Brimbank and Melton sports news in briefs from around the grounds
Bowls
Melton slipped to eighth spot on the Bowls Victoria division 1 pennant ladder after a costly loss against Essendon on Saturday. In a hard-fought contest, Melton was unable to produce its best, falling short by three shots, 77-74. Melton has now lost two of its first three matches and will need to turn its form around quickly if it’s to avoid relegation pressure. Elsewhere in division 1 at the weekend, Deer Park defeated Altona, Altona Sports was too good for Moonee Ponds, Preston-Reservoir got the better of Werribee, and Glenroy defeated Moonee Valley.
Cricket
Sydenham-Hillside is in a strong position after day one of its North West Metro Cricket clash with Campbellfield. Batting first, the Storm smashed 9-238 from 70 overs at the Hillside Recreation Reserve before declaring with 10 overs in hand. Storm bowlers then struck early, dismissing Campbellfield opening batsman Jaspreet Singh for just six. It was the only breakthrough for Sydenham, with Campbellfield set to resume at 1-23.
Victorian Turf Cricket
Despite not batting its allotted overs, Deer Park is in a strong position after day one of its Victorian Turf Cricket clash against Williamstown Imperials. Getting first use in the middle, the Lions compiled 233 from 73 overs. Lee Elmore was the leading wicket-taker for Williamstown Imperials, finishing with 3-45, while Greg Keywood, Samuel Reynolds and Luke Fossett took two wickets each. In reply, Imperials are 0-12 after eight overs, with Tim Vaughan and Martin Watson the not-out batsmen. When play resumes, Imperials will need another 222 to claim the points.
District cricket
Caroline Springs is locked in a see-saw battle with Bellbridge in Williamstown District Cricket A-grade. After winning the toss and sending Bellbridge in to bat, the Caroline Springs bowlers ensured day one honours. Bellbridge was dismissed for 147 in the 55th over, while Christopher Vulic was a standout with the ball, the speedster taking six wickets. In reply, Caroline Springs is 4-54 after 22 overs. When play resumes this week, the batting side will need another 94 runs to secure the win.
Turf cricket
A dominant display from Sunshine United’s top five batsmen has put the Tigers in the box seat after day one of their Victorian Turf Cricket clash against Penleigh Essendon Grammar School. After winning the toss, United opening pair Daniel Pace and Daniel Raniolo made light work of the bowling attack, adding 132 for the first wicket. Even when the partnership was broken it did nothing to slow the Tigers’ progress with Leigh Sheridan, Indika Dharmawardane and Sangaran Nandhalal all among the runs. United went on to post 8-300 from its 80 overs.
