Scores from South Road – Round 11 Day 1

All five teams braved scorching conditions over the weekend, with most of the games evenly poised after the first day’s play.

 

The 1^st XI won the toss and batted at Caulfield. A disciplined 80 over display with bat in hand helped us post a very competitive total of 9/245cc on what is traditionally a sluggish outfield. English import Ben Johns was undoubtedly the star, posting his maiden century for BCC, a patient and committed display of batting, as he amassed 105 off 242 balls including 13 boundaries. Assistance came from Brenton Murphy (36) and in-form captain Ricky Damiano (33) as well as middle order contributions from Jack Bransgrove (23) and Tom Hamilton (23).

 

The 2^nd XI slogged away at Brighton Beach Oval as Caulfield got away to a fast start in the heat. An opening partnership of 151 threatened to take the game away from us, but an accurate spell of tight spin bowling from Darcy Kennelly (1/55 off 24) brought us back into the game. A chase of 285 now awaits this week as we look to solidify our position in the top 6.

 

The 3rds were on the back oval at Caulfield Park, winning the toss and batting. Each of the middle order made runs, including Brodie Ellison (24), Hugh Hamilton (22) and Max Milnes (24). The star was clearly the returning John Damiano, whose 90 not out from just 111 balls helped us post a very competitive 8/212 off 80 overs.

 

The 4^th XI were greeted with a fantastic looking surface at Donald McDonald Reserve. Having been asked to field, Caulfield looked to be on their way to an imposing total at 3/118 before Harry Gower (3/33 off 12) ran through the middle order and prompted a batting collapse. The opposition were eventually all out for 143 off 70 overs, before we made our way to 1/31 at stumps. Simon Fanning chipped in with 2 handy wickets and a quick fire 25 to get our chase off and running. Alec McKenzie also handy with the ball, collecting two scalps.

 

Finally, the 5^th XI braved the Sunday heat at BBO vs Powerhouse. In a shortened 35 overs per side game, half centuries from Justin Axford (62) and Peter Sexton (50) saw us reach 145 from the allotted overs. Unfortunately, Powerhouse took advantage off the quick BBO surface and successfully chased this total down in 21 overs, Hamish Graham and Luke Sexton each taking 2 wickets.