MPCA 2023-24: Luke Long blasts maiden century for Baden Powell in Provincial
A Mornington Peninsula cricketer has smacked his maiden century after just one training session and a surprise phone call. It leads off the Provincial wrap.
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Cricket’s a funny game; you just never know when it will be your day.
Take Baden Powell opening batter Luke Long, who blasted his maiden century in MPCA Provincial firsts on Saturday.
He wasn’t even in the Braves side on Saturday morning; he was preparing for a run in the twos before getting a (very) late call-up when opener Harry Maxwell pulled out.
What’s more, Long had only trained once this season — he had a quick net session last Thursday night — because of a finger injury he received while playing footy for Frankston Dolphins.
But, with a clear mind, the 20-year-old turned up at Pines and produced the innings of his life, smacking 103 off 81 deliveries.
Not only was it his first ton, it was also the first time he’d passed 50 in first XI.
Long combined with Dale Elmi for a 166-run opening partnership in just 16 overs.
Elmi, who twice smashed three sixes in a row, fell just short a century when he was stumped for 97 (off 70) from the bowling of 52-year-old Pines debutant Jamie Jewiss, in his first over.
Baden Powell was dismissed for 265 in 39 overs. It was enough as Pines, in reply, made 203.
But the day belonged to Long, who grabbed his opportunity with both hands.
“People were saying it was one of the best hundreds they’ve seen,” Baden Powell captain Rhys Elmi said.
“He only had one session and that’s why I didn’t pick him in the firsts.
“I said, ‘let’s just open the batting with you in the twos and get a game under your belt’.
“And then I woke up on Saturday morning to a message from Harry and I brought him straight in and made the decision to open him and thank god I did. “
Elmi said Long was one of the most talented young players in the MPCA.
“He’s been threatening to do it for a long time,’’ he said.
“He’s probably one of the better younger guys going around, coasting under the radar I reckon.”
In other games:
*Sorrento improved its record to 2-0 after a comprehensive win over Heatherhill. Sent in, the Sharks put up 9-221, with opener Corey Harris (47), skipper Seb Gotch (43), Seaford Tigers recruit Luke Kranzbuhler (39), Rhys Musgrave (31) and Jake Wood (22no from 12) firing. In reply, Heatherhill was held to 6-158, with Jake Theobald (50) and skipper Kristian Miller (33) doing best for the home side. Kranzbuhler (2-25) and James Rulach (1-14) bowled well for Sorrento, which appears to be a stronger side this season.
*Langwarrin remained unbeaten after edging Old Peninsula by five runs. Wedgwood medallist Matt Prosser cracked 44 off 43 to give Langy a strong start before skipper Jake Prosser maintained the run rate with 53. In reply, the Pirates fell just short in a tight finish.
*A man-of-the-match display by Chris Dew fired Red Hill to victory over Long Island. Dew took 4-34 to help restrict the Islanders to 8-180, with Anthony Bissett top scoring with 60. Dew then hit 40 off 32 balls, with support from Riley Shaw (39) and James O’Connell (34no) as the Hillmen, 8-181, got home with two overs to spare. Simon Dart again didn’t play due to illness.
Proof the Heat are rising
Two near-tons and a strong middle-order offering are signs of Frankston Peninsula’s improved status in Premier Cricket, according to Heat coach Peter Marshall.
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