By JARROD POTTER
VSDCA South East 1st XI – Round 9 (day 1)
NOBLE PARK v ELSTERNWICK
EARLY carnage was amended by Rob Johnston as Noble Park (194) continues to post strong tallies and make another play to creep up the VSDCA South-East ladder.
Jake Richardson (36) had to watch on as his partners at the other end succumbed rapidly. Val Holten Medal contender Issy Perera (19) wasn’t able to add much to the tally as it fell to Johnston (69 not out) to get the job done.
After switching from Coomoora mid-season, Johnston showed his spot in the Bulls line-up was warranted as he etched out a steadfast 157-ball half-ton to keep the Noble Park scoreboard ticking over.
His contributions guided the tail as Rizan Mawzoon (20) and Jaye Edmunds (24) held on to give Johnston enough support at the non-striker’s end.
A win and results falling their way could push the Bulls up to third on the ladder, to completely turn around the reigning premiers’ early form where they sat outside the top 10.
ENDEAVOUR HILLS v BRIGHTON
ENDEAVOUR Hills (193) virtually matched the Bulls to set a headache-induced chase for Brighton.
Starts through the top and middle order pushed through a sizeable tally, but no one managed to convert their 20-30 into a big score to really tip the match in the Eagles’ favour.
Justin Merlino (48) fared best for the home side, as he carried on the strong start from Thomas Hafil (34) and Dayle Olson (28). Brighton started to shine as wickets fell in clumps at the hands of James Harrod (4/35) and a superb 27-over spell from Jack Rutter (4/92).
Richard Saniga (30 not out) shored up the lower order as the veteran all-rounder resisted a quick exit from the home field. Lasting all but the final three overs, the Eagles posted 193 to give Brighton something meaty to chase and can hopefully snap a three-game losing streak for Endeavour Hills.
Day two of Round 9 was completed on Sunday after the Journal went to press, final scores are available on the Journal website.
