Wins for top teams

Kyle Gibbs was instrumental for Upper Beaconsfield with 3/24 against NNG/Maryknoll. 309941 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Three of the top four teams in the Casey Cardinia Cricket Association (CCCA) District competition recorded wins on the weekend.

Devon Meadows’ victory was the most convincing, consigning Pakenham Upper Toomuc to an outright defeat.

They were led by a bowling masterclass by Chris Cleef, who backed up five wickets in the first innings with seven in Pakenham Upper Toomuc’s second dig.

After bowling the hosts out for 105 last week, Devon Meadows made 3/185 at a run-rate of just about five, led by Kyle Salerno’s 75 at a strike rate of better than 90.

Their quick scoring left enough time in the game to have another go at the Yabbies.

After Coby Podd opened up and had the hosts 2/0 in the first over, Cleef cleaned up seven of the next eight wickets.

Cleef’s wicket of Alex Prendergast, who showed admirable fight, sticking around for 142 balls, instigated a collapse of 6/7.

It left Devon Meadows plenty of time to chase a tiny target and get the extra points, which they did unbeaten.

There were plenty of contributors for Upper Beaconsfield with the ball after the batters effectively consigned Lang Lang to defeat in making 326 in the first innings.

Chad McDonald heaped the pressure on with his spell of 15 overs yielding a wicket and going at just two runs per over in an innings Lang Lang needed the run-rate to exceed four.

William Haines’ seven overs included five maidens and veteran Kyle Gibbs continued his strong run of form with 3/24 from his 16 overs.

Nar Nar Goon/Maryknoll was well outclassed by Emerald, falling 124 runs short despite a Divyang Patel half century.

Meanwhile, Cranbourne Meadows forfeited its clash with Gembrook in controversial circumstances on day one.