Cricket Southern Bayside 2018-19: Aspendale beats Mentone in epic encounter to go back-to-back

Aspendale is again sipping premiership bubbly after going back-to-back in Cricket Southern Bayside.

Aspendale players celebrate a run out on day one of the Cricket Southern Bayside Division 1 grand final against Mentone. Picture: Josie Hayden

Aspendale is again sipping premiership bubbly after going back-to-back in Cricket Southern Bayside.

The Dales defeated Mentone in a four-innings classic to claim the Division 1 flag on Sunday, 12 months after winning the Division 2 title.

FROM WORST TO FIRST...CHELTENHAM WINS FLAG

ELSTERNWICK'S FAIRYTALE RUN CONTINUES

Twenty wickets fell in a frantic start on Saturday as Aspendale edged its way to first innings victory at Hogben/Meckiff Oval.

But there was still a long way to go as Mentone made a desperate bid for a reverse outright on Sunday.

Sent in, Mentone was skittled for 78 in 34.3 overs. Aspendale captain Brett O’Hanlon (3-19) and Mitch Allen (3-3) did the damage.

In reply, Aspendale passed the target six wickets down before being dismissed for 110 — an overall lead of 32. Allen made 35, while Chris Smyth grabbed 4-26 for Mentone.

Gone: Aspendale keeper Ben Lawrence disturbs the stumps to run out Mentone opener Blake Thompson. Picture: Josie Hayden

Batting again, Mentone was 0-10 at stumps on Saturday.

On Sunday, Mentone smashed 5-191 off 24 overs — Matt Walker belted 63no off 35 balls and captain Simon Cormie clipped 43no — before declaring and inviting Aspendale to bat again. It did — well enough to finish 4-65 off 45 overs and secure another premiership. Former Melbourne footballer Liam Hulett was unbeaten on 36 off 136 balls.

Aspendale’s seconds were denied premiership glory when it lost to Kingston Hawthorn in a gripping Division 5 grand final at St Bede’s College.

Aspendale fast bowler Callum Dodson goes at Mentone’s Matt Williams. Picture: Josie Hayden

Aspendale batted first and put up 9-210 off 70 overs, with opener Justin Dean top scoring with 66. Michael O’Shea took 4-31 off 21 overs for the Hawks.

In reply, Kingston Hawthorn achieved victory with six balls to go, making 7-211 off 68.4 overs. Openers Leigh Heinrichs (49) and Chris Murphy (34) laid a solid platform before Jamie Parton (66) played a match-winning innings, along with Anthony White who scored a vital 25no.

Aspendale’s premiership team: Brett O’Hanlon (captain), Nick Childs, Callum Dodson, Steve Kat, Ben Lawrence, Harley Dale, Liam Hulett, Jack Sullivan, Ethan Wright, Adam Hume, Mitch Allen.