Premier Cricket 2019-20: Jake Sherriff takes five wickets to put Fitzroy Doncaster on top
Jake Sherriff was the star for Fitzroy Doncaster on day one of its Premier Cricket clash against Prahran, until he suffered a shoulder injury.
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Fitzroy Doncaster unveiled English import Gavin Griffiths on Saturday but it was another recruit that starred with the ball.
Jake Sherriff ran through Prahran’s line-up, taking the first five wickets in the opening hour as the True Blues were bowled out for 174 at Toorak Park.
Sherriff had 5-32 from 7.5 overs when he went down with a dislocated shoulder fielding off his own bowling.
The paceman suffered the injury shortly after a rain delay and was sent to hospital, where he had his shoulder put back in.
“Hopefully it’s not a long-term one,” Fitzroy Doncaster captain Ejaaz Alavi said.
“It wasn’t ideal, but other guys stepped up to the plate.”
The setback was a further blow for Fitzroy Doncaster’s pace attack, which went in without Harrison Goad due to a hip complaint.
Kobe Smith (1-25 off 12 overs) replaced Goad to make his debut and found the edge of Prahran captain Jake Hancock, who topscored with 60, to claim his first wicket in the First XI.
Sherriff has dominated local cricket with The Basin and Warrandyte for the past five years, taking 181 wickets in that time.
He had a previous stint at Fitzroy Doncaster but has returned to test his game in the state’s pre-eminent competition, recruited to help replace star trio Trent Lawford, Andrew Perrin and Chris Moore.
“Obviously the opportunity arose with a few leaving at the end of last year,” Alavi said.
“He was obviously keen to come in and play Premier Cricket. We know he is a very skilful player and he’s had a massive impact for us already.”
Griffiths arrived in the country on Thursday, bringing with him 23 first-class games for Leicestershire.
He took the new ball in partnership with Sherriff and returned 1-44 from 12 overs.
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Griffiths, who has a connection with Fitzroy Doncaster champion Peter Dickson, has 55 first-class wickets and best figures of 6-49.
“He bowled really well and without much luck,” Alavi said.
“It looks like he gets the ball through OK and we’re looking forward to see what he brings for the rest of the season.”
Fitzroy Doncaster was 1-74 when stumps were drawn at 7.30pm on a rain-affected opening day.