Bats roar for Lions
A powerful batting display was enough to secure a 36-run win for Deer Park against Williamstown Imperials in the VTCA’s West B1 division on Saturday. Batting first, the Lions smashed 4-185 from their 40 overs. Opening batsman Mayurathan Ratneswaran was the standout of the innings, making 55, his third half-century of the season. He was well supported by Shane Jones, who made 42, and Luke Graves with 37. In reply, Imperials struggled to maintain the required run rate needed to chase down the total. They lost wickets at key times and could manage just 7-149 from their 40 overs. Glenn Sullivan and Jones shared the bulk of the wickets, taking three each. The win keeps Deer Park undefeated and on top of the West B1 ladder.
Bowlers star in Storm victory
Sydenham-Hillside has its bowlers to thank for a 28-run win in the North West Metro Cricket Association on Saturday. Against Gladstone Park at Hillside Recreation Reserve, Hillside made 9-145 after winning the toss and batting first. In reply, Gladstone Park had a tough time surviving the Storm bowling line-up. After being 4-14, Gladstone Park was saved from a smashing by lower-order batsman Jaydan Moore, who blasted 57 in an innings that included seven fours and three sixes. But he couldn’t get anyone to stay at the crease with him long enough and the chase came to an end in the 26th over with the score on 117. After dropping its first three games of the season, Sydenham-Hillside has rebounded with back-to-back wins. The Storm will look to keep the streak going when it takes on Clarkefield Brumbies this week.
