MPCA: Will Jewell and Matt Rulach steer Sorrento to victory

Two talented teenagers flourished under pressure to steer the Sharks to a gripping win in MPCA Provincial.

It was a case of cometh the hour, cometh the men for Sorrento on Saturday.

The Sharks were without their two best players, skipper Bobby Wilson and paceman Jake Wood, for their clash with Baxter.

Wilson was isolating after his young son tested positive for Covid, while Wood tweaked his knee wakeboarding on Australia Day.

Young batsman Will Jewell was promoted from the seconds.

Sorrento got on the front foot straight away, dismissing Baxter for 113, with spinners Andrew Libby (3-15) and Leigh Janssen (3-16) doing the damage.

Sorrento batsman Jedd Falck. Picture: Valeriu Campan

In reply, Sorrento stumbled to 2-11 and then 5-83 when Jewell joined fellow teenager Matt Rulach.

It was crunch time for the rookies.

And they excelled, sharing an unconquered 32-run stand to guide the Sharks home in the 36th over, making 5-115.

Jewell smacked a couple of sixes to cap off the display. He finsihed unbeaten on 23 off 22 balls, while, Rulach, who is in Frankston Peninsula’s Dowling Shield side, made 26 not out off 43 balls.

For Baxter, Josh Mack grabbed 3-28 to continue his excellent season (11 wickets at 13.82).

With three wins on the bounce, Sorrento is in third spot, poised to challenge for a third straight premiership.

A Chris Brittain classic innings guided Langwarrin to a vital win over ladder leaders Baden Powell at Overport Park.

Coming off two straight losses, Langy was under pressure as they set out after the BPs’ 4-169.

Brittain walked to the wicket with Langwarrin wobbling at 2-31 but played beautifully to make 70 not out as his side achieved victory in the 39th over, making 7-175.

Robbie Lancaster, with 10 not out, cracked a four and a six in a vital late-innings cameo.

Earlier, Baden Powell star Rhys Elmi (87no off 97) and Coen Chernishoff (52 off 89) combined for a 95-run third wicket partnership as the Braves put up a competitive total.

Luke Jackson (65), Chris Dew (47) and Brent Martin (27no) fired as Red Hill upset Long Island to bank its second win for the season.

The Hillmen posted 4-182 and then dismissed the Islanders for 168.

Zac Wilson (63) and Jack McCormack (45) did best for Long Island, which was without Nick Jewell for the second straight game (he was attending a wedding).

Adam Slack (2-14) and Jamie McCall (2-26) were the main destroyers for Red Hill.

The Hillmen made it a weekend to remember on Sunday when they won the Jack Peacock Cup (South) title.

Old Peninsula, without skipper Justin Grant (who was at a bucks party), was still too strong for bottom side Mt Eliza.

Stand-in skipper Tom La Brooy, batting at No 4, cracked 63, with 3 sixes and 5 fours, to help the Pirates to 8-170.

Opener Ben Stewart (37) and No 3 Wade Pelzer (27) were also in mint form.

In reply, Mt Eliza put up a better showing but fell well short, held to 8-117. Sam Glenn was unbeaten on 36. Old Peninsula’s bowling was led by Adam Gailitis, with 4-16 off 8 overs.

PROVINCIAL ladder after Round 9:

Baden Powell 72, Old Peninsula 60, Sorrento 60, Langwarrin 60, Long Island 48, Baxter 48, Red Hill 24, Mt Eliza 12.