PREMIER B GRADE – vs Jeeralang Boolarra
A crucial game of 7th vs 8th (of 9) to shape the relegation fight, both teams desperate for the points. The Panthers destroyed the Lions (113-34) in Round 4 at Boolarra, what would happen at the Racecourse Turf? Moe changed things from that day immediately by batting first.
Moe Innings:
Even in the absence of Boolarra coach, Jamie Brierley, arriving later in the game, it was a shocking start for the Lions, reduced to 4/27 early – Sheekey 2, Atkinson (0), Blandford 3, Edwards (0). Ash Savige & Mark Whitney put on 80 for the 5th wicket, the former using Blandford as a runner for the majority of his inning after an injury whilst running.
Whitney (22) fell at 5/107. Brierley arrived and bowled Savige (70) with his first delivery (6/124), which triggered a 4/14 collapse for the home side (Savige, Straughair 7, Micallef 6, Wilson 2). Robert Blunt (10*) & Ben McCartney (11*) added a possibly crucial unbeaten 21 run stand for the last wicket to propel the score to 9/159 from the full 45 overs. Smith 2/20, McCormack 2/23 & Brierley 2/25 all took multiple wickets for the Panthers.
Boolarra Innings:
Laaks (5) survived a dropped catch off Blunt at first slip, before falling caught behind to Daniel Farmer (1/27 off 8.) at the other end at 1/9. Ben McCormack & Glen Smith survived a tight spell from Blunt, then proceeded to add 69 for the 2nd wicket, which included McCormack making his 3rd half century of the season. He was dismissed for 51 at 2/78, caught & bowled by Jarryd Atkinson. Smith (25) fell to Atkinson shortly after, stumped by Sheekey.
Lachlan Smith (28) & Tom Reiske (26*) added 35 before the former became Atkinson’s 3rd scalp at 4/122. Brierley (4) fell to Edwards (1/21) with 33 required off 7 overs. 10 runs off the 39th over turned the tide in Boolarra’s favour with just 23 required off 36 balls. Reiske & Parker (14*) went better than a run a ball from there to get the Panthers through to victory with 17 deliveries to spare. Atkinson was Moe’s best wicket taker with 3/47 (9) whilst Blunt gave minimal away (0/12 off 9).
Summary:
Last week eliminated the slim finals hopes and this week now has Moe staring down the barrel of relegation. A huge match with bottom side Centrals, who are already relegated, next week to have any prospect of survival.
