Day one of Round three of the Dunstan Shield saw Bulleen make a big statement to the rest of the competition by posting 7/295 at home against the reigning champs Old Carey. Meanwhile North Balwyn's opener Sam Perry posted a ton in his debut for the club while Mont Albert and East Doncaster post defendable scores in their matches against Glen Iris and Canterbury respectively.
At Koonung Park Reserve, Bulleen relished the opportunity to bat first against Old Carey. After losing the early wicket of Dilan Liyange, Pete Martinich (38) and Udara Ravindu (92) knuckled down with a 75 run partnership. Both players applied their defence to good effect against the experienced Old Carey attack - but siezed on the loose ones to keep the score ticking over. Bulleen scored an own-goal with the run out of Martinich (38) before tea. But Bulleen's number four, the left hander Sudesh Gurunge (80) and Ravindu combined for 88 run partnership after tea to set up their team's sizeable 7/295. The Koonung Park outfield was quick, and with some warm weather about this week, Old Carey should have the conditions to mount a serious chase. Sam Morarty (4/76) was the pick of the bowlers for Old Carey.
Eastern Cricket Association - Bulleen's Udara Ravindu hit a classy 92 against Old Carey. Photo Chris Mirabella © 2023. See full photo gallery
Over at Macleay Park, North Balwyn's debutant - Mancunian Sam Perry (124) hit an impressive ton for his side as they compiled 256. He, and skipper Nitesh Patel (50) combined for a 149 run partnership. Heathmont Skipper Dylan Howard bowled tirelessly picking up 5/83 from 26 overs. Thomas Delaney took 3/49 of his 19 overs. Heathmont are 2/23 in reply.
Home side Glen Iris did well to restrict East Doncaster to 9/179. Despite a positive start East Doncaster faltered, losing wickets regularly and struggled to build partnerships. David Carman (3/26) picked up the prize wicket of East Doncaster Captain Coach Peter Dickson - Peter Dickson was playing his first game for the club after a year off. Rob Sayer top scored with 47 (136), Matt Vaiano made a breezy 34 (47) before he was run out. The lower order provided some useful cameos - lifting the score from 6-73 to their total of 179. Glen Iris are 0/3 in reply.
A stoic rear-guard action by Mont Albert's skipper Andrew Padbury (28 from 82) and Michael Minz (26) from 99 lifted their side to a defendable 184 at home against old rivals Canterbury. It was a case of plenty of starts for the Mont Albert top order but with no one going on to post a substantial score. James Guley top scored with 35. The experienced Canterbury duo of Stephen Duckworth, (2/39) and skipper Chris Moore (1/38) kept things tight. Angus Hume also bowled well for his 3/25 from 14 overs. Canterbury's chase started shakily - at 2/13 the will have to work hard next week to chase the runs.
