CRICKET
GCL
By LIAM DURKIN
REPRESENTATIVE cricket got underway at the weekend.
The Gippsland Cricket League saw full matches for Round 1, following a fortnight of rain across the region.
Fortunately, the Sunday fixture gave grounds and squares the chance to dry in time.
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SALE-MAFFRA defeated Bairnsdale.
The Sharks posted 233 batting first at Bundalaguah, and then skittled the visitors for 156.
Collegians pair Tom Morrison and Zac Hurley led the way, putting on 93 for the second wicket.
Morrison made 67, hitting seven fours and a six, while new GCL captain Hurley scored 41 against the new ball.
His predecessor, Jack Rietschel, chipped in with 35 batting at number six. The all-rounder, who would have to be close to the SMCA record for most GCL/Country Week/Australian Country Cricket Championships appearances, was forced to go at a slower clip than usual, owing to a niggling back injury.
Fellow GCL veteran Dylan Bolton took the score past 200 with 32 off 34 balls in a cameo knock from number eight.
Such is the depth of GCL, genuine batters such as Bolton come in way down the order.
Former SMCA player Isaac Love did most of the damage with the ball for Bairnsdale, taking 4/36. Scott Tite claimed 2/54 across two spells.
Bairnsdale was 1/50 in reply, but then lost two wickets without adding to the score.
Another collapse of 3/6 followed, which ultimately had WinViz well in favour of the Sharks.
Liam Clorley stood tall with 46, while Love got some respectability onto the scoreboard with an unbeaten 31.
Jayanga Peiris was looking ominous after getting to 27 off 21 balls, with 20 of those runs coming in boundaries. The Sharks’ skipper pulled a masterstroke however, bowling himself for one over and taking the crucial wicket.
Jack Tatterson was near-on unplayable, collecting 3/12 off eight overs (four maidens) with his seamers.
Young spinner Bayden Dowsett again showed promise, taking 3/39, while Morrison delivered an economical 2/24 off 10.
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WARRAGUL defeated Leongatha in the other senior GCL match.
Travelling to Wonthaggi, the Wild Dogs chased 212 four down.
There was some friendly fire in the match, with former Hallora player Ryan Williams (now with Foster) playing against his brother and Warragul GCL captain, James.
Most of the Warragul team was made up of Hallora and Catani players, emblematic of the problem some associations have in getting people to play Sunday cricket.
This season’s GCL fixture however has twenty20 matches. In the eyes of some, their view is “why would I waste my Sunday playing a T20?”
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LATROBE Valley had the bye.
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THE GCL women’s competition begins this Sunday (November 15).
SALE-MAFFRA also won the opening round of the under 18s.
The Sharks were too strong for Bairnsdale at Lakes Entrance.
Batting first, the home side compiled 9/201 off its allotted 50 overs.
Ethan Braden (40), Blake Rowley (37), Ollie Sullivan (36*) and Thomas Young (27) all helped the score.
In reply, Bairnsdale was knocked over for 138.
Wickets were shared between Max Shaw (3/19), Sullivan (2/7), Charlie Kelly (2/18) and Young (2/31).
The Sharks however will want to tidy up their lines before the next game, after sending down 23 wides.
Latrobe Valley, Leongatha and Warragul all had the bye.
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THE under 15 season saw Round 2 completed on November 8.
This followed a Round 1 abandonment across all games.
Latrobe Valley defeated Warragul at Jack Canavan.
The home side chased 117 for the loss of six wickets.
William Frankland played a patient hand of 25 off 60 cherries.
Arlen Peavey was a standout with the ball, taking 3/25. Oliver Stanton gave little away, grabbing 2/18 off 10 with two maidens.
Leongatha defeated Bairnsdale in the other match at Leongatha Recreation Reserve.
Sale-Maffra had the bye, and is yet to play a game.
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THE under 13s followed the same fixture.
Round 2 saw Latrobe Valley defeat Warragul at Jack Maskrey Oval.
The bowling and fielding effort enabled the home side to defend 99.
Caleb Milligan took 3/8, Thomas Daly 2/3 and Matt Edebohls 2/13.
Bairnsdale defeated Leongatha in the other match at Leongatha Secondary College.
Sale-Maffra had the bye.
Round 1 was washed out.
