MPCA 2020-21: Dil Pageni smashes 117 for Seaford while Delacombe Park’s Matt Kennedy snares five

Nearby cars were in danger as a Seaford batsman unleashed a blazing display of switch-hitting and raw power on his way to a 50-ball century, while Delacombe Park unearthed an exciting fast bowling prospect as the MPCA season got underway.

Dil Pageni (left) celebrates his century with Seaford skipper Ryan McQueen.

Seaford swashbuckler Dil Pageni blasted seven sixes on his way to a match-winning century against Tyabb in MPCA Sub District on Saturday.

Set 201, Seaford stormed to victory in only 32 overs with seven wickets in hand on the back of Pageni’s power-laden display of big-hitting.

He smashed 117 off 64 balls, with one switch-hit six landing in the car park at Kananook, narrowly missing a vehicle.

Pageni, who brought up his ton in only 50 balls, was out for 117 with the score at 2-148. Seaford skipper Ryan McQueen finished off the job with 36 not out off 33 balls, but was in awe of the “Dil show’’.

“Who in the MPCA hits the ball harder and longer than Dil?,’’ McQueen said.

“He rivals Dyl O’Malley.’’

Two players on the comeback trail led Mt Martha to a rousing win over Tootgarook.

Steve O’Neill took 4-22 with the new ball to cut a swathe through the Tootgarook top order, while former Victorian under-15 captain Jake Smart hit 38 off 37 balls to help set up a winning total. The Reds (6-156) dismissed the Frogs for 138. Smart also snared 2-30.

Former Heat opener Gordon Waterfall made a successful return to Carrum Downs.

Former Frankston Peninsula opener Gordon Waterfall made 54 and James Quarmby 46 to set up Carrum Downs’ win over Balnarring.

The pair shared a 71-run opening stand before Ryan Lynch chipped in with 25 as the Cougars put up 176.

In reply, Balnarring loomed as a winning hope as young gun Charlie Robinson-Cay made 48 and skipper Brenton Taylor 27, but the Saints fell short at 8-166.

Carrum Downs recruit Robbie Johnston snared 3-19.

Pradeep De Silva (75) and Aaron Aughtie (4-32) combined to give Ballam Park a sizzling start with a 39-run win over Rye.

Steven Zach (2-9), David Cross (2-29), Matt Eager (32) and skipper Anthony Joel (21) also impressed for the emerging Knights.

Delacombe Park coach Daniel Streker stands in the middle of four 1st XI debutants: (from left) Zac Noble, Ben Bradley-Bridge, Matthew Whelan and Tim Clarke.

In District, new Delacombe Park skipper Matthew Whelan blasted 91 to lead his side to an eye-popping win over Crib Point.

Whelan clubbed 8 boundaries and 4 sixes in his knock, which helped the Parkers to 6-192.

It was then left to young paceman Matthew Kennedy to complete the job for Delacombe Park, the tall 17-year-old taking 5-15 off 8 overs to help dismiss Crib Point for 99 after it was 0-51.

Kennedy had the ball jagging around and at one stage was on a hat-trick.

“Kenno’s a star,’’ Delacombe Park keeper Tim Clarke said.

“He is six foot two and uses his height well. I can see him taking the new ball at some stage this year. He has serious talent.’’

Crib Point openers Mark Cairns (28) and Matt Blake (28) did best with the bat.

At Roy Dore Reserve, new Carrum coach Mark Cooper took 3-18 and made 21 as the Lions chased down Frankston YCW’s 119 with an over to spare, making 6-120.

Hastings recruit Matthew Shean had a day out, taking 4-11 and three catches, as the Blues skittled Pearcedale for 81 to secure a 49-run win.

Shean, from the nearby Cerberus naval base, also cracked 23, with three boundaries, in Hastings’ 130.

Ryan Godwin (56), Billy Quigley (43) and Pat Nagel (3-22) combined to help Rosebud beat Dromana by 17 runs in a competitive contest.

Dromana skipper Ben Brittain (4-20 and 32) did his best to lift his side, but to no avail.