A FIGHTING 80run 10thwicket partnership between Peter O’Brien and Mick Aughtie helped rescue the Panthers from desperate trouble and post a moderate total of 210 against Emerald.
After being sent in, Matthew Davidson (21) was the only top order batsman to reach double figures as the Panthers slumped to 5/29.
Daniel Steet (28), Doug Loudon (25) and Peter Zauner (17) got starts, however it was left to O’Brien and Aughtie to give the Panthers a defendable score and maintain their finals chances.
In reply, Emerald reached 0/16 at stumps.
C GRADE
Devon Meadows’ clash against Pakenham is evenly poised after the team was dismissed for 239.
The Panthers lost a wicket in the first over, however the visitors soon gained the upper hand as Darren Logan and Mick Floyd combined to add 90 for the second wicket, their stand ending when Logan was caught for a fine 64.
Three quick wickets before the tea interval swung the game back into the balance, and when the Panthers lost their fifth wicket soon after the interval they were on the back foot at 5/153.
Justin Mentiplay joined Floyd and the pair added 46 before Mentiplay’s patient innings ended on 23.
Wickets continued to fall regularly, denying the Panthers the opportunity to post a big score.
Floyd’s knock ended on 85 in the 65th over, leaving 13yearold Brandon Mackie (8 not out) and 10yearold Kyle Salerno to add a valuable 12 runs for the final wicket.
E GRADE
Devon Meadows fought back well after being bundled out for 97 against Pakenham UpperToomuc, but has a fight on its hands to win the match at Glover Reserve.
Brett Vance (35), Jim Logan (27) and Jason Brzezowski (15) were the only batsmen to reach double figures as the Panthers lost their final four wickets for 4 runs.
In reply, Vance (3/29) and Ian Hopper (2/36) brought the game back into the balance, and when some sharp fielding from Luke Howard resulted in a runout, the Yabbies were 6/65.
However the visitors then consolidated to take the score to 6/82 at stumps.
UNDER 15
The under 15s are in a strong position against ladder leader Cardinia, reaching the excellent total of 153 off 40 overs.
After being sent in, Arthur Churchill (23) and Chris Morrell shared a blazing 54run opening stand off 13 overs for Devon Meadows.
The young Panthers failed to capitalise on their excellent start, however, Luke Howard the only other top order batsman to reach double figures.
Morrell returned to reach an excellent 47, and Howard was the last to fall for 36.
Ben Hussey batted superbly to finish an excellent 17 not out to ensure a competitive total.
UNDER 13
The under 13s will have to bat well this week after Kilcunda Bass reached 6/131.
Corey Mackie led the way for the Panthers cubs taking 2/9, while Chris Benedek took 1/10, and Alex Edgar and Dan Martens took 1/14 each.
