VSDCA: Former Prahran opener Adam Bull hits a chanceless century for Ormond

Former Prahran stars Adam Bull and Neil ‘The Hurry Master’ Schlittler yank back the clock with centuries in Sub-District cricket.

Oakleigh batsman Ryan Pearson hits out against Malvern. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Ormond recruit Adam Bull hit 126 not out on Saturday.

And on Sunday he felt like he had as many sore spots on his body as he had made runs.

His hamstrings and lower back in particular were protesting.

The Port Melbourne bowlers suffered more as Bull played a matchwinning innings at the North Port Oval.

The 38-year-old faced 142 balls and cracked 13 fours and a six forward of square as the Monders chased down 9-217 and stayed undefeated after four matches.

It was another doughty performance from Port Melbourne, which has yet to win in its return to Subbies but continues to push teams.

Bull was impressed with the Borough – and their wicket and ground – and believes they’ll sneak up on some sides this season.

Adam Bull.

“I don’t think we bowled or fielded as well as we needed to but to their credit, they batted well and they know their ground,’’ Bull said.

“They hit it to areas where it ran away for four.

“They’ve got a couple of good bats and if they get going, especially on that ground, they could take the game away from you. They score quickly. They hit a lot of boundaries. They’re probably a seamer bowler short, maybe. But their spinners were good. They’ll surprise some teams, I reckon.’’

Opener Nathan McDonald (46), No 4 Ryan McDonald (47) and No 5 Nicholas Benson (50) contributed most of Port Melbourne’s runs as it went past 200 and presented a test to the Monders.

They lost Rory Freeman early in the reply, but they batted around Bull’s chanceless century and raised victory in the last over.

“It was good fun,’’ affable former Premier batsman Bull said.

“It was a nice pitch and nice ground at Port Melbourne. Proper pace and bounce in the pitch and you could play your shots. Thought I’d better make the most of it.

“The club got around me last night and made me feel welcome. Amazing after you make a few runs how people want to get to know you!’’

Malvern paceman Joseph Doyle goes at Oakleigh. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Bull’s former Prahran captain Neil “The Hurry Master’’ Schlittler made a comeback in the Ormond seconds and blitzed 136 off only 71 balls, with 6 sixes and 14 fours.

He shared a 156-run partnership with another former Prahran player, Grant Chessari (68).

Ormond should regain veteran James Wild (split webbing between his fingers) for its clash this Saturday with powerhouse Caulfield, which is unbeaten from five matches.

The Fielders had their way with Elsternwick, racking up another 200-plus total – 3-229 – and routing Elsty for 132.

Recruit Dan Forbes surged past the 300-run mark with 66 off 65 balls and the great Graeme Rummans (53no) and Chase Alfasi (50no) put on an unbroken 95 for the fourth wicket.

Elsty welcomed back big Will Long for the first time since 2019-20 but never got close in the chase.

The Oakleigh players celebrate a wicket. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Oakleigh also stayed undefeated, seeing off Malvern despite a five-wicket haul from former Test man Michael Beer.

Beer took 5-28 from 8.5 overs, three of his victims LBW, including Blake Pearson for a blob.

But the Oaks still raised a handy 163, largely through Brendan McGuinness, who top scored with 73 from 88 balls, with 6 fours and 1 six.

It was left to Beer (35 off 64 balls) to present Oakleigh with after the top-order failed to fire. Key man Tom Rickarby was leg-before to Ryan Pearson (3-15) for 24 and the visiting team eventually fell for 130.

McGuinness joined Oakleigh in 2012-13 and has hit 4642 runs, with 32 half-centuries and nine centuries.

While on great run makers, Brighton champion Ricky Damiano clipped 76 off 86 balls and put on 111 with Brenton Murphy (43) for the second wicket as the Tonners (3-164) overhauled Williamstown’s 7-163.

Damiano answered Willy No 4 Matt Dervan’s knock of 81.