Premier Cricket: Frankston Peninsula scores gripping win over Ringwood

A former Australian spinner is set to play a role in Frankston’s Peninsula’s push for the Premier Cricket finals.

Jon Holland bowling for Frankston Peninsula on Saturday. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Frankston Peninsula coach Paul Boraston declared, “we’re still in the fight’’, after the Heat upset top-eight side Ringwood on the weekend to keep its finals hopes alive.

And the Heat’s hopes will be further boosted, with former Test spinner Jon Holland to be available for at least one of the remaining three games.

He will play in Frankston Peninsula’s Round 13 two-day match against Kingston Hawthorn, starting on Saturday.

Holland returned from a finger injury to take 3-27 off 20 overs for Frankston as it dismissed Ringwood for 201 at Butler Oval on Saturday.

The Heat replied with 8-202 on Sunday, achieving victory in the 74th over, with Holland (5no) and Jacques Augustin (10no) at the crease.

Frankston Peninsula paceman Jack Fowler.

Brodie Symons. Pictures: Valeriu Campan

Boraston said Holland was pivotal in the Heat’s fourth win of the season.

“He was really good, fizzing the ball and he looked like getting a wicket nearly every ball in his first spell,’’ he said.

“And his first two wickets were really important because they were 0-60 and he got two in two overs. It changed the momentum and we took 5-15 in that spell before and after lunch so they went from 0-60 to 5-75.

“He (Holland) was really good and just having his experience, even coming in late (with the bat), we needed eight to win, eight down and he hit a four second ball.

“We’ve got him again next week and then he’ll probably be back with the Vics after that.’’

Frankston Peninsula went into the game against Ringwood without key batsmen Vish Bansal (sick) and Ryan Hammel (studies).

Frankston Peninsula skipper James Nanopoulos goes at Ringwood. Picture: Valeriu Campan

But the Heat dug deep, led superbly by captain James Nanopolous, who took 5-39 off 19.1 overs (with 9 maidens) and made 67 in a man-of-the-match performance.

Boraston said “Nano’’ broke the game open after lunch with three wickets in a couple of overs.

“It changed the momentum of the game,’’ he said.

Boraston said Nanopolous then batted the best he’s batted all season.

“He just timed the ball really well and played some beautiful drives,’’ he said.

“It was a real captain’s knock from Nano.

“He’s always had the talent and ability but I suppose converting those 20s and 30s into more consistent 50s and 60s (is his challenge).

“Some of the shots he played were first-class. Hopefully there’s more to come in the next three rounds.’’

Ringwood opener Jackson Freeman was gallant for the visitors, carrying his bat to make 111 off 249 balls, his maiden First XI ton.

With the bat for Frankston Peninsula, Jack Fowler (27), Vinu Mohotty (24), Matt Gapes (23), in his 150th game, and Brodie Symons (20) made vital contrubutions.

Frankston Peninsula, 14th, and 11 points behind eighth-placed Ringwood, faces Kingston Hawthorn (away), Greenvale Kangaroos (home) and Camberwell Magpies (away).

“We’re still in the fight which is good,’’ Boraston said.

“We’ll have to win all three and results will need to go our way and we might even need to pinch a 10-pointer somewhere but who knows, some funny things happen this time of the year.

“We’ll keep trying our best and see where it takes us.’’