Mont Albert, North Balwyn go on batting rampage. Woods, Fraser, Singh and Perry make the most of perfect batting conditions
Triple treat: Jack Woods, Lachlan Fraser and Fateh Singh notch tons - punish their hosts
A glorious mild and sunny November day meant only one certainty - the toss was going to be vital. Mont Albert's Andrew Padbury called correctly and had no hesitation in batting. The deck was a belter. Heathmont Skipper and opening bowler Dylan Howard was not playing due to injury which meant the hosts were going to have their hands full. They made a great start, picking up veteran Tim Wright and then Charlie Waite both cheaply. Mont Albert were 2/16.
But Jack Woods (115) and Lachlan Fraser (167) combined for an epic partnership - making the most of the expansive and fast outfield at the HE Parker Reserve. Fateh Singh came in at number five - presumably with the 'license' who then peeled off 110 from 83 balls against the tiring Heathmont attack. Stand in skipper Jake Cairns (5/112 from 20) and Daniel Baynes (3/66) both worked hard for their wickets.
There were some highlights for Heathmont. There was the rarity of a father-son combination playing together in Dunstan Shield - Daniel Baynes was joined by son Billy Baynes - who incidentally picked up his first Dunstan pole when he dismissed Jack Woods. The other, was showing plenty of fight - Mont Albert were 3/370 with 14 overs in the shed. Heathmont's bowlers hung in there. But 438 is the equal highest score on that ground in Dunstan Shield. Mont Albert's top order was just pure class - Heathmont will have to do something extraordinary next week.
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A textbook PFEIFFER by Bulleen's Thilan Nimesh
Thilan Nimesh's five wickets sets up an intriguing day 2 at Zerbes. East Doncaster restricted to 9/208
It was legends day at East Doncaster as former champs gathered for lunch and reflect on past glories.
The home side batted first and were off to a positive start in thier first game back at Zerbes for the season. Matt Vaiano (33) looked in good nick until he gifted his wicket to David Chesney (2/36) and shortly after Nat Vardi also played a loose shot to put Bulleen in the game on a day that was looking like it would be a challenge for all bowlers. Mitch Chappell (48 from 160) and skipper Peter Dickson (43 from 128) looked set to bat for most of the day - but an epic spell from the left arm orthodox Thilan Nimesh (5/49 from 33) dried up the runs at one end - three middle order ducks - told the story of the day for East Doncaster. A rear-guard counter attack by Scott Maizels (45*) propelled East Doncaster to 208 - a score which could still prove to be defendable. For Bulleen its a great opportunity to notch up a big scalp. We are looking forward to this one next week.
Lucas Skelton ties up Old Carey - is 151 enough on the Gramlick Oval?
The match-up betwen Old Carey and Glen Iris saw two stand out performances on day one. Old Carey opener Matt Knox, perhaps inspired by the 'critique' given to him the previous week, stood tall - making 70 (192) out of his side's 151. The Gramlick deck is notoriously tough to get a start on - and when you have an outstanding bowling effort like Lucas Skelton's (4/50 from 31 overs) tying you down, its doubly so.
However, Old Carey have proven to be the masters of defending low totals at home - so this one is definitely on our watch-list for next week. Andrew Stolzenburg may have wished his bowlers could have held off for one more over at dismissing OC - he was bolwed in the one over Glen Iris had to face at the end of the day. A big second day coming up for both sides as the Christmas break draws near.
We thank
Bendigo Community Bank for their support of the Eastern Cricket Association
