SECA: Twin tons as East Sandringham makes statement
Two East Sandringham batters plundered centuries in a boundary-laden blitz in the South East Cricket Association.
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They went boundary for boundary and it became a race to triple figures.
East Sandringham teammates Matt Blunden scorched 107 not out off 70 balls and Chris Diggle 100 off 66 balls in a batting masterclass in Round 2 of SECA Longmuir Shield at West Bentleigh on Saturday.
Both hit 16 fours, with Blunden — who was first to raise his bat for a ton — also cracking two sixes, while Diggle put one over the fence.
Their 192-run partnership propelled East Sandringham to a hefty 3-289 off 40 overs.
Blunden’s ton follows his opening round knock of 72.
In reply, West Bentleigh was dismissed for 159 in the 30th over, with left-arm orthodox spinner Bilendra Gunawarden bowling beautifully to take 4-21 off eight overs.
Richmond young gun Jordan Hesline slotted in for another game while Premier Cricket was washed out and took 3-1.
But the day belonged to Blunden and Diggle, the pair cashing in after opener Jack Munnings peeled off 51, his second successive half century.
“They batted beautifully, I think there was only one dropped catch,” new East Sandringham coach Shane Hesline said.
Hesline said East Sandringham was a young side with plenty of upside.
“There are plenty of things we’ve still got to improve on,” he said.
Elwood opener Adam Howard continued his fast start to the season with 83 in his side’s run chase win over CHAG.
Chasing 175 for victory, Elwood got there with 17 balls and four wickets to spare, making 6-180.
Howard was the stand out, receiving solid support from skipper Lachlan Harris 32 and Nathan Harris 33.
In Woolnough Shield, Mackie captain James Cooke cracked 66 not out off 49 balls (5 fours, 3 sixes) in his side’s win over Carnegie South.
Cheltenham Park opener Greg Hick made 63 to set up his side’s win over Omega.
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