MPCA 2020-21: Langwarrin beats Mornington and Rulach stars in Sorrento’s win over Baxter

It was like a Sheffield Shield cricket re-run in MPCA Provincial on Saturday as a couple of champs went head-to-head.

Jayde Herrick dismissed Jamie Cox on Saturday. Picture: Valeriu Campan

It was like a Sheffield Shield cricket re-run in MPCA Provincial on Saturday.

Former Tasmanian champion Jamie Cox was dismissed by former Victorian quickie Jayde Herrick in the Round 9 game between Langwarrin and Mornington at Lloyd Park.

Herrick, playing for Langwarrin, trapped Mornington opener Cox — the maker of 51 first-class centuries and 18,614 runs — LBW for seven as Langwarrin swept to a convincing victory.

Cox, who retired from first-class cricket in 2006, made a surprise comeback before Christmas after being coaxed back by former Victorian captain and friend Darren Berry, who coaches Mornington.

He’s made 19, 21 and 7 in his three appearances at local level so far.

Langwarrin recruit Cameron Sharpe excelled with bat and ball as the Kangaroos made it four wins on the spin.

The former Ringwood association star made 22 and then took 4-15 off 8 overs as Langwarrin (7-180) shot out Mornington for 114.

Langwarrin made a strong start to the game, with Herrick (24) and Tom Hussey (29) hitting the ball hard in a rapid 49-run opening stand.

Young Kyle Parrott (21) kept the runs flowing, as did Matt Prosser (30), Taylor Smith (25) and Sharpe.

Mornington’s run chase got off to a bad start when Cox fell early but Bulldogs opener Zac Garnett tried to lead a fightback with 47. Langwarrin’s bowlers, though, had the answers, with spinners Prosser (3-28) and Robbie Lancaster (2-29) joining Sharpe in the wickets.

James Rulach took 4-15 for Sorrento. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Teenage Sorrento seamer James Rulach grabbed an opportunity to lead the Sharks attack for the first time by taking 4-15 to set up a vital win over Baxter.

Moving the ball both ways, Rulach claimed the big scalp of Chris Brittain (3) as well as Baxter opener Yohan Maddege as the visitors slumped to 3-16.

Experienced pair Joe Rule (50) and Justin Bridgeman (33) led a rebuild with an 86-run fourth wicket partnership Baxter was dismissed for 146 in the last over.

Rulach was a member of Sorrento’s premiership side last season and has a bright future, according to Sharks skipper Bobby Wilson.

Liam O’Connor (2-26) and Leigh Poholke (2-19) also bowled well.

Sorrento chased down the target in the 38th over, albeit after some nervous moments, replying with 9-147.

Sorrento skipper Bobby Wilson.

Wilson (50 from 69 balls) led the way, with Jake Wood (24) and Leigh Poholke (19) also making key contributions.

Paceman Adeel Hussain and leg-spinner Maddege took three wickets apiece for Baxter.

Sorrento has won three in a row to climb to third spot.

Mt Eliza remained in the relegation hot seat after a narrow loss to Old Peninsula at Madsen Reserve.

There was a bit of banter in the local derby as Mounties No.3 Ben Tracy (41) tried to steady his side’s run chase after it lost two early wickets in pursuit of the Pirates’ 8-138.

In a tight finish, Mt Eliza fell four runs short, finishing 8-134 off its 40 overs as James La Brooy and John Forrest had the final say. Tim Strickland (27) and Nick Strickland (19) chipped in for Mt Eliza, which remains on the bottom of the ladder.

Baden Powell is knocking on the door of the top four after beating Red Hill to notch its fourth win.

Rhys Elmi’s 71 (83 balls, six boundaries and one six), Coen Chernishoff’s 48 and 26no off 21 balls from skipper Travis Kellerman, on his birthday, saw the Braves to 4-188.

The Hillmen were never likely in the chase after losing both openers for ducks and they were held to 8-94, despite fighting knocks from Brent Martin (37no) and Damian Sullivan (20). Spinner Craig Entwistle (3-18) and opening bowlers Taylor Harrison (2-15) and Zacc Klan (2-23) controlled proceedings for Baden Powell.

MPCA PROVINCIAL LADDER: Old Peninsula 90, Langwarrin 78, Sorrento 66, Baxter 54, Baden Powell 54, Mornington 42, Red Hill 30, Mt Eliza 18.