Cricket Southern Bayside: Dave Tantsis-Hall blasts 13 sixes in sizzling century for Mordialloc

Spectators were on high alert as a Mordialloc boom recruit smashed a sizzling century in Cricket Southern Bayside. He reveals what sparked the onslaught.

Dave Tantsis-Hall smacked 13 sixes in a stunning innings of 128 off 88 balls for Mordialloc. Picture: Valeriu Campan

His easy going nature masks a steely determination that often pops up when he’s at the batting crease.

And it did on Saturday as Dave Tantsis-Hall blasted his maiden century for Mordialloc, at his second outing for the Bloodhounds since crossing from Caulfield.

The man they call Pirate had a point to prove; he wanted to earn the respect of his new teammates.

He did, Tantsis-Hall smacking 13 sixes and 5 fours in a stunning innings of 128 off 88 balls in Mordi’s win over Mentone in Cricket Southern Bayside Championship division.

He and opening partner Helitha Withanage (96 off 108 balls) put on 199 as Mordialloc rushed to 4-275 in 40 overs.

Mentone in reply was dismissed for 144. Mordialloc skipper Nick Connellan took 4-22 off eight overs and opening bowler Insaf Iqbal 3-16 off eight as the Bloodhounds banked their first win of 2023-24 after losing to Bentleigh in the season opener.

Mordialloc batter Helitha Withanage. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Mordialloc captain Nick Connellan.

It was a display of batting pyrotechnics as left-handed Tantsis-Hall launched a flurry of incredible shots after a cautious start.

He brought up his century with a sweep shot for six, the ball thudding on to the balcony of the pavilion at Hogben/Meckiff Oval.

Spectators had to have their wits about them; look away and you could get hit.

Tantsis-Hall made two centuries and 662 runs for Caulfield in Subbies last season.

He said Saturday’s ton was especially satisfying after joining a new club, with pressure to perform.

“It was just nice to show what you can do at another club,” he said.

“I played at Caulfield for a while and did some good things there last year, so it’s nice to be able to move somewhere else and do it early on in the season so you can prove yourself I suppose.

“To be honest I just wanted to bat a bit of time…get my eye in a bit.

“I felt a bit scratchy until after drinks and then everything just seemed to come together and off we went.”

Tantsis-Hall, 32, said his game was evolving as he got older.

“The last year or so I seem to be getting things right and they seem to be going over the fence which is nice,’’ he said.

“I think I’ve just worked out how to bat, it’s taken 32 years but I got there, I’m picking the right ball to hit.’’

He added: “It’s how you approach your innings, be hard on yourself if you miss out rather than being lazy and throwing it away.’’

Tantsis-Hall praised his young opening partner “Heli” Withanage, who hit 4 sixes and 8 fours. “He deserved a hundred,’’ he said.

Bentleigh star Brendan Drew blasted 112 off 92 balls, with 14 fours and 4 sixes, in the Demons win over Hampton. Drew and Josh Cantrell (80no off 80 balls) set up Bentleigh’s 4-263 before Hampton made a gallant reply, reaching 8-257, with Steff Jones (88 off 62) and Jarrod Hewitt (56) in cracking form.

Beaumaris shot out St Brigid’s St Louis for 68 and then got the runs in 10 overs to record a resounding victory. Sharks paceman Ben Earney grabbed 5-13 off seven overs and Tama Stockley 3-15. In reply, Beauie openers Adam Bull (32no) and Tom Mutton (32) did it well.

South Caulfield champion Kanishka Alvitigala captured 5-17 off seven overs to help dismiss Bonbeach for 97 in 24 overs. Only Sharks captain Tom Smith, with 48, passed 19. South Caulfield in reply coasted to 3-99 in 22 overs, with Will Russell (30) and Brad Erasmus (28) impressing.