MPCA Provincial: Dromana skipper’s emotional century in victory

Dromana captain Sam Fowler scored his maiden First XI century in front of hundreds of family and friends following the passing of a man he regarded as “a second father’’.

Sam Fowler batting for Dromana in last season’s MPCA Peninsula grand final. Picture: Supplied

Sam Fowler has spoken of the emotion behind his maiden First XI century for Dromana on Saturday.

The 26-year-old danced down the wicket and whacked a four to reach the milestone against Old Peninsula, raising his arms triumphantly and immediately looking to the Hoppers club rooms.

There, his family and friends had gathered for a wake to celebrate the life of Shane “Gil” Matlock, a man Fowler regarded as his “second father”.

“He was my Dad’s best mate,” Fowler said.

“He was like a second father to me and (my brother) Jack and my two sisters.

“He’s just been around our family ever since I was born and he was part of the family. He passed away recently.

“He was always at the cricket club, he’d come and watch us in footy and cricket.

“They had his wake at the club, a few hundred people, and they all came out to the deck and celebrated it (the century) with me which was pretty cool and emotional.”

Dromana captain Sam Fowler. Picture: Supplied

Fowler said his Dad, Marty, was “stoked” as Dromana, 2-187, claimed a comfortable victory over Old Peninsula (182) to remain unbeaten at 4-0.

“It’s funny how the world works like that, you get a hundred, it’s your first one and in front of all your family and friends on a day like that,” Fowler said.

“It’s pretty cool.”

Fowler finished unbeaten on 103 and acknowledged the sportsmanship shown by the Old Peninsula players, who to a man applauded Fowler’s century.

“They’re a pretty professional outfit POB, they were all getting around me,’’ he said. “I felt like they wanted me to get there as well. I think they knew it was my first ton.’’

Fowler scored his first century a decade ago as a 15-year-old in Boneo’s seconds.

On Saturday he and Kierran Voelkl (48) had a 116-run second wicket partnership before Fowler had a 55-run stand with Bobby Wilson (17no) to take the Hoppers to victory.

Dromana has made a dynamic return to Provincial ranks after 50 years, beating reigning premiers Red Hill, Heatherhill, Baden Powell and Old Peninsula.

“We’re playing some pretty good cricket which is pleasing,” Fowler said.

Dromana tackles Pines next round in the battle of the two undefeated sides.

“It should be a cracker, bring it on,” Fowler said.

Meanwhile, half centuries by Simon Dart (74no, 9 fours) and Charlie Hannemann (51, with 4 fours and 3 sixes) helped Red Hill reel in Baden Powell’s 234 with five wickets in hand. Riley Shaw (44) and Harry Gouldstone (36) were also in the runs for the Hillmen.

Adeel Hussain (3-71off 23 overs) and Sithum Peiris (3-50 off 18 overs) combined to secure victory for Heatherhill, which dismissed Langwarrin for 232 in reply to 289. For Langy, Matt Prosser (50), Jack Marget (35), Nathan Volpe (32) and teenage debutant Cooper Dornan (32 off 56 balls, with 5 fours) were in the runs.

Sorrento skipper Dimitri Mascarenhas made 92 not out (155 balls, with 5 fours and 1 six) as the Sharks made 9-257 in reply to Pines’ mountainous 407. Matthew Rulach chipped in with 34. Lachlan Jackson (3-40), Declan Jackson (2-36) and Connor Jackson (2-25) shared the wickets for Pines.

Ladder: Dromana, Pines, Heatherhill, Langwarrin, Red Hill, Old Peninsula, Sorrento, Baden Powell.