MPCA 2021-22: Flinders batter launches extraordinary attack

A Sharks dasher blasted the first 63 runs of his side’s innings, while a run machine peeled off his fifth century. It’s all in the MPCA wrap.

Whack: Pirates opener Dylan O'Malley hits straight on his way to the first century of the season. Picture: Pearcey Presents

He had an early look, and then launched.

Flinders opener Kane Hawkins lived up to his reputation as the most destructive batter in the MPCA, smashing the ball to all parts in a stunning knock of 95 against Moorooduc in Peninsula division on Saturday.

“The Big Show” was on 63 when his opening partner Jack Field scored his first runs in the eighth over.

Hawkins hammered 9 boundaries and 4 sixes before he was out in the 23rd over, bowled by Oshadha Ariyadasa.

Flinders was dismissed in the 39th over for 226, with skipper Blake Hogan-Keogh contributing 45 and No.8 Jackson Coles 27.

It was more than enough. Moorooduc in reply was shot out for 78, with only Tharaka Peiris (30) passing 10.

Flinders teenager Max Wilkinson impressed with the new ball, snaring 2-8 off five overs.

Langwarrin keeper Taylor Smith and Baden Powell batter Travis Kellerman. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Mornington made a flying start in Peninsula division, sweeping past Somerville.

Shane Hockey set up the win with a bag of 5-31 to help shoot out the Eagles for 115.

Opener Ryan Smith made 22 as the Bulldogs achieved victory in the 35th over, making 7-116.

Harley Peace-Stirling peeled off 80 to steer Pines to victory over Seaford Tigers.

Earlier, former Frankston Peninsula players Mackenzie Gardner (40) and Luke Kranzbuhler (28) batted well for Seaford Tigers.

Rosebud skipper Billy Quigley ripped through Heatherhill’s top order, taking 5-22, to set up victory for the Sharks.

Kane Donald sealed victory with a crisp 43 off 62 balls.

In Provincial, Old Peninsula master blaster Dylan O’Malley raised his bat for the first century of the season, a splendid 105 against Mt Eliza at Madsen Reserve.

He belted four sixes to steer the Pirates to 5-172 off their 40 overs.

Mt Eliza in reply could only manage 9-106, squeezed by Old Peninsula coach and spinner John Forrest, who took 5-14 off 8 overs.

It was O’Malley’s fourth century for the Pirates, to go with his history-making double ton — 215no — last year...the only “double’’ in the club’s history.

Forrest said Destructive Dylan’s ton was top notch.

“A great innings, he was patient throughout after being tested early by some good bowling,’’ he said.

“Juzzy (Pirates skipper Justin Grant) put it on him to go on with his starts and not throw it away after 6-8 overs.

“He hit the ball straight and clean. Once he pushed the field back he took his singles and punished any bad ball.’’

Baden Powell’s Craig Entwistle defends. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Reigning premiers Sorrento made a shaky start to its premiership defence, going down to Baxter.

New opener Matt Dinnie hit four boundaries in a bright knock of 25 as Baxter made a strong start.

Todd Quinn (57, with 8 fours and 1 six) and Nick England (18) then combined for a 67-run partnership to help Baxter post a healthy 6-175 off 40.

In reply, Sorrento skipper Bobby Wilson (40 off 54 balls) looked to have his side on track before being trapped leg before by Josh Mack, who was the match-winner with figures of 4-28 off 8 overs.

Travis Kellerman.

Sorrento was all out in the 37th over for 132.

At Lloyd Park, Baden Powell celebrated what it believes is its first win over Langwarrin in close to 20 years.

Braves recruit, former New Zealand first-class player Te Ahu Davis, bowled Langy’s Gloucestershire import Ian Cockbain for nine as the home side was shot out for 113. Davis finished with 2-15 off 7 overs, while Rhys Elmi wasd the star, snaring 4-17.

Baden Powell skipper Travis Kellerman then blazed 59 off 50 balls, with 11 fours, to power his side to victory in the 32nd over, making 4-114.

Long Island recruits Jurgen Andersen and Matt Shimell impressed as the Islanders celebrated their return to the top flight with a rousing win over Red Hill.

Andersen snared 3-11 off 8 overs and Shimell 2-25 to help dismiss Red Hill for 121 after Long Island put up 6-162, with Nick Jewell making 52no off 55 balls and Tom Boxell 49.

Former Frankston Peninsula batter Chris Dew top scored for the Hillmen with 36.

In District, Ballam Park’s Gabriel Lawrence turned in a brilliant all-round performance in the Knights’ gripping win over Tyabb.

Lawrence went in with the Knights wobbling at 2-9 and batted through the innings, making 84 not out, to help them post 8-166 off 40 overs.

He hit eight boundaries and one six.

Tyabb, in reply, fell three runs short, with Lawrence snaring 3-29. Capping off a memorable day, he also effected the run out to win the game.

Former Melbourne footballer Liam Hulett captured 5-13 off eight overs to bowl Carrum to a 19-run win over Frankston YCW.

It was a memorable day for 13-year-old Gus Kennedy, who made his First XI debut in the Lions’ win. And he got to play it with his dad, ABC sports journalist Paul.