MPCA 2022-23: Balnarring beats Boneo to remain undefeated in Sub District division

Balnarring has surged from bottom of the ladder to top spot, undefeated, in MPCA Sub District. See who’s powering the Saints.

Lukew Hewitt has led Balnarring to top spot. Picture: Facebook

Balnarring won only three games and a wooden spoon in a rugged 2021-22 season.

But things are panning out a whole lot better this season for the Saints, who have powered through the opening eight weeks undefeated.

They sit a game clear on top of the MPCA Sub District ladder.

On Saturday, Balnarring dug deep to beat second-placed Boneo by 48 runs in a rain-affected Round 6.

Defending 225, the Saints overcame a two-hour rain delay and a defiant Boneo to dismiss the visitors for 177 and bank their fifth win.

Boneo bowler Sean Garner. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Boneo’s batters dug in, with Sean Garner (50), Dilasri Lokubandara (49), Caolan O’Connor (18) and Mitchell Smith (15) valuing their wickets.

A key moment came when Banarring keeper Jackson Hannah showcased his quick reflexes to stump Lokubandara off the bowling of Brenton Taylor, who bowled a marathon 28.4 overs straight.

Mark Walles took an excellent gully catch as the Saints made their winning move.

The “Ice Man”, Darcy Warmbrunn, then stepped up to deliver an outstanding spell, taking wickets regularly as the home crowd was whipped into a frenzy.

Warmbrunn took 4-23 off 12 overs, including four maidens, while Taylor (3-71 off 28.4 overs) sealed victory with the last two wickets of the game in consecutive deliveries to see him on a hat-trick next week.

Balnarring recruited Hastings champion Luke Hewitt as captain-coach this season and he’s led the Saints brilliantly.

Hewitt leads the competition in runs — 199, at 39.80 — and has also taken nine wickets, at 11.56.

Other Saints who have hit the ground running this season include Walles (160 runs), Hannah (133, 3 catches, 3 stumpings), Jake Hewitt (131), Taylor (127 and 11 wickets) and Patrick Nickeas (10 wickets).

Skye batter Kasun Perera. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Meanwhile, Mt Martha’s Tom Walker captured 6-29 off 17 overs to shoot out Frankston YCW for 56 and secure a resounding 132-run victory. Walker has bagged 15 wickets already this season.

Rye thrashed Skye outright, with Justin Barnes (5-34) and Cooper Harris (5-18) taking all 10 wickets in Skye’s second innings. Skye was rolled for 95 and 83, despite the fighting efforts of Patrick Beckham, who made 32 and 32no.

Toby Maughan (38) and Matt Whelan (31) guided Tootgarook to victory over Ballam Park.

MPCA Sub District ladder: Balnarring 66, Mt Martha 54, Boneo 54, Tyabb 50, Rye 50, Tootgarook 42, Ballam Park 30, Skye 18, Frankston YCW 6, Pearcedale 6.