MPCA District: Main Ridge avoids relegation on back of batting blitz by Praveen Fernando
A Sri Lankan first-class player has produced a jaw-dropping finish to the season that will be talked about at Main Ridge for a long time.
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It’s little wonder Main Ridge moved quickly last month to re-sign star recruit Praveen Fernando for another season.
The former Sri Lankan first-class player is the talk of the Mornington Peninsula Cricket Association after blitzing back-to-back centuries to save Main Ridge from relegation to Sub District division.
In Saturday’s last round of the MPCA District season, Fernando smashed 100no off 53 balls — dispatching his last four deliveries for 6,1,6,4 — as the Cougars chased down top-of-the-ladder Carrum Downs’ 8-236 with 10 balls to spare.
Charlie Banks (46), Sam Lyons (36) and 17-year-old Baden Albress (17no) also made vital contributions.
Fernando’s ton came seven days after his breathtaking 168no from 134 balls against Carrum in another run-chase classic win.
On the back of the 30-year-old’s blazing bat, Main Ridge won the last four games to drag itself off the bottom of the ladder.
“Absolutely speechless,’’ declared Main Ridge champion and president Gareth Wyatt.
“Our little club continues to punch above its weight...I couldn’t be prouder.’’
Fernando, who joined Main Ridge this season from Footscray United in the VTCA, looked to be struggling with the bat when he made successive ducks in January.
But it was the calm before the storm, as the left-hander proceeded to peel off 55no, 31no, 168no and 100no in a jaw-dropping finish that will be talked about at Main Ridge for a long time.
While the Cougars were celebrating, Baxter was coming to terms with a third-straight relegation fate.
Jake Hewitt (61) and Luke Hewitt (57) fired Balnarring to 207, and victory over Baxter (9-139). Patrick Nickeas took 4-20 off 8 overs for the Saints.
Boneo secured a finals berth with a seven-wicket win over Carrum. After dismissing the Lions for 157, with Cam Williams taking 3-22, Boneo (3-158) achieved victory in the 38th over, with opener Chris Jobling making 73no off 108 balls (8 fours, 1 six).
Premiership contenders Flinders went on a run feast at Crib Point, smashing 7-309 off its 40 overs to set up an eye-popping win over the Magpies (7-159). Sharks openers Max Wilkinson (96) and Hudson Blake (77) lit the fuse before Sam Field (77 off 48 balls) hit 8 fours and 2 sixes as he took his season runs tally to 588.
Ladder: Carrum Downs 120, Balnarring 120, Flinders 108, Boneo 84, Crib Point 72, Carrum 60, Main Ridge 60, Baxter 48.
Semi-finals:
Carrum Downs v Boneo.
Balnarring v Flinders.
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