MPCA 2023-24: Delacombe Park scores emotional win over Balnarring in District
Delacombe Park dedicated its rousing victory over Balnarring to a much-loved club member who passed away last week.
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“This weekend we do it for Simmo.”
The Facebook post rallied Delacombe Park Cricket Club players ahead of its round of matches on the weekend.
It’s been a difficult time for the Parkers — and the MPCA cricket community — following the death of popular DP player Simon Poynton last Thursday.
“Simmo” made countless friends and lived life to the full during three decades of cricket on the peninsula after joining Delacombe Park as a nine-year-old.
On Saturday, Delacombe Park players, as well as those from other clubs including Langwarrin and Pines, wore black armbands in his memory.
Fuelled by emotion, Delacombe Park’s first XI dug deep to defeat Balnarring by four runs in MPCA District.
Parkers skipper Daniel Streker delivered a match-winning spell of bowling, taking 5-20 off eight overs, to clinch a gripping win as Balnarring was dismissed for 180 in 38.3 overs.
Earlier, DP posted 8-184 of their 40 overs, with father-son Jonny Guthrie and Dylan Gray (31) sharing a 40-run opening partnership.
Parkers No.4 Nick Hammel top scored with 45 and Ash Walker chipped in with 21.
Delacombe Park has won both of its opening two games.
In other games, a 101-run opening partnership between James Quarmby (76) and Brad Lockhart (53) set up Carrum Downs’ 40-run win over Flinders.
Young spinner Sam Field captured 4-40 off eight overs for Flinders, and skipper Liam Wolters made an unbeaten 46.
Seaford skipper Matthew Herbert cracked 42 not out off 47 balls to set up his side’s 23-run win over Crib Point. Andrew Smith (3-18) and Dil Pageni (3-26) completed the job.
Carrum’s Dylan Ridgway took the eye-popping figures of 4-6 off five overs as the Lions skittled Main Ridge for 85. Carrum skipper Jake D’Atri then peeled off 35 not out as the Lions achieved victory with six wickets and 14 overs to spare.
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