a run a ball for the first hour.
Luke Wishart helped stem the run flow and his tireless display helped bring the Panthers back into the match. Bowling a phenomenal 25 over spell, Wishart finished with the impressive figures of 4/85.
Lincoln Hepburn (1/45), Mick Aughtie (1/34), Mark Fairbrother (1/46) each took wickets and Glen Fairbrother made the most of a rare bowling opportunity to take 2/1 off just four balls.
Kooweerup was all out for 338.
Dave Carson (5) and Mark Fairbrother steered the Panthers to 0/6 off the final four overs of the day.
E GRADE
Devon Meadows is in a dominant position against Lang Lang at stumps in its clash at Glover Reserve, following an outstanding individual performance by Luke Marrow.
After Darren Logan (3/42) took the first three wickets (the first courtesy of a catch by ‘keeper and father Jim), Luke Marrow entered the attack to claim the final seven wickets for just 20 runs off 11.4 overs to dismiss the visitors for just 114.
Remarkably, all but the first of Marrow’s wickets were bowled, a remarkable feat for a leg spinner.
Junior prospect Jim Howard provided valuable support, finishing with 0/16 off eight overs.
In reply Jim Logan, who will celebrate his 60th birthday this week, moved his side within sight of victory, blasting 38 before getting caught. Steve Brewster (38) and Howard (2) will resume the chase at 1/54.
CLUB NOTES
Comedy team ‘Eye Candy’ will perform at Devon Meadows this Saturday from 8pm.
Featuring three of Melbourne’s best upandcoming comics, a night of laughs is guaranteed.
Tickets at $10 will be available at the door. Contact Mick Floyd 0409 426 562, or visit www.dmcc.org.au for further information.
