Costick hits century

By Iain Harley
JUST seven days after being beaten outright, Eildon Park have reversed their fortunes compiling 9/327 in their FTGDCA Round 5 game against The Basin.
The Panthers score was built around Shane Costick’s 103 not out and Cody Morris chimed in with 81. The Huntsmen’s best bowler was Danny Rundle with 3/40.
At the Hospital Ground, Belgrave have 225 on the board at the end of day one against St Johns Tecoma. For the Magpies, Dave “Nug” Ayre made 52 and Chris Dalkin only had 13 scoring shots in his 50. Jason Newman picked up 4 wickets as did perennial performer Marc Hardy.
Lysterfield made 200 at H.V. Jones Reserve in their clash with Mountain Gate. Chris Hill (39) and Tyden Latty (44) were the best for the Beavers and Dave Harris snared 5 wickets for the Gators
Upper Gully will be disappointed with their score of 225 against Johnson Park. The Kings looked set for a big one at tea sitting at 2/150 but the Sharks bowlers pegged them back with Dowling, DeSilva and Bowen sharing the wickets around. Upper Gully’s best batsmen were Dean Roberts, Peter Dalton and Jay “The Fugitive’ Colee, who all got starts.
Ferntree Gully restricted Rowville to 177 at Seebeck Oval. Matt Blackman made 44 for the Hawks, but lost 7/85 after tea to the Blues bowlers with strong contribution from McIntyre, Black and Butters.
At Carrington Park, Upwey have set Knoxfield a target of 224 for victory. Ryan Pitts, Al Zareski and Dain Howe all contributed with the bat for the Tigers. For the Knights, Nick Sando had the best return with 3 wickets.
In the Decoite Shield, Darren Campbell’s 147 helped Upwey to 6/273 and a Shane Cross spell reduced Knoxfield to 4/34, Lysterfield look to have the game in hand against Aura Vale, South Belgrave will chase Footballers’ 178 with Ferntree Gully, Johnson Park and The Basin all setting similar targets.
After the outstanding success of the FTGDCA Junior Sri Lanka tour in 2002, the FTGDCA are planning another tour at the completion of the 2006/07 season (early April 2007).
One team will be selected from the current group of U16/17 players, and now an additional U23 side will be selected.
Interested players can register at an information session at the Knox Tavern on Wednesday, November 29, at 7pm with parents most welcome.
For further information or if you cannot attend, U16/17 players contact Steve Walter on 0428976984 or U23 players contact Craig Wilkinson on 0407825299.