A devastating spell of bowling from Malshan Gunasinghe couldn’t save Sydenham-Hillside in the North West Metro Cricket Association’s George Luscombe Shield on Saturday.
Sydenham lost on first innings, but will look for an outright win after reducing Gladstone Park to 2-2 in its second innings.
Gunasinghe sent down 11 overs and finished with 7-11, easily the most effective bowler on the afternoon.
PICTURE GALLERY: Sydenham-Hillside v Gladstone Park
Gladstone Park was all out for 109 in the 34th over, largely thanks to Gunasinghe’s efforts.
John Kulikowski was the only batsman to provide resistance, scoring 60.
But Sydenham couldn’t back it up with the bat and was bowled out for 105 in 40 overs in reply. James Devereux (29) and Anil Beniwal (20) were the only batsmen to get solid starts.
Coach Sanahasa Fernando is still confident of victory, though, with Sydenham picking up two crucial wickets in the six overs they bowled at Gladstone Park before stumps.
“We’re definitely a chance,” he said. “There are 80 overs left and a lot of things can happen. We’ll try to keep them to under 100.”
Fernando said his side’s poor batting was the reason for the four-run loss on first innings.
“We bowled really well and kept them to a very low score,” he said. “But our batting was struggling.
“There was nothing wrong with the ground and there was some good bowling, but it was poor batting from us. We’re disappointed especially, after Gunasinghe bowled really well.
“We’re looking forward to Saturday; there are a lot of positive things and a lot of youngsters coming through.”
At Green Gully Reserve, Kealba-Green Gully posted 182 against Pascoe Vale Central. Skipper Evan Long got another solid start to lead the way with 45, and he shared a crucial partnership of 82 with Balraj Randhawa (42) for the third wicket.
