MPCA Peninsula Division: Long Island flexes muscles as challengers emerge
The premiership picture is becoming clearer in Peninsula division of the Mornington Peninsula Cricket Association, with Long Island, Rosebud and Somerville making big moves.
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The premiership picture is becoming clearer in Peninsula division of the Mornington Peninsula Cricket Association.
Long Island remains the side to beat, although Rosebud and Somerville have hit the ground running after the mid-season break to show they are genuine contenders.
Long Island was clinical in its win over bottom side Seaford Tigers on Saturday.
Sent in, the Islanders hummed along at nearly a run-a-ball to post 2-225 in the 40-over one-dayer.
Long Island skipper Aiden McKenna smacked 67 off 67 balls (6 fours) at the top of the list, sharing a 122-run opening partnership with Thomas Matson (51).
Zac Wilson (57no off 44 balls) and Michael Burke (43no off 42 balls) upped the tempo even further in the second half of the innings.
In reply, Seaford Tigers opener Vijay Singh (51no off 74 balls) anchored the innings as the visitors put up a good fight, making 7-198. Jack Brooking (32), Will Sorati (30) and Luke Chevalier (29) were also in the runs.
Aaron Barrett nabbed 2-27 for Long Island and spinner Wilson took 1-33 to complete an excellent match.
Somerville’s young quickie Caleb Debnam took 3-38 to help the Eagles to an 11-run win over fourth-placed Mornington.
The win has Somey knocking on the door of the top four, with five rounds remaining.
Somerville batted first and put up 182, with Jack Barbour (43), Isaac Harrison (43), Brad McDonald (27) and Matt Eager (27no) showing the way. Ex-Test leggie Bryce McGain took 5-24 off 8 overs.
Debnam then struck early blows as Mornington crashed to 4-28. Ryan Smith led a Bulldogs rebuild with 61 and Matt Foon made 31 at No.9 but Somerville, with Craig Black taking 2-18 and Jacob Evans 2-44, got the job done.
The Nagel brothers were again in the wickets as Rosebud banked its sixth win, beating Mt Eliza. The Sharks put up 9-149 and then restricted the Mounties to 9-139. Liam Collett was instrumental for Rosebud with a stylish knock of 60 before Patrick Nagel took 2-29 and younger brother Ash 3-15 off 8 overs.
Seaford climbed off the bottom of the ladder after celebrating its first win of the season, beating Moorooduc. Jacob Foxwell (70), Jordan Desmond (45) and Matt Herbert (34) impressed with the bat before Bailey Hoysted delivered a match-winning bowling spell of 3-20 off 8 overs. Moorooduc fell just short despite a blazing 89 not out off 44 balls by Nick Williams and 41 not out off 42 balls by Michael Whincup.
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