MPCA 2020-21: The battle to avoid relegation in Provincial reaches boiling point

Luke Robertson has produced a top-drawer innings as Red Hill took a vital step towards avoiding relegation in MPCA Provincial.

Red Hill’s Luke Robertson drives on his way to 88 not out against Mornington. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Former Ringwood batsman Luke Robertson has produced a top-drawer innings to help Red Hill to a vital win over Mornington in MPCA Provincial.

The win saw the Hillmen climb off the bottom of the ladder and boosted their hopes of avoiding relegation with one round to go.

Left-hander Robertson carved out an unbeaten 88 off 100 balls as Red Hill chased down Mornington’s 7-182 with three overs and seven wickets to spare, finishing 3-188.

The 41-year-old hit seven boundaries and a six and shared a 108-run opening partnership with Luke Jackson (46) as the Hillmen got motoring.

Red Hill batsman Luke Jackson launches. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Matt Merifield (11) and Adam Slack (8) chipped in before Damian Sullivan (16no) crunched a six over mid-wicket to bring up victory — boosting his side’s percentage which could ultimately prove crucial as the battle to avoid relegation reaches boiling point next weekend.

Earlier, a hostile spell by Red Hill opening bowler Glenn Collett helped set up victory. He trapped former Tasmanian star Jamie Cox (3) leg before for three on his way to 4-16 off eight overs.

Luke Robertson on the attack. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Mornington drops to the bottom and into the relegation hot seat.

Three teams are equal on 48 points in the bottom three spots on the ladder — Mt Eliza (0.7996), Red Hill (0.7719) and Mornington (0.7537).

All three sides face tough games against premiership contenders in the final round. Mornington meets reigning premiers Sorrento, Red Hill hosts Old Peninsula and Mt Eliza hosts Langwarrin.

Mornington coach Darren Berry talks to his players at the drinks break. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Sorrento champion Bobby Wilson made an unbeaten 72 off 64 balls (two boundaries and one six) to steer the Sharks home over Langwarrin at Lloyd Park.

Earlier, Wilson snared 2-24 with his tweakers as Sorrento restricted Langwarrin to 8-170.

Sorrento’s openers Corey Harris (35 off 54) and Jedd Falck (30 off 84) got the run chase off to a solid start with a 64-run stand before Wilson took control.

Wilson and Leigh Poholke (22no off 27, with one six) had an unconquered 45-run stand to take the Sharks to victory.

Spinner Robbie Lancaster was the pick of the Langwarrin bowlers with 3-27 off eight overs.

Earlier, Langwarrin No.3 Taylor Smith batted beautifully to make 52 (with two boundaries), sharing a 70-run partnership with Matt Prosser (36) after Sharks speedster Jake Wood (2-30) struck early.

Old Peninsula trounced Baxter to go further ahead on the top of the ladder.

Dylan O’Malley (59, with 7 fours and 1 six), Tom La Brooy (33), Will Crowder (39no) and John Forrest (22no) helped the Pirates to 7-178.

They then rolled Baxter for 139, with Justin Grant (3-19), Wade Pelzer (2-11) and James La Brooy (2-23) doing the damage.

Taylor Harrison was in the spotlight as Baden Powell scraped home against Mt Eliza.

He captured 4-23 off eight overs to help dismiss the Mounties for 146.

Harrison was at the crease, scoring 1no, as the Braves scrambled home in the last over of the game, making 9-148.

Rhys Elmi (33), Beau Anthony (24), Travis Kellerman (22) and Andrew Sparks (20) also chipped in as the Braves consolidated third spot.

For Mt Eliza, Nick Strickland (3-14) and Anthony Cleary (2-25) bowled well.

Ladder: Old Peninsula 132, Langwarrin 96, Baden Powell 96, Sorrento 96, Baxter 60, Mt Eliza 48, Red Hill 48, Mornington 48.