By Jonty Ralphsmith
Tooradin made a statement on Saturday by bowling out fellow premiership contender Cardinia for just 100.
Tyler Evans was fearsome upfront and rewarded with a flurry of lower-order wickets in his second spell, while Dylan Sutton helped heap the pressure on Bulls batters who struggled to score.
Bailey Lownds then spun a web around Cardinia and controlled the middle overs, taking 2/11 off 16 overs to announce himself in the First XI side.
It follows an impressive spell of 3/67 off 23 at a typically high scoring Kooweerup in round 6, which included a spell of 15 overs.
Lownds dominated A Grade last season, taking 28 wickets to go with four half centuries, but was kept out of the First XI side by the metronomic Pete Sweeney.
Sweeney’s retirement appeared as though it would create a hole in Tooradin’s lineup; instead it has created a selection squeeze.
The Seagulls have played three spinners in each of the past two games, but not bowled Cody Mannix in either despite his strong form to start the season, reinforcing their depth.
“It’ll be a week to week proposition but it’s a good problem to have,” said captain-coach Mick Sweeney of the balance of the side.
“Cody was excellent to start the season and we haven’t required Josh (Lownds) as much in the last two games which is positive.
“We considered playing an extra batter this week but decided against it so whether we do that or start with spin, it’s something to keep an eye on.”
Tooradin kept Kooweerup to 261 at a ground conducive to high scores before rain prevented play on day two which Sweeney reflected on as a step forward, before it all came together against Cardinia.
“Saturday was our most disciplined bowling performance,” Sweeney said.
“Regardless of their score, I was more pleased with the areas we put the ball in.
“I don’t think we did anything special, it was just consistency.
“We stuck to our plans and bowled to the fields.”
The Gulls have already made inroads into the target, sitting at 2/26 at stumps with Sweeney unbeaten alongside Josh Lownds.
Victory would propel Tooradin into the top two of the Casey Cardinia Cricket Association Premier ladder.
