C grade finally gets underway

C Grade

FINALLY, after three weeks of waiting, the LDCA’s C grade division got underway on the weekend with three interesting clashes.

Close win for Island
PHILLIP Island had to battle their way there, but successfully chased down MDU’s score at the Rhyll Cricket Ground to open their season with a four-wicket win. 

The travelling Demons won the toss and chose to bat first and despite only losing three wickets, just couldn’t find a groove in the Island conditions, finishing their 35 overs with 95 runs on the board. 

Dees’ skipper Dale Thomas (42 off 117) was the standout, as Sachin Sirirathnage (1/12 from 7) was tough to get away. 

In reply, the Sharks got off to a tremendous start behind openers Gavin Excell (30 off 49) and John Manning (28 off 38) but found themselves running out of steam towards the end. They were able to complete the chase though, despite some inspired bowling from Stephen Riley (2/15 from 7).

Nyora out of the blocks
NYORA has jumped out of the blocks with a huge win on the road, steam rolling Korumburra at the Dalyston Recreation Reserve. 

The Cobras won the toss and chose to bat first and found the going really tough, seeing their top five batters all depart with single figure scores, luckily their captain Timothy Morrison (27* off 48) was able to salvage the wreckage to see his side post 6/83 after their 35 overs. 

Keith Maclure (3/15 from 7) was the standout for Nyora who made relatively easy work of the low total, despite losing six wickets to Jayden Douglas (2/34 from 7) and the ‘Burra attack. 

Colin Knox (66 off 86) saw his side home. 

Two-wicket win for Koony’
KOONWARRA L/RSL have won their home opener, getting the better of Glen Alvie by two-wickets at the Koonwarra Recreation Reserve. 

The visitors won the toss and elected to bat first, but unfortunately didn’t see too much production outside of their skipper Ian Thorn (57* off 66) as they posted 7/134 at the conclusion of their 35 overs.

Britney Thomas (2/19 from 4) was the best of the nine Cougars bowlers.

In reply, the hosts looked well on their way behind Shane Paterson (61 off 85), but when he fell at 5/104 things opened up for the Alvie. 

Koony’ captain Kevin Thorne (25 off 43) stood tall but two wickets in the last five overs from David Hynes (3/8 from 7) really put the pressure on the Cougars tail. 

Luckily for Koonwarra, that tail wagged just enough to see them home in the final over, thanks to some clutch batting from number ten Jordi Geary (7* off 6) who’s four off the penultimate ball of the game sealed the victory. 

Town d Club via forfeit. 
Inverloch d OMK via forfeit. 
Kilcunda Bass - bye