Ballam Park opener hits 10 sixes on his way to MPCA record score

Former Sri Lankan first-class player Pradeep De Silva played some extraordinary shots as he smashed a 50-year MPCA batting record for Ballam Park.

Record knock: Pradeep De Silva after blasting 179 for Ballam Park on Saturday.

It took 10 minutes to find one of the 10 sixes Pradeep De Silva hammered against Mt Martha on Saturday.

The Ballam Park opener blasted a sweep shot over square leg and into the nearby McClelland College, players from both sides forming a search party to find the ball.

“It just kept going, and going,” Ballam Park coach Zach Peddersen said.

“It took about 10 minutes to get it back.”

Putting on a batting masterclass, De Silva blasted 179 — a new MPCA Sub District record, eclipsing the 166no by French Island champion Bob Thompson in 1970-71.

“He just hit the ball so hard,” Peddersen said.

“He’s class, he just played cricket shots.”

Pradeep De Silva.

De Silva, who also hit 13 fours, was out in the final over as Ballam Park posted 5-263 off 40 overs.

He and Luke Wenke shared a 184-run partnership, taking the score from 1-24 to 2-208.

The Knights then dismissed Mt Martha for 187 to bank their fourth win and climb into the top four, in sight of a cherished finals berth.

De Silva, 31, played three first-class games for Singha Sports Club as a 19-year-old.

He’s played with Ballam Park for the past two seasons and Peddersen said he’s unstoppable once he’s got his eye in.

“He just whacks them and can hit them anywhere — he can ramp, he can reverse sweep, he can go over cover, he can pull…he’s got it all,” he said.

“They had five out for most of it but it didn’t matter, he’d just hit it somewhere else.”

Six teams are locked on 54 points, from second to seventh, on the Sub District ladder.

Former Frankston Peninsula batsman Gordon Waterfall has been in good form for Carrum Downs this season. Picture Yuri Kouzmin

In other Sub District games, former Frankston Peninsula batsman Gordon Waterfall starred with bat and ball as Carrum Downs thrashed Rye to consolidate top spot.

Waterfall made 48 and took 3-8 as the cougars, after putting up 3-189, skittled Rye for 87.

Michael O’Driscoll, who played his 200th club game before Christmas, continued his excellent form with an unbeaten 80 off 107 balls.

Aidan Pateman (62) and Paul Nelson (62no and 2-36) guided Tyabb to a comfortable win over Balnarring.

Daniel Wilson snared 3-25 and Jack Beale 2-10 to help Boneo beat Tootgarook.

An unconquered 103-run fifth wicket partnership between Scott Manders (52no) and Josh Trevitt (49no) guided Seaford home against Skye.