By Jonty Ralphsmith
Cardinia has scrapped its way to an ugly victory against Merinda Park, successfully defending 9/185 at Tony Way Recreation Reserve in round 3 of the Casey Cardinia Cricket Association (CCCA) Premier competition.
The Bulls’ batting innings lacked rhythm, as smart medium-pacer Matt Dennerley led the attack with a spell of 2-20 off eight overs.
Each member of Cardinia’s top six got a start but none were able to play a hand that wrenched the game away from Merinda Park, with the Cobras threatening at the innings break.
But it was a familiar tale for Merinda Park, with too much left to veterans Daniel McCalman and Campbell Bryan – the only batters to past 15 in the run chase.
The pair stabilised after the loss of two early wickets, combining for 48 runs before spinners Travis Wheller and Mark Cooper changed the complexion of the game.
They combined for four wickets to stagnate the run chase, with McCalman running out of partners when he skied one with his team still 45 runs adrift.
“It was needed and ‘Travvy’ bowled really well,” captain-coach Cooper said.
“It was a really mature spell of bowling, the way he went about it and got the run rate back on even terms after they were ahead, put pressure on and took some key wickets.”
It was a disappointing end to McCalman’s innings, having anchored the chase and manipulated the field well in a well-constructed 54, with his wicket coming amid a collapse of 5/18.
Intimidating 19-year-old paceman Trishane De Silva finished with 4-31 but will be hoping for better discipline with his lines and lengths as the season moves into the two-day component.
Meanwhile, Tooradin and Kooweerup comfortably took care of business against Clyde and Upper Beaconsfield respectively as the power four of the competition flexed its muscle.
Young spinner Cody Mannix continued his terrific form, taking 5/19 to help the Seagulls skittle Clyde for just 77.
The teenager has established a role for himself in the Tooradin XI, his nine wickets for the season so far is bettered only by Kooweerup phenomenon Luke McMaster.
Tooradin won by just five wickets, promoting a series of lower order batters which came unstuck, with round 1 centurion Cal O’Hare providing the backbone of the chase.
At Kooweerup, Luke McMaster, Shiran Rathnayake and Steve Dillon all scored quick 50s to guide Kooweerup to 6/266 against an understrength Upper Beaconsfield, which was bowled out for just 41 in response.
Pakenham’s match with Devon Meadows was washed out, leaving both sides short on game time ahead of the two-day fixtures kicking off.
Upper Beaconsfield faces Cardinia, Clyde take on Pakenham, Devon Meadows has Tooradin and Merinda Park travel to Kooweerup in round 4.
