LIAM DURKIN
CRICKET
LVDCL PREMIER A
By LIAM DURKIN
INTRIGUE will enter the second week of Round 13 matches in Latrobe Valley District Cricket League Premier A.
Any number of results are still a possibility, and captains will no doubt spend part of this week mulling over just what to do before taking to the field.
JUICE!
Mick Higgins showed his skill doesn’t just lie in hitting cut shots for six.
Higgins took 5/33 for Raiders, helping his side to first innings points against Churchill.
The Cobras found the going tough after winning the toss and batting first at Yinnar, and were routed for just 78 inside 50 overs.
Things started badly for Churchill and just got worse, so bad in fact the run-rate had a decimal point before the first number. After 15 overs they were 3/9, and after 34, 6/38.
Unsurprisingly, the top-scorer was for Churchill was John Keighran. While his effort to make 55 was noteworthy, it was something of an indictment considering it became a case of ‘any danger boys?’
Keighran was the only one to manage double figures – the next highest score was five.
Higgins took the key wicket of Keighran, and was able to complete his five-fa thanks to the work up top by Raiders spearheads Madura Perera and Harry McColl.
Perera nabbed 2/20, and McColl went for just three runs off nine overs, seven of which were maidens.
Joining the party was George Chesire, who bowled in tandem with Higgins, taking two wickets of his own.
Although Raiders’ task with the bat seemed straightforward enough, the end to the day left the match precariously placed.
The home side went past the required total for the loss of four wickets, however, by stumps, they were 9/103 – only 25 runs ahead.
Put simply: Churchill aren’t out of this by any means.
Some handy 20s from Higgins and Liam Maynard helped Raiders to first innings points, but a collapse of 5/13 undid a lot of good work.
Kian Farnworth caused havoc, and gave Raiders plenty to think about.
The seamer dismissed three of the top five, before taking two later in the day to finish with figures of 5/36.
Churchill bowled well around Farnworth, with the five others used all either chipping in with wickets, or going at around two an over.
The Cobras will be out to get the last remaining wicket as quickly as possible this Saturday, before setting Raiders a fourth innings total.
Chris Stanlake is slated to come in for the second week for Raiders, while Churchill has Steve Warr and Kurt Holt listed to do likewise.
Tugga missing a day of cricket? Surely that hasn’t happened too often.
THINK Cal Stewart might have been back bowling full pace last Saturday.
While this writer did the right thing and had that confirmed, one look at his figures of 7/31 was probably enough evidence in any regard.
Stewart steamed in off the long run at Ted Summerton Reserve, and reduced Moe to 4/44.
The Lions decided to have a hit after winning the toss, and had plenty to negotiate, not only from the pace of Stewart, but also on a surface that is now not as flat as it was before Christmas.
Chris Robinson dug in for the Lions, getting to 25 before becoming one of Tyer Brown’s two victims.
Needing to take some time out of the match, Callum Grant held firm with two runs off 41 balls, while a handy 27 from Royce Colgrave got the home side to 123.
Stewart, who had bowled 13 straight in his first spell, came back on and took three wickets across his next two, this time, just more so focussing on putting the ball in good areas.
With the knowledge that comes from being a professional player, it is likely Stewart is managing his bowling load to make sure he is peaking late next month, should it look as though CATS will play finals.
Before Christmas, while he was still performing well, it was clear he was bowling within himself.
Granted players should always try their hardest, but if it’s the middle of the year and you’re up by 80 points with five minutes to go in the last quarter, there is no point going back with the flight and risk spending the next six weeks on the sideline.
Moe had 29 overs at CATS, who ended up 3/62 when the stumps were pulled.
The Lions got off to a great start, and had the visitors 3/11.
Clinton Taylor was miserly, conceding just three runs in seven overs, as was Royce Colgrave, who took 1/3 off four.
Brown and Josh Keyhoe will resume Day 2 on 32 and 19 not out respectively, needing 61 to win on first innings.
It would be remiss not to mention one thing: Rob Phoenix comes in this week for Moe.
THE battle between the north and south side of the train line is well-poised.
Latrobe is 0/21 in pursuit of Morwell’s 157.
The Sharks finally got on Peter Siddle Oval, and found themselves bowling first after losing the toss.
Latrobe had Morwell on the ropes at 4/10, before a partnership of 49 between Sam Mooney and Blake Mills stabilised things.
Mooney made 29 and Mills an innings-high 61.
The Sharks were able to strike a few times after breaking the partnership, before Greg Harvey chipped in with a handy 25 batting at number nine.
Tyron Gamage sent down 23 overs and took four wickets, while skipper Benn Zomer grabbed two.
Latrobe got through 10 overs unscathed, and will resume with Ronnie Chokununga and Anthony Bloomfield at the crease.
Both clubs are playing for the Vizard/Giddens Family Cup.
The cup has been inaugurated to honour families of Latrobe and Morwell Cricket Club’s, and their contributions to each.
