PROVINCIAL
MT ELIZA is in the box seat for victory after scoring 285 against Moorooduc on a difficult day to play cricket across the peninsula on Saturday.
The Mounties scored at a quick rate in its 62 overs with skipper Justin Grant scoring 59, Tim Strickland 56 and keeping opener Tim Clarke getting 54.
Ben Marsh was outstanding for the Ducs with 5/96 off 20 overs, giving him his biggest wicket haul for the season. Greg Pullen was also lively for the Ducs with 3/67 from 16 overs.
In reply, Moorooduc is 1/32 after Brett Wilson was sent packing without scoring.
Mornington has given Peninsula Old Boys something to aim for after scoring 212 on Saturday at home.
There were a number of Mornington batsmen who got starts but couldn’t go on with it. Luke Popov scored 35, Matt Foon 34, Brad Lynch 30 and Charlie Parker 26.
Jon Forrest was at his menacing best with 4/84 from 33 overs, while Eivion Bowen picked up 4/44 from 22 overs.
The Old Boys faced the final over of the day and got through unscathed and will resume this week at 0/6.
There were 13 wickets that fell at Shark Park as Crib Point was bowled out for 126 before Sorrento lost 3/9 before the end of play.
Magpies middle-order batsman Ricky Thompson was the only player to offer any resistance against the Sharks attack, scoring 31, while Jacob Cudmore was next best with 24 after hitting five boundaries.
Sorrento skipper Bobby Wilson picked up 4/52 from 24 overs for his team while Liam O’Connor snared 4/26 from 14 overs.
The Magpies’ bowlers needed to produce something extra special to get themselves back into the game and they did in the final 10 overs of the day.
Glenn Barclay was at his brilliant best for the Pies with 3/4 from five overs.
Kane Gordon, Leigh Poholke and Jedd Falck are all back in the sheds, while O’Connor and Wilson are the not out batsmen.
Langwarrin is in some strife against Long Island after losing nine wickets for just 101 in the 55.4 overs bowled for the day.
Andrew Tweddle snared five wickets for the Islanders while James Paxton collected a couple.
Jake Prosser is still not out on 24 and with him his Daniel Bray. The pair will need to add at least 50 to be any chances against the visitors.
The match between Pearcedale and Pines is in the balance after 12 wickets fell on the opening day.
The Panthers batted first on their home deck and were rolled for 150, Will Kennedy the only shining light with 56.
Nick Wilcox snared four wickets for the Piners while Pat Jackson picked up three scalps.
In reply, Pines faced the final 10 overs of the day and lost 2/23.
Somerville will be chasing 180 for victory against Baxter.
Baxter scored 179 in 79 overs with Justin Bridgeman top scoring with 52 and Sam Wolsgrove hitting a timely 29 batting at 10.
Russell Wilkes was the pick of the Somerville bowlers with a sensational 6/31 from 23 overs, including 13 maidens.
In reply, Somerville is 0/1.
