Casey Cardinia cricket: Michael De Iacovo propels Merinda Park to victory

One of the most damaging hitters in Premier Cricket made a surprise appearance in the Casey Cardinia competition, and he blasted off.

Michael De Iacovo batting for St Kilda. He made 58 for Merinda Park on Saturday. Picture: Valeriu Campan

He has a reputation for hitting the ball hard and long.

And Michael De Iacovo did just that during a surprise appearance with Merinda Park in the Casey Cardinia Cricket Association on Saturday.

With Premier Cricket again washed out, the Casey South Melbourne recruit took the opportunity to get some match practice, slotting into the Cobras line-up.

The former St Kilda right-hander blasted 58, with 8 fours and 3 sixes, to propel Merinda Park to a resounding seven-wicket win over Clyde.

After taking 2-26 off eight overs with his left-arm spinners to restrict Clyde to 8-160, De Iacovo then opened the batting and quickly put Merinda Park on track for victory.

He shared a 65-run stand with Daniel McCalman (22) before he was out with the score 3-97. Merinda Park No. 4 Sasindu Perera then kept the scoreboard ticking over, hitting a crisp 64 not out, as the Cobras charged to victory with seven wickets and 13 overs to spare, making 3-162 off 26.2 overs.

Earlier, former Sri Lankan Test opener Michael Vandort scored his first half-century for Clyde, making 52.

Gamini Kumara was in the runs for Koo Wee Rup. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Yarragon recruit Gamini Kumara peeled off 64 not out to set up Koo Wee Rup’s 19-run win over Carlisle Park Vikings.

Kumara strode to the crease at 1-85 after openers Luke McMaster (69 off 54 balls) and Mitch Davey (29) laid the foundations, and he guided the Demons to 6-226 off their 40 overs.

In reply, Carlisle Park Vikings skipper Anurudda Fonseka batted superbly to make 86 off 82 balls but his side fell short at 7-207.

Gamini Kumara plays a pull shot. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Rob Elston (67), Dale Tormey (43no) and Jack Anning (33) set up Pakenham’s win over Tooradin. Jordan Seers, with 3-21, sealed victory.

Big-hitting Leigh Paterson blazed 45 and Jake Prosser snared 4-15 in Cardinia’s comfortable win over Officer.

Meanwhile, Koo Wee Rup A Grade opener Paul Bright scored the only century in CCCA Round 2, his 110no coming off 137 balls.