MPCA 2021-22: Baxter paceman snares 3-2 off eight overs

A Sri Lankan “slinger’’ was back to his best as Baxter continued its undefeated start in MPCA Provincial.

Baxter paceman Chamika Sattambi lets fly. Picture: Valeriu Campan

He’s been one of Baxter’s best fast bowlers for almost a decade.

But many thought Chamika Sattambi was starting to wind down when he dropped back to the twos last season and switched to off-spin.

Not so.

The Sri Lankan champion still had the fire in the belly to be one of the premier pacemen of the MPCA.

And on Saturday he proved it when he unleashed a hostile spell of 3-2 off eight overs to set up Baxter’s five-wicket win over Long Island in MPCA Provincial.

Long Island’s vaunted batting line-up simply couldn’t score from Sattambi’s rigid line and length, its innings expiring on 102 in the 39th over.

In reply, Baxter coasted to 5-106 in 29 overs to make it two wins in as many games.

Baxter skipper Sammy Mullavey said Sattambi, who played 15 first-class games and has played with Baxter since 2014, was driven to succeed.

“At the end of last year he came up to me and said, ‘I’m really keen to play properly again, I want us to do really well’,’’ Mullavey said.

“And he said he was going to work on his fitness.

“To his credit he dropped a couple of kilos over winter and without a really big team pre season he rocked up ready to go.

“He’s not as quick as he used to be but he’s still skiddy and it’s still hard to play.

“He got a wicket first ball in round one and another one early yesterday.’’

Former Victorian star Nick Jewell was among Sattambi’s victims on Saturday.

Baxter had other key contributors, too. Recruit James Long, who bowls a heavy ball, sent down seven overs and grabbed 3-10, including Long Island skipper Tom Boxell for a second ball duck.

Long later peeled off 16 not out off 23 balls to steer Baxter home, giving further proof he is one of the finest young players in the association.

Baxter leg spinner Yohan Maddege took 3-25 and made a quickfire 22 not out off 26 balls, again underlining his value to the side.

Daniel Warwick batting for Baxter.

And Baxter champion Daniel Warwick found his stride with a crisp 50 off 65 balls at the top of the list.

The only lowlight for Baxter was a calf injury to Mullavey while he was batting. He hopes to play next week when Baxter tackles fellow unbeaten side Baden Powell.

Mullavey said there was a “great vibe’’ at Baxter and credited new chairman of selectors Mark McCudden for instilling a positive attitude.

“We’ve got 11 blokes who are really loving it,’’ he said.

“Mark has really instilled a great vibe at the club and it’s all about us being mates, looking after each other and enjoying the small wins we have along the way.’’

In other Provincial games, Baden Powell paceman Liam Jackson made key early strikes to help set up his side’s win over Red Hill.

Jackson removed Red Hill opener Luke Robertson (20), star recruit Chris Dew (11) and skipper Adam Slack (14) as the Hillmen slumped to 5-65.

Rhys Elmi chimed in with 2-23 and Anthony Christou 2-27 as Red Hill was dismissed for 132. Damian Sullivan top scored with 25.

Baden Powell all-rounder Rhys Elmi.

In reply, Baden Powell hurried to victory in the 29th over, with openers Beau Anthony (70 off 88 balls, with 9 fours) and Craig Entwistle (59no off 84, with 8 fours and 1 six) putting on 126.

After playing off in last season’s grand final, the Braves have begun the new season with two wins.

Old Peninsula skipper Justin Grant and opener Tom La Brooy shared a 122-run third wicket partnership to set up a resounding 62-run victory over Sorrento.

Grant made 74 not out and La Brooy 76 after coming together at 2-15.

The Pirates put up 4-186 and, in reply, Sorrento fell away after reaching 1-85 to be dismissed for 124. Corey Harris top scored with 40. Pirates medium pacer Wade Pelzer snared 3-25 and James La Brooy 2-19.

Langwarrin cruised to victory over Mt Eliza, but may have lost a key player to injury in the process.

Chris Brittain did his groin while scoring 50 as Langy chased down the Mounties’ 7-130 in 33.5 overs, making 1-131.

Brittain and Matt Prosser (42no) put on 80 for the first wicket before Gloucestershire star Ian Cockbain chipped in with 25 not out.

Earlier, Langwarrin new ball boweler Cameron Sharpe put Mt Eliza on the back foot by grabbing the first three wickets of the day inside 15 minutes.

Sharpe finished with 3-21, while Mal Coutts (3-30) and Robbie Lancaster (1-6 off 8) also impressed.

Best with the bat for Mt Eliza were Sam Glenn (43) and Scott Tansley (36).