SERPENTINE Jarrahdale Blues’ top two sides both made strong starts in their two-day South Metropolitan Cricket Association games on the weekend.
After losing their bottom-of-the-table clash last week, the first grade team batted first against Armadale and got off to a strong start through Damien Leipold (38) and John Murphy (36).
Tight bowling made run scoring difficult, but youngsters Claus Lotter and Clayton Stone shone in their 1st grade debuts, helping the Blues reach 9-183 from their 75 overs.
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READ NOWThird grade also batted first against Armadale and posted a formidable total of 9-238, again helped by a solid opening partnership from Steven Paice (23) and Ryan Makarov (34).
They were ably backed up by contributions from Aaron Ballantyne (42), Tony Booth (36) and Jeremy Easthope (31).
At Mundijong Oval, the 1C side lost a close encounter against Cockburn, who made 6-149 after batting first.
Veterans Brendon Kelly (2-14) and Nav Singh (1-17) were the best of the bowlers, however the Blues were forced to bowl over five additional overs due to wides and no balls.
Zaine Atwell (60 not out) fought hard to give the Blues a chance, but six ducks meant the they were dismissed for 131.
The 6th grade outfit came up Cockburn in their top of the table clash and were made to battle for every run.
After falling to 6-83, Bryce Shersby (37) and youngster Brodie Gordon (14 not out from 101 balls) helped salvage the innings to give the Blues an outside chance of victory on day two.
UNIVERSITY is well placed after a polished performance on the first day of play against Gosnells, needing a further 107 runs to claim a first-innings win after ending the day on 56 without loss.
Ben Green started the innings in fine touch for Gosnells, setting a solid foundation for his side after scoring 57 runs.
At 2-86, captain Matthew Leipold and David Roberts added a further 31 runs, increasing the total to 117.
However, at 3-136, University’s bowlers – led by Sean Stuart – began to find their range, which triggered a horrendous batting collapse for the visitors.
Gosnells lost its final seven wickets for a shocking 26 runs as Stuart ran riot, taking an incredible 6-28 from his 26 overs, which included 11 maidens.
With only 162 to chase down, University hit the crease on fire, rocketing to 56 without losing a wicket.
Full of confidence, Stuart continued his good form throughout the match, scoring 32 runs before the end of the day’s play.
Play continues from 11.40am February 24 at James Oval, Crawley.
ARMADALE’S sixth Grade are in a spot of bother but not without a chance after they were sent in by Riverton, only to be rolled for 76.
Corey Mullane played a lone hand with a fine 38.
In reply Sunil Pandey was inspired, taking an incredible 4-9 off 15 overs, as Riverton went to stumps at 5-51.
One day As have gone down to the Perth Tamils after batting first.
Asim Mehmood played a blinder up top, smashing 73, including 4 maximums, but 2-108 quickly became 8-155, before George Knowles chipped in with 17 not out to see Armadale to 180.
In reply Perth Tamils just kept on edging away despite Armadale taking regular wickets.
They ended up on 6-200 with Ash Starling the pick of the bowlers with 3-30.
One day Cs have had a good win against Kwinana who batted first and were skittled for 107.
Dhanasekar Srinivasan was the star as he took 3-20 from his 8 overs.
During Armadale’s stint in the middle Jagadeesh Ganesan smashed 37 at the top but saw a flurry of wickets as 0-53 quickly became 5-74 and 7-99.
James Ogden then came to the rescue with a solid 24no to see Armadale home to 8-133.
One day Es went down to Kelmscott after making 7-168 batting first.
Rhett Jones made a quick 28 at the top of the order before a steady stream of wickets saw Armadale fall to 5-65.
Dave Armstrong then steadied with a fine 47no to allow a competitive 7-168.
Armadale fought hard with the ball but Kelmscott edged home to 7-180.
Josh Thatcher was the pick of the bowlers with 2-27.
One day Fs have had a cracking win against Kardinya who batted first and were going steady at 1-35.
A fine team effort then saw them crumble to be 76 all out.
Kirby Mayes (2-11), Cam Gibb (2-17) and Mick Lorenz (2-24) all bowled well.
Armadale lost a steady stream of wickets in response but were never in serious trouble, posting 99 after passing the score 6 down.
Owen Povah top scored with 20.
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