By DAVID NAGEL
VSDCA – Round 4 (Day 1)
NOBLE Park (0/10) has the destiny of its Round 4 clash against Kingston Saints (219) held firmly in its own hands after a strong fight-back, late on day one at Walter Galt Reserve.
The Saints appeared headed for something quite substantial, in control at 6/217, before Mevan Fernando and Marasinghe Perera led a bowling revival. Fernando, who claimed five wickets, and Perera three, combined as the home side lost its last four wickets for just two runs.
For the Saints, Ben Clurey (66) and skipper Luke Wintle (78) joined forces for an 86-run partnership that was the highlight of their team’s innings. Victory will see eighth-placed Noble Park move a game and a half clear of the Saints and remain in contention for a finals berth.
ENDEAVOUR Hills (1/70) is another who fought back strongly on day one as it took control of its match against Ormond (194) at Sydney Pargeter Reserve.
The Eagles were struggling to make inroads early, with Ormond 4/165, before skipper Chris Pereira (5/31) turned the afternoon on its head. Pereira was the catalyst for the home side, the visitors losing 5/14 to waste their advantage. Matt Langley (2/41) also claimed multiple wickets, while the effort of Richard Saniga (0/16 off 11) to tie things up shouldn’t go unnoticed.
Zach Allen (41 not out) and Shean Vanderwert (19 not out) then finished the afternoon off in style with an unbroken 59-run stand that will resume at 1pm this Saturday.
