MPCA 2018-19: Pearcedale’s Josh Swainston hits hundred on debut
A SPECTACULAR century by Josh Swainston on debut for Pearcedale highlighted the opening round of MPCA Provincial on Saturday.
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A SPECTACULAR century by Josh Swainston on debut for Pearcedale highlighted the opening round of MPCA Provincial on Saturday.
Swainston, 21, a former Mulgrave Wheelers Hill and Richmond player, blasted 101 off 84 balls, with six sixes, at the top of the list to help the Panthers (7-224 off 39.5 overs) chase down Mt Eliza’s 4-218 at Madsen Reserve.
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“He went from 50 to a hundred in a matter of minutes,’’ Pearcedale skipper Kaine Smith said. “He hit about four sixes — three in one over…it was great to watch.’’
Swainston’s swashbuckling ton wasn’t the first of the Provincial season — that honour went to Mt Eliza coach Tim Clarke in the same game. Clarke smashed a brilliant 124 but it was to no avail. Nick Strickland (49no) and Justin Grant (36) were also in the runs for the Mounties.
The testing run chase brought out the best in Pearcedale, with Matt Cousland (22), Jarryd Herbert (25), Kaine Smith (20) and Jake Roberts (22) supporting Swainston.
Mt Eliza opening bowler Euan Fox, on debut, snared 3-38 off 8 overs.
At Lloyd Park, ex-Tooradin run machine Tom Hussey peeled off 62no to steer reigning premiers Langwarrin to a comfortable victory over Baxter.
Hussey was eager to impress in his first game in the MPCA and he didn’t disappoint, combining with Taylor Smith (60no) for an unconquered 127-run second wicket partnership to guide Langwarrin to 1-145 off 28.5 overs in reply to Baxter’s 7-142 (cc). It was an impressive start by the Kangaroos, who look an even stronger outfit this season. Leg-spinner Matt Prosser took 3-18 off 8 overs to put the clamps on Baxter, while 15-year-old Josh Edwards made his First XI debut for Langy.
Flinders made a shaky return to Provincial ranks after 34 years when it was shot out for 75 by Sorrento.
The small target proved easy pickings for the Sorras, who cruised to 3-76 off 21.2 overs in reply, to win the battle of the Sharks. It was the first time Flinders and Sorrento had played each other in Provincial ranks in 50 years.
Peninsula Old Boys skipper Wade Pelzer made 58 to lead the Pirates (8-213cc) to a clinical win over Mornington (146).
Pelzer and William La Brooy (39) gave POB a flying start before Glen Prendergast (33) and Hugh Peacock (27) chimed in.
In reply, Mornington champion Ben Clements tried to inspire his side making 61 but his dismissal — caught and bowled by John Forrest (3-25) — spelled the end for the Bulldogs.
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