MPCA 2019-20: Mt Eliza’s Justin Grant and Sorrento’s Corey Harris score splendid centuries
Two of the MPCA’s most consistent batsmen scored centuries as ladder leaders Sorrento and Mt Eliza put up good totals.
South East
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Mt Eliza captain Justin Grant scored a top-shelf century on Saturday, and Sorrento opener Corey Harris did the same, as the top two sides compiled solid totals in MPCA Provincial.
Grant made a career-best 135 not out — his sixth ton for the Mounties — in a total of 9-253 against Baden Powell at Overport Park.
Mt Eliza was in early trouble, teetering at 5-58, but Grant, who played a game for a Victorian XI against the England Lions in 2013, showed his class to escort his side past 250.
He shared a 92-run sixth-wicket partnership with Nick Strickland (42) before Keith Biggs (14) and Nathan Smith (15) chipped in late.
At Greg Beck Oval, Corey Harris hit his sixth century for Sorrento in a score of 222 against Baxter (0-6).
Dropped on the boundary at 60 (the ball went for six), Harris pressed on to make 110, almost half his side’s score, and share in sizeable partnerships with Jedd Falck (22) and Liam O’Connor (30).
Baxter leg-spinner Yohan Maddege took 5-59 off 21.2 overs to give the home side a fighting chance.
A good finish is in store after Peninsula Old Boys put up 247 against Mornington (2-25).
Pirates opener Eivion Bowen (62) and No 9 Hugh Peacock (53) scored stylish half centuries after POB made a disastrous start, slumping to 2-0 and then 3-14, with Dylan O’Malley (0), Wade Pelzer (0) and Will Crowder (9) all back in the sheds.
Thomas La Brooy (42), Oscar Craig (23) and Nick Messinis (25no) made vital contributions.
Mornington’s new ball combination of Michael Heib (5-67) and Cam Moon (3-63) bowled with fire early.
Langwarrin leg-spinner Matt Prosser took 5-39 to help dismiss Flinders for 134 at Lloyd Park.
It was the 11th time Prosser has taken five or more wickets in an innings.
For Flinders, Kane Hawkins top scored with 55 and skipper Tom Clements made 31.
In reply, Langwarrin was 3-38 at stumps. Flinders was without Matt Gale (still away) for a second game in a row.
In Peninsula, Jayde Herrick unleashed an electrifying spell of hostile fast bowling to set up first innings victory for Somerville against Main Ridge.
The former Victorian speedster collected seven wickets — including two bowled and three lbw — to flatten Main Ridge for 133. Chris Barker (51) and Gareth Wyatt (36) offered resistance for the Cougars, who were skittled in 54 overs.
In reply, Somerville sprinted to 1-148 off only 26 overs, with Brenton Alp (83no) and Brad McDonald (50no) in blazing form.
Herrick is in his third season with Somerville and has taken 80 wickets for the Eagles.
Pines continued its blazing batting form when it amassed 8-311 against Long Island at Eric Bell Reserve.
Openers Brad Trotter (56) and Taylor Smith (23) laid the foundations with a 49-run stand before skipper Harley Peace-Stirling (72), Nick Wilcox (63), Rhys Chalkley (32no) and Damien Lawrence (26) upped the tempo. Peace-Stirling and Wilcox put on 106 for the fifth wicket. For Long Island, Tom Boxell (3-74) and Chris Hocking (3-85) took three wickets apiece.
Pearcedale was dismissed for 110 by Moorooduc (3-71). Kentaro Flint top scored for the Dales with 38, while Pathum De Mel (3-29) and Rashimal Mendis (3-31) impressed for the Ducs.
Mitch Darville (64) and Simon Dart (63) helped Red Hill to 9-234 against Heatherhill. Brad Mur (4-57) and Aidan Lenehan (3-41) shared the wickets for Heatherhill.
MORE LOCAL CRICKET:
POT SHOTS: NICK JEWELL AND HIS NEW BAT, SIMON DART MILESTONE
MPCA: FRENCH ISLAND ENJOYING SUCCESSFUL RUN
*Tom McEncroe smashed a club record 238 in Main Ridge’s fourths against Crib Point in a one-day game on Saturday.
The Cougars made 6-381 off their 40 overs.