MPCA 2018-19: Mornington misses finals while Sorrento grabs top spot
Mornington’s finals hopes were shattered on the last ball of the season on Saturday.
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Mornington’s finals hopes were shattered on the last ball of the season on Saturday.
The Bulldogs, in reply to Langwarrin’s 8-172, needed eight runs off the last over but could only manage five as their season ended in heartbreak.
It means Ben Clements, the comp’s leading run scorer with almost 900, won’t be participating in finals.
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Fortune favoured Peninsula Old Boys who, despite losing to Sorrento, survived, finishing fourth, while Baxter climbed to third after thrashing Mt Eliza.
Langwarrin dropped from first to second, even though it won. Sorrento — chasing its first Provincial flag since 1971-72 — claimed the minor premiership by virtue of a higher percentage.
It paves the way for a highly anticipated finals series. The common opinion is that the premiership race is wide open.
At Alexandra Park, Langwarrin’s Tom Hussey (42) and Travis Campbell (40) helped the reigning champs post a solid total, while Mornington paceman Michael Heib (4-25) impressed.
Mornington’s run chase was humming along at 1-89 before Matt Foon (51), Sam Wiese (14) and Clements (30, run out) fell in succession as Langwarrin tightened the screws. Matt Prosser (2-26) and Jake Prosser (2-34) spun Langy to victory, Mornington finishing 7-170.
Former Heat speedster Jake Wood took 5-23 as Sorrento (9-154) skittled Peninsula Old Boys for 68 to complete a routing. Only Tom Feldgen, with 12 not out at No. 9, reached double figures for the Pirates, who will need to regroup before meeting Sorrento again in a semi-final. Earlier, Sorrento skipper Bobby Wilson made 37.
Baxter demolished Mt Eliza for 66 in 25 overs before making 4-68 off 20 to coast to victory. Baxter left-arm spinner Justin Bridgeman clean bowled two top order batsmen, while Ben Brittain ran out Mounties skipper Justin Grant (11).
Pearcedale finished with a win over Flinders but was still relegated. Panthers opener Brad Trotter blasted 88 and Kaine Smith 50 in a score of 8-217. In reply, Flinders made 3-171, with Tom Clements (74) and Jack Field (44) in the runs.
In Peninsula, Main Ridge has sensationally snatched a finals berth after a superb batting display from Shaun Foster (109no) and Daniel Polson (96no) helped them beat Somerville in the final round.
The Cougars were second last on the ladder before winning their last two games to climb to third spot. Foster and Polson hammered a 193-run unbroken fourth wicket stand to help Main Ridge to 3-257 off 40 overs.
In reply, Somerville, despite the efforts of Jayde Herrick (51) and Chris Langendorf (65), was dismissed for 175. Jason Albress snared 4-40.
Simon Dart grabbed 3-4 as Red Hill shot out Long Island for 92. Lincoln Toy (2-12), Jamie McCall (2-30) and Tom Collett (1-6 off 8) also impressed. In reply, the Hillmen (4-94) coasted home, with Luke Robertson (24) and Nick Esipoff (23no) doing it nicely.
Ladder leaders Baden Powell (4-120) beat Moorooduc (118), with Nathan Rice snaring four wicket and Travis Kellerman making 40. The sides will meet again in a semi.
Pines finished fifth after beating bottom side Crib Point to snap a five-game losing streak. Harley Peace-Stirling (71) and Rhys Chalkley (47no) set up the win.
In District, Hastings upset third-placed Rosebud to grab a finals berth. With Luke Hewitt (58), Malith Chathuranga (40) and Isi Dias (4-31) leading from the front, the Blues (6-178) beat Rosebud (145) to resurrect their season after three straight losses threatened to derail it.
Carrum dropped out of the four when it lost to Seaford Tigers, ignited by Liam O’Halloran (3-17), Ash Mills (56no) and David James (46).
Jonny Guthrie peeled off 86 not out to bankroll Delacombe Park’s comfortable win over Mt Martha. Nick Christides chimed in with 3-7.
Kristian Miller (74) and Sam Mullavey (53) helped Heatherhill put up 8-229 which proved too many for Seaford (96). Brett Maxwell took a season-best 6-30.
In Sub-District, Balnarring punched its finals ticket with a stirring win over Boneo. Saints openers Ben King (68) and Tom Hilet (54) put on 95 for the first wicket and former West Australian Jeremy Tosswill chipped in with 38 not out in a total of 6-195. In reply, Boneo was dismissed for 151, with teenager Archie Shepherd (43) doing the damage.
Tootgarook beat Tyabb by a run in a thriller, with Todd Harnett, Corey DeBruyn and Jacob Long taking key wickets after Scott Sterling made 52.
Stuart Plunkett made 51 not out to steer Frankston YCW to victory over Rye but the Stonecats missed finals. Sam Fulton snared 5-11.
Semi-finals:
Provincial: Sorrento v Peninsula Old Boys, Langwarrin v Baxter.
Peninsula: Baden Powell v Moorooduc, Red Hill v Main Ridge.
District: Delacombe Park v Rosebud, Hastings v Rosebud.
Sub-District: Dromana v Balnarring, Tootgarook v Boneo.