Round Report: Round four – week one
Longmuir
After winning the toss and sending us in, it didn't take long for Carnegie South to rue the decision, with boom youngsters Hugo and Patrick flaying the helpless visitor's bowling from the onset. After Paddy departed for a hastily complied 24, a few more quick wickets saw Trent and Hugo become Uniting Pest Exterminators, and the newly formed company set about destroying an already struggling Redbacks attack. With his second ton in as many weeks, Hugo was dismissed for a brilliant 124 (12 fours and 2 sixes), while Trent finally made Pete Kal proud with a scintillating 159 (17 fours and 8 sixes). Like a vulture scavenging a dead carcass, Cal finished off the chaos with a streaky 46 n.o. With 375 on the board at the close of play, the boys are definitely starting to hit their straps.
Quiney
Asked to field after losing the toss, the 'twos' imposing attack was led by killer cubs Liam (1/27) and Zac (0/34), and both did well to restrict the East Oakleigh early. Daniel Ewart (0/29) was impressive after being recalled from the thirds, but it was Jason 'the Gaffer' McNally who was the hero of the day. With the threat of being deported from president John Halliday ringing in his ears, our proud coach silenced his critic with a breathtaking 7/16 off 10 overs. While some were left to eat humble (pork) pies, Jason's return to form and the top flight will have the rest of the competition singing "God save Longy". In return, Jason was also amongst the runs with a hard-hitting 25, while Campbell James put aside his growing obsession with girls to remain undefeated on 28.
Thirds
Winning the toss and sending Mackie in, the boys had our traditional rival floundering at 3/19 after Paxman (1/9), Cameron(1/25) put on a clinic with the new ball. The onslaught didn't end there, with returning fan favourite Mason (3/24) assisted by star cubs 'Smoothie' Manakis (2/18) and Zander (1/16) in skittling the hosts for 126. With several overs to bat, dumped veteran Peter Manakis opened the innings with his favourite son Smoothie (44), and they broke spirits like they break plates at weddings, with an opening stand that surpassed three figures. Cruelly on 97, Peter departed, but did he do enough to reclaim his post in Quiney? The Badger (29 n.o) could be the key to the boys posting enough runs to attempt an outright.
Fours
Why a supremely talented player like Jimmy Still is playing in this grade is a mystery to most, and the ginger only added to the uncertainty by posting the club's third century of the day (it would have been four had Pete not choked). 16 fours and 6 sixes showed he didn't do much running, but his majestic 118 will no doubt see him stroll up the grades before season's end. Exciting youngsters Rohan (24) and Charlie (17) got starts without cashing in, while late-order lusty hitting from Tom Thomas, Gayan and co saw a very respectable 265 posted. In return, Hampton Central are 1/24.
Fifths
After winning the toss against Hampton Central and being selfishly nagged by Greg Brisbane to bat, Guy relented and paired lower-grade specialist Jack Hanley with a giddy Brissy. The portly pair didn't waste their opportunity, putting on an opening stand of 45 before Jack departed for 32. The skipper come and went for 18, while fellow veteran Simon Carolan will be nervous after Brissy (55) shamefully ran him out for seven. Hardened street fighters 'Banker' (34) and Jonno (59) came together to steer the total to a very healthy 7/241 at stumps.
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