Premier Cricket: Frankston Peninsula gloveman Brodie Eccles struck in face
A serious injury to a key player failed to stop Frankston Peninsula’s seconds from continuing their winning run on Australia Day.
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An outfield throw that bounced and “took off’’ struck Frankston Peninsula wicketkeeper Brodie Eccles in the mouth, leaving him requiring surgery to repair a badly laccerated lip.
It happened early in Tuesday’s Second XI game against Northcote at AH Butler Oval.
Eccles was taken to hospital.
He faces a stint on the sidelines, a blow for him and the Heat as he was enjoying an excellent season with both the gloves and the bat (236 runs, at 33.7).
Frankston’s seconds, led by a sensible innings by Nick Mann (40 not out off 98 balls) and debutant Lachlan Klauer (22 not out off 30 balls), chased down Northcote’s 158, relying with making 4-160 off 43.4 overs.
The win consolidated fifth spot for the Heat, who are on track to play finals.
Earelier, Heat skipper Mitch Drummond bowled beautifully to snare 3-27 off 10 overs.
“There’s every chance they’ll play finals,” Heat assistant coach Peter Buchanan said.
Buchanan captained Frankston Peninsula’s seconds to a flag in 1995-96. It remains the only premiership in the club’s 28-year history.
“I’m sick of the place talking about all those years ago when we did it, it’s about time someone recent did it,’’ Buchanan said.
When Eccles went down, Luke Kranzbuhler took the gloves and did a splendid job, snaffling four catches.
Kranzbuhler then made a vital 60 (95 balls, 7 boundaries) at the top of the order to complete a memorable day.
Frankston’s First XI lost to Northcote after managing only 9-155, with skipper Brodie Symons top scoring with 55 (66 balls, 3 fours, 3 sixes) and Ryan Hammel making 37.
In reply, Northcote coasted to victory in the 31st over, making 5-157.
There are nine rounds remaining.
Frankston Peninsula meets Camberwell Magpies this Saturday. The First XI is at home at AH Butler Oval.
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