By Marcus Uhe
While Amith Eranda’s sensational triple-hundred for Emerald stole the show in CCCA District cricket on Saturday, the significance of the innings in the context of the season cannot be underscored.
The Bombers, tied on points for fifth with NNG/Maryknoll, need to win and hope that both the Marygoons and Lang Lang don’t pick-up points, in order to qualify for fourth place.
With 12 points awarded for a win, Lang Lang are in the vulnerable position of fourth, 10 points ahead of the chasing pack and trailing the Bombers by 0.01 per cent.
In a rain-shortened first day against the Marygoons, Lang Lang managed 4/155 after 51 overs at home.
Umpires determined that the match will be a 60-over each contest, with Lang Lang to face a further nine overs on Saturday to set the Marygoons a target.
Shamil Samarasinghe was not out at the close of play with 67, leading the way for the Tigers.
Marygoon new-ball pair Wil Taylor and Carter Davis were economical for the visitors, bowling 11 maidens between them from their combined 30 overs, with Taylor also taking two wickets.
At Lawson Poole Reserve, Cranbourne Meadows need 298 this week to defeat Upper Beaconsfield.
Imesh Jayasekara’s 106 rectified a poor start for Upper Beaconsfield after opening batters William Haines and Josh Westra could only manage three runs each.
Taylor Joyce (76) also passed 50 as Mandhiraj Singh claimed 3/70 off his 19 overs.
Having not been defeated since mid-January, Cranbourne Meadows are one of the form teams of the competition, and will look to carry that momentum next week into day two, in-order to lock-up third place.
Upper Beaconsfield, for their part, cannot be dislodged from second.
Gembrook’s decision to forfeit their clash with Devon Meadows due to player availability issues ensured the Panthers secured top spot, but could have implications on the Player of the Year award, as it robs favourite Lucas Ligt the chance of an opportunity to poll votes.
