DVCA: Michael Edwards fires for Mernda, local cricket’s ‘cleanest’ run-out

A Mernda all-rounder produced one of the best performances of the local cricket season while a Research Eltham Collegians star produced the “cleanest” run-out as he ripped middle stump out of the ground.

Michael Edwards laid claim to the best performance of the season in the DVCA.

Mernda’s Michael Edwards might take some beating for the best performance of the Diamond Valley Cricket Association season.

In his side’s Mash Shield win over ladder leader Rivergum, Edwards dominated with the bat and ball as the Demons sent a statement to the rest of the competition.

On day one, he crafted a brilliant 126 runs off 121 balls in difficult circumstances, coming to the crease with his side reeling at 6-39.

Well supported by his fellow lower order batters, Edwards lifted his side to 9-232 by the close of play.

On Saturday, he finished with figures of 5-27 to help have Rivergum all out for 105, as the visitors lost the last six wickets for just 17 runs.

Lachlan Wright and Stuart Wright also chipped in with a couple of wickets.

RUN-OUT OF THE YEAR?

Jeremy Klaster enjoyed some sort of weekend for Research Eltham Collegians.

As his side secured their second Diamond Valley Cricket Association Barclay Shield win of the season, Klaster did just about everything to will his side across the line on day two.

A week earlier, he had posted 27 runs off 39 balls at number nine to help his side reach 210 all out.

He then followed it up with 6-46 alongside skipper Josh Turner’s 3-63 to help his side win a five-run thriller against Diamond Creek and keep their finals hopes alive.

But it was Klaster’s run out of Demons’ opener Robert Phelan which was arguably the highlight of his performance.

Fielding at mid-off, Klatser cleanly picked the ball off and his direct hit ripped middle stump out of the ground with Phelan laying on the ground after diving to make his crease.

“The cleanest direct hit run out you will see all year,” the club’s Facebook page declared.

BIGGS FINDS HIS BEST

Saturday was comfortably Heidelberg opener Lachlan Biggs’ best knock of the season. He finished with an unbeaten 117 runs off 245 deliveries as his side stunned Rosanna. Biggs led the five-wicket win after Rosanna was held to 6-198 on day one. Zach Pett was the perfect partner for Heidelberg as he finished with an unbeaten 32 off 51.

FOLLOW US, BOYS

North Eltham Wanderers duo Adam Tsapatsaris and Nick Murray produced brilliant all-round displays to lead their side to a win over ladder leader Riverside. Tsapatsaris hit 49 on day one and followed it up with season best figures of 3-58 alongside Murray’s 35 and 3-89 to lead their side across the line. Wanderers sit fifth on the ladder.

STEELE KEY IN FRANTIC FINISH

Jordan Steele was the hero for Lalor Stars in its win against ladder leader Rosebank. While he top scored with 83 on the opening day it was the way he swung the game back in his side’s favour with the ball which was more notable. Steele took four of the last six wickets which fell for just 30 runs, finishing with figures of 5-44, to lead his side to a 15-run win. The Stars posted 8-273 on day one and had the Eagles all out for 258.

Jordy Steele was the matchwinner for Lalor Stars.

MONTMORENCY TO KICK INTO GEAR?

Money Shield outfit Montmorency will be hoping its latest performance will be the start of a push for the top-four. The Magpies secured a 10-wicket thumping of Greensborough in a battle of the bottom two. Despite sitting second bottom, Montmorency now sits just one win behind Lower Eltham who occupy fourth position. Anthony Licovski showed great patience in the run chase with 64 not out off 165 balls. It was Licovski’s first-half century of the season.

DENNIS CAUSE MAJOR UPSET

One of the competition’s newest clubs kept its own finals hopes alive in the Mash Shield with a shock 58-run win over Laurimar. James Sparrow and Vivek Dhankar led the way with three wickets each as Laurimar was all out for 126 on day two chasing the home side’s total of 184. Dennis sit seventh on the ladder, 15 points behind Hurstbridge who occupy fourth.