MPCA wrap: Ex-AFL player nabs six wickets in boilover victory, young Sam Field fires again and Luke Hewitt blasts century

All the talking points from the latest round of MPCA action, including an ex-AFL Hawk’s eye-popping bowling display, a player making a run at the Wedgwood medal and Sam Fowler’s sizzling century for Dromana.

Dale Elmi made 69no for Baden Powell on Saturday. Picture: Valeriu Campan

The ex-Hawk is a Shark on the cricket field...

Former Hawthorn footballer Ollie Hanrahan captured 6-39 as bottom side Sorrento stunned ladder leaders Pines in MPCA Provincial on Saturday.

Hanrahan, who played 29 AFL matches for the Hawks, is a lively pace bowler, who played First XI at Prahran last season.

He joined Sorrento this season and has taken wickets in every game, and his bag on Saturday took him to 16 scalps.

Sent in, Sorrento made 5-203, with Rhys Musgrave (39no), Corey Harris (36), Mitch Bench (32) and Matt Rulach (38no) in the runs. Pines, in reply, got off to a flyer, with Ricky Ramsdale hitting Hanrahan for a couple of sixes. But Hanrahan had the final say, dismissing “Ramma’’ for 17 and then dismantling the middle order as Pines was dismissed for 183, despite Harley Peacestirling’s unbeaten 70.

Oliver Hanrahan of the Hawks reacts after kicking a goal against Collingwood in 2019. (AAP Image/Julian Smith)

SIZZLING SAM

Sam Fowler enhanced his status as the best dual-code sports person on the Mornington Peninsula with a brilliant century in Dromana’s win over Old Peninsula. In winter, Fowler is an excitement machine in the MPFNL, as a Dromana premiership star and livewire. Now his cricketing exploits are turning heads; his 108 (7 fours, 2 sixes) was his second century this season (both coming against Old Peninsula) and boosted his run tally to 461, at 65. Sam’s brother Jack also starred (39 and 3-42) in Saturday’s win, which lifted the Hoppers back to top spot.

ANOTHER WALLY?

Langwarrin all-rounder Matt Prosser could be headed for an unprecedented fifth Wally Wedgwood medal as the best player in MPCA Provincial. His match-winning performance of 2-17 and 60no against Heatherhill on Saturday should secure him three votes — and that followed displays of 43, 84 and 50, as well as a six-wicket haul before Christmas.

BRAVES WIN

The Elmi brothers blasted Baden Powell to victory over reigning premiers Red Hill. Dale hit 69 not out off 67 balls (6 fours, 1 six) and Rhys made 55 as the Braves ran down Red Hill’s 5-207 in the 39th over, making 5-210. Daniel Di Paolo made 44 at the top for the BPs. For Red Hill, Brent Martin had a great game with 81no and 2-30.

YOUNG GUN DOES IT AGAIN

Teenager Sam Field produced another match-winning knock for Flinders, making an unbeaten 71 off 80 balls as the Sharks (7-185) reeled in Baxter’s 4-181 with two balls to spare. Field, 15, leads the District competition runs chart this season with 435 at 71 and must surely be in contention to be selected in the MPCA Country Week side for next month’s annual carnival.

Gordon Waterfall was again in the runs for Carrum Downs. Picture: Valeriu Campan

BAST OFF!

Luke Hewitt blasted 5 sixes and 9 fours in a dynamic knock of 119no in Balnarring’s win over Carrum Downs in District. He then grabbed 3-29 with the ball including the key wicket of Cougars opener Gordon Waterfall for 88.

OPENER TEES OFF

Jack Knight blitzed 84 off 75 balls to set up Crib Point’s crucial win over Carrum. The opener has impressed since joining the Magpies from Seaford. Cribby have won three in a row to emerge as a finals contender in District.

SIXES GALORE

Josh Edwards (51no) and Callum Bradford (42) batted Frankston YCW to victory over Skye. Edwards smacked four sixes and Bradford two maxiums as the Stonecats cemented third spot in Sub-District.

CAUGHT ON THE BOUNDARY

Mt Martha’s Kyle Bendle fell two runs short of a century, caught on the deep mid-wicket fence for 98 off 75 balls against Tyabb.