TRAFALGAR caused a major upset in its Central Gippsland Cricket Association Energy Australia match against Moe with a thrilling one-wicket win.
The premiers for the past seven years, Moe is now lingering at the bottom of the table winless with Newborough Bulldogs just ahead of it.
Batsmen on both sides struggled to get value for their shots on a lush outfield. Moe began well with Dale Walshe (23) and Paul Cake (29) putting on a half century opening partnership but when the pair departed at 2/57 runs were hard to come by.
Justin Mathison scored 26 in the middle order but Andrew Philip was the only other to reach double figures with 13. Rob Phoenix was missing due to work commitments and the Lions struggled to 8/115 after 45 overs.
Bowling honours for Trafalgar were shared between five bowlers.
Trafalgar also had several players missing but Graeme Rankin came out of retirement to score 37 at the top of the order. The Lions clawed their way back into the match when they got rid of Rankin and looked a chance when the Ships were wobbling at 8/110.
A unbeaten innings of 18 by Scott Moorhouse, ably assisted by Liam Durkin (6), carried them over the line.
Jayden Mathison was the best of the Moe bowlers taking 3/23.
Morwell v Newborough
MORWELL took full advantage of the new playing conditions in its win against Newborough Bulldogs.
The Bulldogs batted first and were all out for 70 with Aiden Vesty (16) and Chris O’Brien (11) reaching double figures. Mark Cukier was the best of the Morwell bowlers with 3/8 but the entire attack bowled tightly.
Craig Giddens (31) and Brendan Brincat (29) were the best of the Morwell bats as they were all out after 33 overs for 109.
Jason Bennett with 4/6 was the Bulldogs’ best bowler and Rowan Kelly (3/30) and Matt Hibbs (2/27) also shone. Brent Reside, after taking 1/0 off four balls in the first innings, caused the Bulldogs’ top order a lot of grief as the first three batsmen made ducks. Reside ended with the figures of 4/27 from eight overs.
Recovering from 3/6, Chris Robinson (26) and Mike Whitney (21*) saw the Bulldogs out of trouble to concede only a first innings loss.
Mirboo North v Yallourn North
MIRBOO North recovered from last week’s disappointing effort to beat Yallourn North by 22 runs in an even contest. Sent in to bat, the Bombers made 6/147 with Josh Keyhoe impressive scoring 64 while Luke Nelson contributed 22.
Tyler Brown looked good before he was run out by Jimmy Watson with a direct hit for 12.
Liam Smit (2/26) and Jarrod Speed (1/18) were economical in their 10 overs while Dale Banks took 2/26 off his quota of 10. Mirboo North was in a bit of trouble at 3/46 until Ben Heath (60) and Brett Pedlow (52*) steadied the innings to put on 98 for the fifth wicket.
Second grade
RAWSON restricted the Willow Grove bats to 8/67 and went on to score 167 with Alex Sword unbeaten on 89 in second grade.
Mitch Jennings was Thorpdale’s best bowler with 5/35 and he received support from Rod Fiddelears who took 3/30. Chad Williamson was the star in Moe’s win over Trafalgar.
Williamson made 53 and took 3/3 from six overs. St Vincents failed by six runs to beat Hazelwood North outright. The Razorbacks were bundled out for 55 in their first dig with Michael O’Brien taking 6/15. In reply the Saints declared 8/96 with Malcolm Gifford top scoring with 41. Hazelwood North was all out for 98 in their second innings leaving the Saints 58 off eight overs.
They lost four wickets in the process but picked up valuable bonus points.
Third grade
IN third grade Jeeralang Boolarra scored a 26 run over Thorpdale and Moe had an easy win over Willow Grove.
Mark Konndouras wrecked any chance of Morwell beating Newborough when he took 6/46 and was well supported by Steve Johnstone with 3/9. The Bulldogs batted first and made 9/136 after their 45 overs.
