MPCA 2020-21: Hewitt brothers bat Hastings to victory

MPCA wrap: Hastings squeaks home in a last-ball thriller, Carrum skipper Mark Cooper notches a special century and Ballam Park remains on track for finals.

Frankston YCW batsman Levi McLoughlin-Dore on the drive. Picture: Valeriu Campan

The three Hewitt brothers fuelled Hastings’ thrilling last-ball win over Rosebud in MPCA District on Saturday.

After restricting the Sharks to 8-138, thanks largely to superb bowling by Isi Dias (3-15 off 8 overs), Hastings made a solid start to the run chase on the back of Luke Hewitt (21).

His younger brothers Jake and Sean then combined for a crucial 49-run partnership, taking the score from 4-75 to 4-124, before Jake was bowled for 39.

In a gripping finish, Hastings needed seven to win off the final over.

With scores tied with one ball remaining, young Blues batsman Paddy Wilson (3no) was struck on the pads, prompting a raucous appeal from the Rosebud players. In all the commotion, Wilson and Sean Hewitt (34no) scampered through for a leg bye to snatch a memorable victory.

Hastings captain-coach Luke Hewitt (left) and club president Aaron Wilson. Picture: Hastings Cricket Club

“It was an incredible win,” Hastings skipper Luke Hewitt said.

“We’ve been on the other end of a couple of those sorts of games this season.”

Rosebud coach Lyle House was the pick of the Sharks’ bowlers taking 2-15 off 8 overs. Earlier, Rosebud opener Scott Hayes made 54.

Mark Cooper scored his maiden Carrum century as the Lions dispatched second-placed Dromana to continue their march to the finals.

The champion left-hander, who joined Carrum from Koo Wee Rup as captain-coach this season, carried his bat to make 109 not out off 137 deliveries at Roy Dore Reserve.

Pearcedale bowler Jake Roberts.

After making a solid start with opening partner Shaun Foster (42), Cooper shared a second successive century partnership with former skipper Jake D’Atri (44no off 42 balls), the pair coming together at 2-73 and steering the Lions to 2-204 off 40 overs.

In reply, Dromana made a bad start, losing openers Dewayne Bowden (1) and Jedd Savage (3) to be teetering at 2-4.

Adam Ciavarella (51) and Kierran Voelkl (43) steadied things with a 92-run partnership but Corey Hand (3-28) and D’Atri (2-28) made key strikes as the visitors fell 31 runs short, making 7-173.

Frankston YCW batsman Neil Barfuss on the attack. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Jonny Guthrie and Matt Whelan made vital contributions as Delacombe Park beat Frankston YCW by 25 runs to climb to second spot.

Guthrie made 53 (five boundaries) at the top of the list and Whelan 21 as the Parkers put up 7-148 after winning the toss and batting first.

Whelan then snared 3-20 off 6.5 overs, and Max Sherry 2-29, as Frankston YCW was dismissed for 123 in the 37th over.

Levi McLoughlin-Dore did best for the Stonecats with 28.

Crib Point eased relegation fears with a convincing seven-wicket win over Pearcedale.

Spencer Wilton (3-33), Glenn Barclay (3-30) and Matt Blake (2-24) helped dismiss Pearcedale for 145 before Blake peeled off 61 not out and Waide Symes 37 not out as the Magpies coasted to 3-149 in the 38th over.

Pearcedale’s Sam Frawley lets fly. Picture: Valeriu Campan

In Sub District, a much sought after finals berth is within sight for Ballam Park after it beat Boneo to consolidate fourth spot.

The Knights put up 154 — David Cross (30), Zach Clements (28) and Luke Wenke (23) doing best — and then rolled the Pandas for 100, with Jason Bacic taking 3-23 and three run outs, Wenke 1-14 off 8 overs, Tim Bacic 1-18, Daniel Edwards-Fisk 1-24 and Steve Zach 1-20.

The Knights have won five games.

Carrum Downs bounced back with a resounding win over Tootgarook after Rob Johnston (4-14) and Shane Smith (3-23) delivered inspired spells.

Johnston ripped through the Frogs’ tail as they crashed to be all out for 89.

In reply, Carrum Downs achieved victory in the 32nd over, making 2-92, with Gordon Waterfall unbeaten on 32 and Michael O’Driscoll 21 not out.

Seaford skipper Ryan McQueen (53), coach Scott Manders (32) and No.7 Josh Trevitt (26no) helped the Tigers to a rousing five-wicket win, with 17 balls remaining, over Balnarring.

Rye climbed off the bottom with rousing win over Skye.

Clayton Barnes grabbed three wickets and Connor Wilson two as the Demons rolled Skye for 122.

They then replied with 5-129 in 33 overs to secure their third win of the season.

Tyabb reclaimed second spot after shooting out Mt Martha for 82 to complete a 57-run win.

Nick Taranto top scored with 37 in the Yabbies’ 139 and then Sam Holland-Burch (3-12), Luke Rus (3-12) and Paul Nelson (2-28) bowled beautifully to roll the Reds for 82.

Ladders:

District: Carrum 102, Delacombe Park 90, Dromana 90, Rosebud 78, Frankston YCW 78, Hastings 42, Crib Point 36, Pearcedale 12.

Sub District: Carrum Downs 102, Tyabb 78, Mt Martha 78, Ballam Park 72, Seaford 72, Balnarring 66, Boneo 66, Tootgarook 54, Rye 36, Skye 36.