Casey Cardinia cricket: Devon Meadows locks in star, makes flag decider
The Panthers have announced a key signing just days after booking their place in the CCCA District grand final. And Koo Wee Rup and Cardinia will meet in the Premier decider.
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Lock it in.
Lucas Ligt will remain at the Devon Meadows Cricket Club after recommitting to the Panthers for season 2023-24.
Ligt joined the club from Cranbourne ahead of the 2019-20 season and has scored 1340 runs, at 34.4, in his first thee campaigns at Glover Reserve.
The elegant had had a break-out season in 2022-23, blasting 906 runs, at 100.67, from 12 innings to date in the District division so far, a total that includes five centuries and two half centuries.
He’s also proven adept with ball in hand, taking 20 wickets at 14.75.
The announcement follows confirmation that Chris Cleef will again coach the club in 2023-24, meaning two of the Casey Cardinia Cricket Association’s premier all-rounders will continue to call Glover Reserve home.
Ligt said he’s rapt to be continuing at Devon.
“It was always an easy decision to stay,’’ he said.
“Being surrounded by great people and mates, a hard working committee and so many exciting young players, that’s what it’s all about.”
Devon Meadows president Mick Floyd said Ligt had made a huge impact at the club.
“After his truly historic season, we’re delighted that Lucas has committed to remain a Panther for the 2023-24 season,’’ he said.
“Lucas has proven himself to be one of the competition’s premier all-rounders, but his contribution to club extends beyond the statistics. He is a fantastic role model for our young and emerging players, meticulous in his preparation and a model member off the field.
“Strong clubs are built around good people, and Lucas is as big a star off the field as he is on it.”
Devon Meadows defeated Cranbourne Meadows in last weekend’s semi-final to progress to the CCCA District division grand final.
The Panthers had to work hard for victory after Cranbourne Meadows made 9-229, with No. 7 Sajjanmeet Singh making 98 not out off 156 balls and opener Rohit Sharma 68 off 60.
Devon coach Chris Cleefsent down 33 overs and captured 6-85, including 13 maidens.
Devon Meadow’s run chase victory was set up by Ligt, who made 74 off 149 balls at the top of the list, and No. 4 Steve Robinson (42).
At 5-155, skipper Lucas Carroll (32no) and Nathan Worsteling (39no) came together and shared an unbroken 78-run partnership to steer the Panthers, 5-233, to victory with four overs to spare.
Devon Meadows will now play Upper Beaconsfield for season-honours and promotion to Premier.
Meanwhile, Koo Wee Rup and Cardinia, who finished third and fourth on the ladder respectively, will meet in the Premier grand final.
Koo Wee Rup dismissed Tooradin for 105, with Jess Mathers taking 4-39 and Luke McMaster 3-46, and then replied with 6-106, with Chris Bright top scoring with 37 and Luke McMaster 30. The Demons overcame a top-order collapse that saw them reeling at 4-26.
A blistering century by Cardinia opener Morteza Ali set up the Bulls’ win over Pakenham. Alis smashed 134 (13 fours, 3 sixes) to set up Cardy’s mammoth 9-371 on Saturday. Bulls skipper Jake Prosser (63), Lachlan Volpe (62no) and Leigh Paterson (50) chimed in.
In reply, Pakenham was dismissed for 179, with Prosser taking 3-18, Volpe 3-55 and Ali 2-16 to cap off a great game.
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