PROVINCIAL
MT ELIZA headed into the MPCA Christmas break clear on top of the Provincial table after knocking over reigning premier Peninsula Old Boys on Saturday.
On the final day of cricket in 2016, the Mounties ripped through the usual unstoppable POB top order to have them on the back foot from the outset.
Defending 263, the home side got rid of Dylan O’Malley (0), Wade Pelzer (6) and Matt Hyden (7) early to have the visitors on the back foot.
Justin Savio picked up the prized scalps of Pelzer and Hyden while Shaun Knott grabbed the wicket of O’Malley.
One thing we know about the Old Boys is the depth of talent in the line-up.
Eivion Bowen (42), Will Crowder (33) and Glenn Prendergast (55) gave the champs a sniff before Lyle House got into the game. House bowled 28 overs and finished with 3/90. Justin Grant and Damien Kent also took wickets at key times.
Adrian Jones offered some resistance with 39 at the end of the innings, however, it wasn’t enough to get the win. Peninsula Old Boys were bowled out for 207, leaving them with 54 points and in fourth place at the break.
Langwarrin is in third place on the ladder (66 points) after recording a comfortable 100-plus run win against Pines.
The Kangas resumed the second day at 4/73, chasing Pines 109.
While losing wickets early to be 6/99, Taylor Smith was more than solid with 45, Mal Coutts added 17 and Sam Prosser rose to the occasion with 28 to help get the Kangas to 223.
Pat Jackson was the pick of the Pines bowlers with 4/51 and Nick Wilcox claimed 3/38 from 20 overs.
Baxter is in second place on the ladder, also on 66 points, after smashing Crib Point.
After scoring 7/363 last week, Baxter made light work of getting through Crib Point’s batting line up, dismissing them for 168.
The Magpies lost their first six wickets for 28 runs.
Pies President Ricky Thompson yet again came to the rescue for his team and offered some resistance with 74, including 10 fours and a six, while Warren Herrington played a supporting role with 25.
Ben Brittain was the best of the Baxter bowlers with 4/28 from 19 overs, Dale Irving snared 3/35 from 14.3 overs and Chamara Sattambi picked up 3/51.
Mornington is eight points outside of the top bracket after getting the job done against Pearcedale.
Resuming at 1/23 chasing Pearcedale’s 132, Mornington made tough work of the chase but the result was never in doubt.
Charlie Parker top scored for the Dogs with 41, Matt Foon hit 36, Adrian Dale 34 and Leigh lambert 28, helping the winners to 9/236.
The Panthers used seven bowlers, the most effective being skipper Kaine Smith, who bowled 30 overs for a return of 16 maidens and 2/43.
Sorrento is back in the finals hunt after picking up an outright victory against Moorooduc.
After bowling the Ducs out for 85 on the first day, the Sharks resumed at 3/149. They declared at 8/186.
Despite 80 from Shamith Kannangara and 43 from Ben Williams in the second innings, Moorooduc was still rolled for 184, leaving Sorrento 84 to get to claim victory.
CJ King was superb with 6/68 from 14.1 overs, giving him 10 wickets for the match after snatching 4/39 in the first innings.
The Sharks got there three wickets down, Jedd Falck hitting 33 and Corey Harris 29.
