MPCA: Heatherhill edges Somerville in Peninsula division thriller

The great Dermott Brereton watched his Heatherhill club mates pull off a stirring win as the MPCA season ploughed on despite Melbourne’s wet weather.

Somerville coach Jason Nagel shares a joke with footy legend and Heatherhill Fourth XI captain Dermott Brereton. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Heatherhill has signalled it will be a title contender in MPCA Peninsula division with two impressive victories to start the season.

After being too strong for Moorooduc in the opening round last week, the Hills produced a dazzling bowling and fielding display to stun Somerville at Jones Rd on Saturday.

Players from Heatherhill’s Fourth XI, including Dermott Brereton, watched the action after their game was washed out.

Heatherhill looked up against it after being dismissed for 120.

Heatherhill batter Matt Bishop.

Charles Amini bowling for Somerville. Picture: Valeriu Campan

But Somerville’s reply spluttered from the outset as Heatherhill bowlers Adeel Hussain (3-27), Levi McLoughlin-Dore (2-22), Shaun Miller (3-16) and Brett Maxwell (2-26) got on top, dismissing the home side for 116 to secure a gripping four-run win.

Somerville skipper Leigh Lowry, with 27, top scored for his side.

Earlier, Heatherhill’s batting began brightly with opener Matt Bishop peeling off 34 and No.4 Nathan Cassano 23.

But Somerville paceman Jack Kennedy unleashed a hostile spell to rip through the Hills, taking a career-best 6-28 off 7.4 overs.

Eagles new ball bowler Cameron Sharpe also impressed with 3-19 off eight overs.

Somerville celebrate a wicket. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Seafood Tigers captain Mackenzie Gardner peeled off an unbeaten 59 to steer his side to victory over Flinders.

The former Frankston Peninsula wicketkeeper shared a 104-run partnership with opener Brayden Roscoe (50) as the Tigers (3-123) chased down Flinders’ 122 with 17 balls to spare.

Earlier, Jake Harrington nabbed 4-10 off 2.5 overs for the Tigers, who sit on top of the ladder, undefeated.

Former Australian Test leg spinner Bryce McGain, 50, returned to Mornington for his first game with the Bulldogs in 29 years and he took 2-17 off eight overs in a seven-wicket win over Dromana.

McGain’s spell helped dismiss Dromana for 146 and in reply Mornington coasted to victory, with skipper Zac Garnett (65no) batting beautifully as the Bulldogs, 3-148, achieved victory in the 37th over.

Mt Eliza openers Ravindu Kodithuwakku (64no) and Rashmika Opatha (37) guided the Mounties to a resounding nine-wicket win over Moorooduc.

Ryan McNamara bowling for Somerville. Picture: Valeriu Campan

In Provincial, Langwarrin skipper Chris Brittain made 95 not out off 99 balls to steer his side to victory over Red Hill.

Red Hill posted a competitive 6-200 but Brittain timed Langy’s run chase to a tee, the home side getting there with four wickets and 19 balls to spare.

Matt Prosser (36) and Jacob Woinarski (30) supported Brittain.

Old Peninsula skipper Justin Grant continued his brilliant start to the season, grabbing 5-26 in the Pirates’ win over Pines.

Grant hit 92 in the opening round last week.

Baxter paceman Chamika Sattambi captured 5-26 against Long Island, which fought back to bank its first win of the season on the back of Dan Kelly’s 3-21.

In District, Brad Lockhart made 98 not out off 100 balls to steer Carrum Downs to a five-wicket win over Seaford.

Lockhart put away 6 sixes and 6 fours as the Cougars chased down Seaford’s 173 with 20 balls to spare, making 5-174.

The runs flowed at Delacombe Park, which put up 3-245 against Hastings. Parkers opener Jonny Guthrie (56no) played the support role as Ben Walker (73) and Ash Walker (85no) smashed 10 sixes between them. In reply, Hastings was dismissed for 165, despite a fine knock of 69 by Tom Finn.