Goannas four down to South Gippsland

THE South Gippsland Over 60s scored their first win against Gippsland Goannas at Leongatha on Sunday.

After consistent rain over the previous few days, the match was shifted from the turf wicket at Scorpion Park in Leongatha to a synthetic wicket at East Campus, home of the Leongatha Imperials Cricket Club. 

The ground was in excellent condition, but with a slow outfield.

Goannas captain Rino Metlikovec won the toss and batted. 

The Goannas were soon in trouble when Ray Floyd was caught for five and Mark Brown was bowled for a duck.

Barrie Nunn joined Ray Smith and worked hard to restore the innings. 

Nunn was eventually bowled for four off 44 balls, and Smith was joined by Rob Taylor with the score on three for 25.

Taylor batted with enterprise to retire on 40 off 54 balls, and Smith was caught for 28. 

Rino Metlikovec (17 not out), Rob Bacchetti (14) and Anton De Vent (six not out) took the score to six for 118 after the allotted 40 overs.

The score looked a little light, but gave the Goannas bowlers a chance for a win.

However, South Gippsland’s Peter Miller (40) and Rob Francis (12) both retired after a bright start, while Peter Little, Neil White and Tony Latham all made contributions. 

The Goannas did not take a wicket until the score reached 104, then took four. 

Ray Smith bowled three overs to take two for seven, while Mark Brown and Barrie Nunn took wickets. 

Catches were taken by Murray Moore, Mark Brown and Ian Gibson, while Gibson also had one stumping.

It was a solid victory by a well-balanced South Gippsland side, who finished with four for 119 off 34 overs.