MPCA 2020-21: Pines win again but lose Jackson Mockett to injury

Undefeated Pines’ latest win in MPCA Peninsula came at a cost, with a key player suffering an injury that could sideline him for weeks.

Pines paceman Jackson Mockett pinged his hamstring on Saturday. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Pines will need to dip into its bowling depth after paceman Jackson Mockett did his hamstring on Saturday.

The 24-year-old grabbed the back of his leg as he chased a ball to the boundary during the Piners’ win over Moorooduc at Eric Bell Reserve.

He’s expected to be sidelined for a few weeks at least.

“It’s a big blow,” Pines skipper Ricky Ramsdale said.

“He wants to get back as soon as possible but I’ve told him not to rush it.

“We need him back for the finals.”

Jackson Mockett goes at Moorooduc on Saturday. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Mockett has taken 12 wickets, at 16, spearheading the Pines attack this season.

He took 1-22 off 8 overs on Saturday as Pines dismissed Moorooduc for 120.

The Piners coasted to victory, making 3-121 off 34 overs in reply.

“He bowled a real good spell on the weekend,” Ramsdale said of Mockett.

“He probably went for 10 runs from inside edges. Nah, he’s been good, the Big Dog.”

Ramsdale said either Liam Jackson or former Frankston Peninsula quickie Billy Humphrey would step up and take the new ball in Mockett’s absence.

Billy Humphrey bowling for Pines on Saturday. Picture: Valeriu Campan

“That’s not a problem, the bowling depth, we think we’ve got the best bowling attack going around,” Ramsdale said.

“We don’t have a (Jayde) Herrick or something like that but every one of our bowlers is a good bowler. If you have a look at the bowling averages, they are all (averaging) under 16, every single one of them.”

Ramsdale turned 40 on Saturday and celebrated with a fine all-round game — snaring 3-14 off 8 overs and making 35 at the top of the list.

Harley Peace-Sterling top scored with 39 not out (6 boundaries) and Humphrey, who is averaging 101 this season (dismissed only once), chipped in with 15 not out.

Pines (8 wins and a draw) sits a game clear on top, with Long Island cemented in second spot.

Pines players celebrate a wicket. Picture: Valeriu Campan

English left-armer Daniel Kelly took 4-26 to continue his excellent season as Long Island (7-172cc) beat Seaford Tigers (125).

Kelly leads the competition wicket tally with 17, at an average of 14.06.

Long Island’s top scorer was former Heatherhill batsman Peter Edwards, who made 48 from No.7.

Somerville’s bats were blazing as it snapped a three-game losing streak with a 53-run win over Flinders.

Skipper Brad McDonald blasted 85 not out, opener Brenton Alp 83 and No.5 Justin Allsopp 41 as the Eagles totted up 4-282 off 40 overs.

In reply, Flinders made 229, with Kane Hawkins blazing 62. Allsopp capped a fine game with 3-28.

Moorooduc’s Ben Williams.

The win put fourth-placed Somerville back on track for finals.

Heatherhill also returned to form, beating Main Ridge. Chasing the Cougars’ 6-148, Heatherhill got there with two overs and four wickets to spare, making 6-151. Tyler Neal (38no) anchored the chase, supported by Aidan Lenehan (36no), Kieran Lenehan (26) and Declan Albert (21).

Earlier, Jonathon Powell captured 4-35 for Heatherhill. Chris Barker (47) top scored for Main Ridge.

Meanwhile, Jayden Regan blasted 167 not out for Hastings’ seconds against Frankston YCW on Saturday.

His swashbuckling innings included 12 fours and 8 sixes and helped the Blues to 5-265 at Peninsula Reserve.

Regan then nabbed 1-30 to help restrict YCW to 6-147 in reply.

Mt Eliza’s Ashwin Subramaniam had a day to remember in his side’s win over Heatherhill in C3 grade.

He blasted 127 (retired) in a total of 2-302 off 40 overs, and then took 5-5 with the ball in the same game — both were personal best achievements.

Phil Tennick smashed 139 in Somerville’s C1 side.