Cricket Southern Bayside: The players set to shape premiership race

Finals are approaching in Cricket Southern Bayside and key players are needed more than ever. Here are those who could shape the premiership race in the top two grades.

The start of the Cricket Southern Bayside finals series is just weeks away.

With just two games remaining, the ladders are really starting to take shape but there is still plenty to play for in the coming weeks.

We’ve shone a light on the players who will be key to their side’s success.

CHAMPIONSHIP DIVISION

Josh Cantrell, Bentleigh

Quality all-rounder from the UK who made a run-a-ball 80 in Round 3. And has taken 18 wickets at 22 with his spinners, including a best of 5-80 off a marathon 25 overs against Mentone.

Ian Cockbain, Beaumaris

The former Big Bash star is batting as well as ever, with 359 runs at 51.2. Capable of batting all day (he made 98 off 207 balls against Bentleigh) or accelerating when required.

Ben Earney, Beaumaris

Led the competition wickets last season with 31 and is again on top of the charts with 21 at 16.1. The former St Kilda paceman’s ability to take early wickets is vital.

Ian Cockbain batting for Beaumaris. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Brad Erasmus of South Caulfield in action.

Brad Erasmus, South Caulfield

The champion opener is having another superb summer, cracking 587 runs at 97.8, including 203no against St Brigid’s St Louis. Bowlers covet the wicket of the former Surrey County player.

Insaf Iqbal, Mordialloc

Showed his class with a stunning bowling display of 6-29 off 19.5 overrs against Hampton last round, and also capable with the bat in the middle order.

Jak Jowett, South Caulfield

The former Premier Cricket left-arm paceman is starting to hit his straps, taking 10 wickets in the past two matches. Handy with the bat too, as he proved with a sizzling century in the twos in Round 3.

Insaf Iqbal of Mordialloc bowls.

Jak Jowett.

Damith Mapa, Mordialloc

The former Sri Lankan first-class player and prolific run scorer will be a key figure as the Bloodhounds look to consolidate a top four spot in the coming weeks.

Ben Seabrook, Bentleigh

A switch to No. 4 has agreed with the classy Englishman, who has peeled off 44, 41 and 105no in his past three matches since switching from the opening position.

Tom Smith, Bonbeach

Showed his class with a sparkling 115 against South Caulfield in January and also has a couple of half-centuries this season. The Sharks captain is also their key at the top of the order.

Ollie Sutton, Bonbeach

Arguably the best all-rounder in the competition, Sutton is always having an impact. Has scored 304 runs at 38 in the top order as well as taking 17 wickets at 12.9, including 5-9 off 12 overs against Mentone in Round 12.

Damith Mapa of Mordialloc on the drive. (Photo by Josh Chadwick)

DIVISION 1

Tim Drummond, Parkdale United

The former Frankston Peninsula all-rounder has made a big impact this season with 249 runs at 24.9 at the top of the order and 23 wickets at 13.5.

Tej Ganhdi, Murrumbeena

The heart-and-soul all-rounder rarely wavers from his consistency with bat and ball. He has 21 wickets at 16.2 this season, and has stroked 410 runs at 45.56, including four half-centuries.

Ashish Harsolia, Carnegie

The gun batter-keeper is putting together another splendid campaign, leading the competition in runs (535 at 66.8) as well taking 13 catches and three stumpings.

Luke Heath, McKinnon

Left-handed opener Heath is a fine player with Premier first XI experience, and capable of going big in the back end of the season.

Ashish Harsolia cuts.

Luke Heath on the drive.

Will Kelly, Murrumbeena

A pivotal player in the top order for the Beena. Has all the shots and can bat time. Is up to 256 runs at 32 this season.

Wade King, McKinnon

The champion all-rounder holds the key to success for McKinnon. Is already up to 477 runs at 53 this season, to go with 24 wickets at 10.2.

Iden McCleave, Parkdale

The Sussex Premier League all-rounder has captured 10 wickets in the past two matches with his off spinners, grabbing 4-63 against Parkdale United and 6-55 against Dingley. He’s also peeled off 225 runs at 28.1 this season in the top order.

Dan Newton, Parkdale United

The UK all-rounder has had an impact in most games this season, taking 18 wickets with his right-arm seamers and making 211 runs at 23.44, including an impressive 52 against South Caulfield in Round 5

Vinay Tripathi, Carnegie

A fine player and integral to his side’s success. Has taken 20 wickets with the ball while playing several vital innings in the middle order.

Ulricht van Duyker, McKinnon

Has bowled economically, taking 16 wickets at 12.5, while contributing several crucial innings’ with the bat in the top order.