UPPER Beaconsfield’s Fgrade side turned tiger on Saturday with its second win in a row, this time against Catani.
The game was highlighted with the selection of former AFL Richmond star Andrew Kellaway, who notched up a classy 26 with the bat, as well as taking three spectacular catches for the Maroons.
Having won the toss the Blues decided to bat, but the move was a disaster as they were bundled out for 84.
Stuart Bryen tore through the bats to capture two wickets, as did Michael Geraeds.
However the innings was clawed to shreds when Andrew Kellaway exerted his athletic influence on the game.
First he dived full length to pluck a magnificent catch from a well struck pull shot, took a wonderful 30metre running catch and then added a third to leave bats shaking their heads in disbelief.
He also managed to bamboozle the Catani batters with clever leg spin which was assisted by some canny tips from wicket keeper Peter Brennan.
Kellaway was not the only player to build his reputation. Tony Joyce also chipped in with two wickets in two balls but was denied a hat trick by Catani only having 10 players.
After the tea break Upper Beaconsfield carved a stylish 6/193 to leave the Blues floundering.
Stuart Bryen retired after a punishing 50, while Peter Brennan (36) enjoyed his second intelligent innings for the year then the master cricketer outofcontract Andrew Kellaway compiled a classy 26 retired then allowed other bats a chance to make some runs too.
B GRADE
The battle for the 2006 Little Ashes trophy is at an interesting stage.
Contested annually between Beaconsfield and Upper Beaconsfield this year it is between the two clubs’ Bgrade teams.
Scott Pitcher continued his recent success winning the toss and decided to bat.
At stumps the team had accrued a handy 212 the fifth score more than 200 this season and the possibility of regaining the coveted trophy.
While a number of batsmen made starts, only three succeeded with commanding innings.
David Mitchell finished the day on 55 not out. Daniel Brennan, who scored a gritty 48, assisted him.
Glen Kilburn also contributed with a useful 25.
C GRADE
So near and so far!
Julian Bayard, 17, stamped himself as a future classy player with 99 not out against Clyde in the match played at Donnelly Reserve.
The Cougars won the toss and asked the Maroons to bat.
A revamped opening partnership saw another ex AFL footballer Chris Curran matched with Shawn Hassall.
Curran began well but fell victim to Bunny O’Hare’s cagey bowling, then Shawn Hassall also was back in the pavilion after making a brisk 30.
At 2/41, a magnificent thirdwicket partnership of 134 developed between Julian Bayard and David Ardley, with 53.
The young talent of Bayard emerged and he took his score onto 98 with only three balls remaining for the day. The Maroons finished on 8/263. Chris Read aggressively clubbed a resourceful 33 to help Bayard build a challenging total for the Cougars to reach.
UNDER 13
Upper Beaconsfield v Beaconsfield Saints.
Sent in to bat Beaconsfield made 8/89 off its 25 overs. Best of the bowlers were Jayden Joyce, (2/3 off 2 overs), Taylor Brown (1/2 off 2 overs), Jackson Hogan (2/8 off three overs).
Beaconsfield declared at 2/134 off 20 overs.
UNDER 13
Upper Beaconsfield White v Emerald.
Captain this week Josh Cahill won the toss and elected to bowl against Emerald.
The fielding was steady and all bowled well.
Wicket takers were Tom Friedman (1/3), Toby Sherer (1/5) and a run out by Matt Hutson off his own bowling.
After the allotted 25 overs Emerald was 3/70.
Upper Beacy started well with Matt Hutson (16 retired) and Kyle Gibbs (15 retired) opening and Toby Sherer (15 retired) all batting with responsibility. Two that combined well were Taran O’Donavan (9) and Scott Grey (6) in a healthy late partnership while Jack Brown and Simon Prowse finished not out.
The total of 3/89 awarded the team their second win of the season.
CLUB NOTES
Players are reminded of the following dates 8 January, special training, 10 January, training as normal, 12 January, Upper Beaconsfield v Gembrook.
