MPCA: Jean-Luc Talbot scores century to fire Mt Eliza to victory in Peninsula division

A sparkling century, bags of wickets and two outright wins have ignited the finals race in MPCA Peninsula as Mt Eliza, Mornington and Somerville jostle for top four spots.

Jean-Luc Talbot made a superb 105. Picture: Paul Churcher

Mt Eliza showed how far it’s come this season with a resolute run-chase win over Somerville in MPCA Peninsula on Saturday.

In Round 4, the Mounties lowered their colours to Somerville when they couldn’t chase down 184, dismissed for 161 in that November match.

Three months later, it was a different story as Mt Eliza showed steely resolve to overhaul Somerville’s 213 in the 72nd over, making 4-217.

It also helps that star import Jean-Luc Talbot is in a purple patch of form.

He scored a top-drawer century on Saturday — 105 off 158 balls — after going in at 3-48.

Talbot ripped off his helmet and saluted his teammates after notching his century.

He and Josh Goudge (78no) shared a 164-run third wicket partnership to take Mt Eliza to 3-212.

Talbot, who hit 14 fours and 1 six, was dismissed trying to hit the winning runs. He was given a standing ovation as he walked off — and he gave Mt Eliza coach Marc Uccello a big hug.

Uccello’s influence this season is also behind the Mounties rise. He’s brought a wealth of cricket knowledge and experience to the club in his second stint as coach.

Talbot’s ton followed his 94 in the previous match.

He leads the competition run chart with 447 at 63.

Goudge’s knock was all class, coming off 193 balls, with 9 fours and 1 six. He looked like he could have batted forever. He’s putting together another fine season, with 353 runs, at 58.8.

Meanwhile, Mornington’s finals hopes soared after beating Moorooduc outright. The Bulldogs jumped to fourth spot, with three rounds to go.

After leading by 48 runs on first innings, Mornington rolled Moorooduc for 107 in its second dig. Paceman Cameron Moon bowled with fire to take 5-34 off 18 overs.

It left Mornington needing 60 runs for maximum points. The Bulldogs blasted to 3-60 in 11.1 overs, with Charlie Parker cracking 40no off 39 balls.

Rosebud was too good for Long Island, Sharks skipper Patrick Nagel making 35no in a five-wicket win.

Seaford demolished Seaford Tigers for 35 and 96 to grab an outright victory. Luke McGennisken had a game to remember, taking 5-10 and 5-39 for match figures of 10-49.