CCCA: Emerald skipper Owen Thorne blasts match-winning century

An Emerald batter boosted his average to 223 with a stylish century while a Devon Meadows star smashed his second century of the season in the Casey Cardinia Cricket Association.

Emerald captain-coach Owen Thorne. Picture: Facebook

While most cricket competitions around Melbourne were washed out on Saturday, the Casey Cardinia Cricket Association went ahead.

And Emerald captain-coach Owen Thorne is glad it did.

He took the opportunity to peel off a top-drawer 102 not out to set up his side’s win over Gembrook in District division.

Thorne and teenage opener Ethan Crosher (96 not out) shared an unconquered 185-run partnership to guide the Bombers to 1-243.

Opener Michael Hoban made 23 to help Emerald make a solid start.

Thorne went at better than a run-a-ball, facing only 97 deliveries and putting away 15 fours and 2 sixes.

His century continued his blistering start to the season that’s seen him also score 75no and 46, for a total of 223 runs.

In reply, Gembrook made a gallant bid for victory, rushing to 0-110, with Daniel Tigges (61) and Dean McPherson in mint form.

McPherson became the second centurion in the game, scoring 102 not out.

But his side fell short of the target, held to 7-228.

Emerald bowlers Lawson Cocks (3-36) and Crosher (2-43) struck telling blows.

Emerald has won two of its opening three games to sit second on the ladder behind undefeated Devon Meadows.

Lucas Ligt has been in stunning batting form for Devon Meadows.

Sixteen-year-old opener Will Halton top scored with 79 not out as Devon Meadows beat Upper Beaconsfield on Saturday.

Halton and Lucas Ligt (51) had an 88-run opening stand before Panthers coach Chris Cleef smashed four sixes in 37 not out off 17 balls to help his side to 3-206.

In reply, Upper Beaconsfield was dismissed for 165, with Ligt grabbing 3-25, including the key wicket of Maroons No.3 Nick Pastras for 69.

Ligt backed up on Sunday to plunder 119 not out off 124 balls (with 9 fours, 2 sixes) against Pakenham Upper Toomuc.

It came just two weeks after he smashed 148 in the opening game of the season.

Gregory Interlandi (78), Nathan Phillips (51) and Russ Perry (4-12) starred in Nar Nar Goon/Maryknoll’s win over Pakenham Upper Toomuc.

A sensational opening spell by Lang Lang’s Alexander Giacco (5-19) set up a resounding win over Cranbourne Meadows. A red-hot Giacco reduced the Rebels to 5-33 and they were dismissed for 133. In reply, Lang Lang coasted to 1-134 off 22 overs, with Shamil Samarasinghe (55no), Dale Cranston (40) and Rajind Dassanayake (24no) impressing.