SECA: Darian Kuzma hits ninth century to send Brighton Union into preliminary final
A classic innings under pressure has propelled Brighton Union into the SECA Longmuir Shield preliminary final.
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Brighton Union has relied on him for many years.
And Union REALLY needed Darian Kuzma on Sunday.
As is his style, the mercurial Kuzma rose to the occasion, making 102 — his ninth century for Brighton Union — to lead it to a rousing run chase victory over Kingston Heath in the SECA Longmuir Shield semi-final.
Kuzma went in at 1-4, with Brighton Union chasing 248 for victory.
He knuckled down and eventually took control, offering only one chance, on about 70, as he surged to a memorable ton.
Kuzma was involved in a series of vital partnerships to put Union on the path to victory; with Phil Falvo (27), Mohsin Rasheed (40) and Vishalbir Thind (57no).
When Kuzma was out, Brighton Union was 4-232 and well on the way to victory.
His 171-ball stay included 10 boundaries.
On Saturday, Kingston Heath compiled a healthy total, led by Thomas Morecroft (75no), skipper Andrew Birt (49) and Matthew Cefala (46).
Brighton Union will progress to the preliminary final this weekend, up against Bentleigh Uniting, which lost to East Sandringham in the other semi-final.
East Sandringham blasted 6-281 and then dismissed Bentleigh Uniting for 230 to secure a ticket to the grand final.
East Sandy opener Jack Munnings continued his golden summer making 74 (he’s up to 719 runs in 2022-23), while skipper Chris Diggle (69), Ben Pryor (57no) and Matthew Harris (40) also impressed.
Bentleigh Uniting skipper Luke Russell made 67 in a gallant bid for victory but East Sandy was too good.
In Woolnough Shield, a magnificent bowling display by AK Tyrone set up a comfortable win for Bentleigh ANA over Washington Park. Tyrone took 7-33 off 24.5 overs, with 13 maidens, to shoot out Washington Park for 104. In reply, Bentleigh ANA coasted to 4-105 in 42.3 overs, with Sudara Udagedara (44no) and James White (41no) showing the way.
Omega was too strong for Hampton United, with Owen Feakes (4-25 and 68) and Glenn Beckett (85) excelling.
SOUTH EAST CRICKET ASSOCIATION
CENTURIES
105 - Nathaniel D’Rozario, Kingston Heath, Quiney Shield
104 - Probodha Senevirathne, Gladiators, E Grade
102 - Darian Kuzma, Brighton Union, Longmuir Shield
FIVE-FORS
7-26 - Liam O’Callaghan, Chelsea Heights-Aspendale Gardens, K Grade
7-33 - AKV Tyrone, Bentleigh ANA, Woolnough Shield
6-10 - Jason Baker, East Oakleigh, H Grade
6-62 - Swejeeth Kumar, CUCC Kings, Pullen Shield
5-23 - Jack Reed, Hampton United, E Grade
5-23 - Greg Paine, Washington Park, I Grade
5-30 - Dixith Aavula, CUCC Kings, F Grade
5-37 - John Rozakis, Oakleigh District, H Grade
5-48 - Anuththara Fernando, Bentleigh ANA, Pullen Shield
5-73 - Lachlan Bolt, Le Page Park, Quiney Shield
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