DISTRICT
A LOG-JAM continues at the top of the ladder in MPCA District cricket after the conclusion of round five on Saturday.
There are nine teams all within a game of the top four with Red Hill, Flinders and Mt Martha all providing themselves with a little buffer after recording wins on Saturday.
Both Red Hill and Flinders failed in their attempt to record outright wins over Main Ridge and Rye respectively on Saturday after being in strong positions to do so, however, still recorded strong victories.
Mt Martha didn’t have things all their own way against Seaford Tigers but still managed to record a 42-run win.
In other results in perfect conditions on Saturday, Baden Powell went within four wickets of recording an outright win against Boneo, Rosebud hung on to win a tight one against Heatherhill by 32 runs and Delacombe Park recorded a comprehensive win against Seaford.
Rye was unable to avoid yet another outright loss against Flinders.
Flinders batted first and declared with eight overs left on the first day at 9/226.
Rye faced the final eight overs of the day and lost Beau Suffern and resumed on day two at 1/11.
They were bowled out for 77 before being sent straight back in.
Max Royal with 4/14 was the best of the bowlers in the first innings while Tom Clements snared 3/11 from eight overs. Clements picked up 4/23 in the second innings for Flinders, however Rye avoided outright defeat, finishing on 8/116.
Boneo resumed at 1/59 against Baden Powell, who scored 9/242. Things weren’t as positive on the second day though for the Pandas, bowled out for 170.
Baden Powell then fired off a quick 2/125 before sending the Pandas back in to bat. The home side finished at 6/106.
Rosebud set Heatherhill 218 for victory in their match at Olympic Park and for the visitors, it was a score they couldn’t chase down.
Although Kristian Miller scored 48 and Christian Heath 28 at the top of the innings, things couldn’t get going in the middle order.
Matty Meagher led a slight revival with 30 but the Hills were eventually rolled for 185.
Jason Nagel was at his vintage best for the Buds with 5/65 from 28 overs while Billy Quigley chimed in with 4/51 from 24 overs.
Seaford resumed on day two at 1/23 against Delacombe Park. They were rolled for 125.
Dean Blight was the pick of the bowlers with 4/38, while Rob Fisher, Andrew Stapleton and Ricky Ramsdale all picked up two wickets each.
Seaford Tigers had their work cut-out to hunt down the 280 required for victory against Mt Martha.
The Tigers did well though, scoring 6/237 before the match was declared a draw.
Ash Mills scored 82 and David James hit 62, while Aaron Mountey hit 47.
Kyle Bendle was outstanding with the ball for the Reds with 5/44 from 17.3 overs.
Red Hill easily accounted for Main Ridge.
Resuming at 1/64, chasing 103, the Hillmen declared at 7/195. Main Ridge was 6/137 at the end of play.
