PROVINCIAL
MORNINGTON Peninsula Cricket Association Provincial star Chris Brittain hit his second century in as many innings as he helped Baxter to victory on the first day of its clash against Moorooduc.
Brittain’s last four knocks have amassed more than 400 runs with scores of 79 against Somerville, 90 against Mornington, 122 against Long Island and 118 against the Ducs on Saturday.
What was even more impressive is that Brittain was able to score the runs so quickly. Joe Rule lost his wicket before scoring, bringing Brittain to the crease with the Baxter score on 0.
Together with Todd Quinn (57), Brittain was able to get the score to 131 before enjoying another 80 run partnership with skipper Daniel Warwick (35). Dale Irving had some hitting practice late to help Baxter get to 4/272 in just 38 overs.
Going into day two of the clash, Baxter already has 12 points. Sitting in fifth place on the ladder, four points behind Sorrento, Baxter wants and needs the outright.
Baxter sent Moorooduc in after winning the toss and bowled out the home team in 42 overs for 167.
Sam Wolsgrove took full advantage of being in the First XI for the first time this season, claiming 3/39 off seven overs, while Dale Irving and Chamika Sattambi snared 3/47 and 3/41 respectively.
David Greensmith top scored for the Ducs with 53 in his second game back in the firsts.
Baxter will be hunting the additional eight points this week.
It was all or nothing for Long Island on Saturday with their season on the line against Crib Point and after the first couple of hours of play, it appeared the season had slipped by.
Heading into the second last round of the season, the Islanders are in sixth place on the ladder, 16 points out of fourth place. Only a win against Crib Point would give them any chance of making it.
The second placed Magpies won the toss and sent the home side into bat. After 53.2 overs, they had sent the opposition packing for just 106. Michael Chaplin top scored with 23. Glenn Barclay snared 5/38 and Brad Davidson 4/29 for the Pies.
It was at that stage of the match that it appeared the curtain had come down on Long Island’s season.
The Long Island bowlers needed to produce something extra special, and they did.
Despite not having gun Scotty Phillips, the Islanders were able to put the Pies on the back foot, having them 6/46 at stumps.
Simon Dignan (2/13) and David Phillips (1/19) were able to have an early impact and Mike Reynolds really turned it on, picking up 3/4 from six overs.
Sorrento has its work cut out to pick up the win against Peninsula Old Boys.
The Sorras are currently hanging onto fourth place but they’ll need to chase down 297 to pick up the win in Round 10.
Wade Pelzer hit 101 for the Old Boys and Jon Forrest hit an unbeaten 57. Bobby Wilson was the pick of the Sorrento bowlers with 3/57.
Langwarrin has given itself every opportunity to pick up an outright win against Rye.
The Kangas lost the toss and batted first, scrambling to 172, thanks to 49 from Pete Edwards, 47 from the skipper Travis Campbell and 29 from Jake Prosser.
Tommy Baron claimed 5/49 for the Demons and Justin King picked up 3/42.
In reply, Rye is 5/43.
Pines scored 186 in its match against Somerville.
Harley Parker top scored with 30 and Jarred Coad helped himself to 26.
Russell Wilkes was the pick of the Eagles’ bowlers with 4/47.
Mt Eliza has set Mornington 256 for victory.
Justin Grant belted 112 for his side while Luke Harper was the pick of the Mornington bowlers with 4/82.
In reply, Mornington is 0/10.
