MPCA 2020-21: Seaford Tigers hoping to avoid relegation

Stuck in the relegation hot seat, Seaford Tigers are set to “mix it up” in a desperate bid to stay in MPCA Peninsula.

Seaford Tigers players celebrate after taking a Heatherhill wicket on Saturday. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Seaford Tigers went into the 2020-21 MPCA Peninsula season on a high.

But, as the final round looms, the Tigers are in danger of finishing it on a low.

With just one win and a draw, Seaford Tigers are on the bottom of the ladder and facing relegation — just 12 months after triumphantly hoisting the District flag.

Tigers captain David James said his side must put the frustration of narrow-losses and misfortune behind it and attack the remaining three rounds with gusto.

“We need to win two of our last three to stay up, so at least we know what we’ve got to do,” James said.

“And we’ve got to make sure one of those is Moorooduc, who are going alright.

The Seaford Tigers are targetting at least two wins in the last three games. Picture: Valeriu Campan

“We’ve got it in front of us but we know what we’ve got to do. We’ll be trying, that’s for sure.”

The Tigers face Somerville (away) on Saturday, followed by Moorooduc and Flinders in the last two weeks of the regular season.

“We’ll change a few things in the batting line-up, but funnily enough the boys are a pretty confident group even though we’ve only won the one game,” James said.

“They’re not down or anything, training has been good, we’re doing all the right things, we’re just not clicking, things just aren’t going our way on game day.

Seaford TGigers keeper Jon Plakourakis goes to his left.

Liam O'Halloran goes at Heatherhill.

“In the last three (games) we’ve asked for a concerted effort to make sure we stay up.

“We want to give it a good crack with the two-day cricket (returning) next year and see where we actually are.

“We’ll mix it up.”

Last Saturday, Seaford Tigers were dismissed for 116 in reply to Heatherhill’s 140.

Max Watters put the Tigers in a winning position after an inspired spell of bowling, netting 4-24 off 7.5 overs.

Jordan Dowell (2-29), Liam O’Halloran (2-25) and Mark Carroll (2-15) also impressed with the ball.

Brett Maxwell batting for Heatherhill.

But Heatherhill’s bowlers stamped their authority, led by Jake Theobald (2-20 off 8 overs) and man-of-the-match Tyler Neal, who took 3-35 to go with his 36 (off 51 balls) with the bat.

It was a crucial win for Heatherhill, which climbs back into the four.

In other games, Pines and Somerville had a tie in the inaugural Indigenous match at Eric Bell Reserve.

Piners tailender Riki Anstiss was run out while attempting a three off the final ball of the game, both sides finishing locked on 143.

Pines gun Harley Peace-Stirling was unbeaten in 66.

Long Island made it six wins in a row when it skittled Flinders for 98 and then coasted to 1-99 off 17 overs in reply.

Island new ball bowlers Daniel Kelly (3-33) and Andrew Tweddle (3-20) continued their golden summers.

Moorooduc skipper Ben Williams made 69 (5 boundaries) to set up his side’s win over Main Ridge.

The Ducs compiled 7-211, with Tom Shayler (43no) and Tharaka Peiris (46) also impressing with the bat.

Reece Cordeux took 3-30 and Pathum De Mel 3-12 as Moorooduc dismissed Main Ridge for 164.

MPCA Peninsula ladder: Pines 122, Long Island 118, Somerville 74, Heatherhill 66, Flinders 66, Moorooduc 42, Main Ridge 30, Seaford Tigers 18.