CRAIG Hunter and Jason Brzezowski smashed magnificent centuries and broke three club records in a memorable day in Egrade, however Devon Meadows’ Agrade team suffered a disappointing loss to Officer to effectively end its finals chances.
Devon Meadows resumed day two after reducing the home side to 3/20 in pursuit of the Panthers’ modest 160 in Agrade.
Doug Loudon (3/62) claimed two early scalps to swing the game in the Panthers’ favour, however Officer was to capitalise on the few chances that came its way, the home side reaching the target without further loss.
Veteran Peter Zauner broke the 133run sixth wicket stand, then went on to clean up the tail and finish with 4/65.
Darren Morrow (3/73) took the final wicket, Officer all out for 259.
C GRADE
Cgrade remains near the foot of the ladder after losing a thrilling oneday match at Upper Beaconsfield.
The Panthers lurched to 3/20 after winning the toss, however a 57run fourth wicket stand between Mick Floyd and Mick Aughtie (19) helped revive the Panthers’ innings.
Darren Logan (34) joined Floyd and the pair added 61 runs in eight overs to guide their side to 6/150 off 40 overs.
Floyd remained 68 not out.
The Panthers made an excellent start to their defence with Lincoln Hepburn (1/33), Luke Wishart (2/24) and Floyd (2/30) combining to reduce the home side to 5/69 in the 18th over.
The Maroons continued to score at the required rate, frustrating the Panther attack.
Jim Howard’s (1/12) first Cgrade wicket to give his side some chance at victory, and when Darren Logan (2/6) took his first wicket, the game was back in the balance.
Despite the Panthers’ persistence, the task proved too great, and Devon Meadows eventually lost by 5 runs – their third loss by 5 runs or less for the season.
E GRADE
Hunter and Brzezowski helped break three club records to guide Devon Meadows to a remarkable 224run win over Beaconsfield.
Chasing 245, the Panthers stumbled to 3/46 at the slick Glover Reserve, however Hunter and Brzezowski consolidated then accelerated the innings, reaching 179 at tea.
After the interval, the pair erupted into a runscoring feast, the pair’s club record 342run partnership ending when Brzezowski, having his first hit for almost 12 months, was caught for a chanceless 155.
Hunter continued to plunder the hapless Tigers bowlers, blasting 35 fours and a six on his way to a club record 254. At stumps, the home side had reached another club record – scoring 8/469.
UNDER 15
Devon Meadows’ under 15s moved into the top four for the first time since round two with a comprehensive 62run win over Merinda Park White at Donnelley Reserve.
Defending a solid 168, Jaryd Harley cut a swathe through the Cobra top order, claiming the first four wickets to finish with 4/9 off six overs.
When Luke Howard completed a sharp run out, the home side had collapsed to 5/39.
A 43run sixth wicket stand was broken by Haydne Enlund (1/12), and with rain threatening, the young Panthers raised the tempo to dismiss the Cobras for 106.
Andrew Saxon chimed in with 2/11, while Ben Hussey (1/7) and Emma Hussey (1/3) also took wickets in a satisfying team performance.
