Magpies rout Tigers

By Iain Harley
ACTION recommenced in round 7 of the FTGDCA’s Knox Tavern Cup with Belgrave showing they were back from the break and ready for cricket by chasing down Upwey’s score to triumph.
The Tigers set the Magpies a total of 230 thanks to the efforts of Paul Henry (96) and Brendan Heath (44). Leigh Newey was the best bowler for Belgrave, but when it came time to bat it was Scott Vozzo who answered the Magpies call with 96. Jonathan Levell (34) and Chris Dalkin (47) made sure of the win.
Ferntree Gully accounted for Lysterfield at Lakesfield Reserve. Ryan Handley (60) top-scored for the Blues whilst last year’s Feaver Medalist Matt Black starred with the ball snaring 5 wickets including a hat-trick. For the Beavers, Matt Dempsey (44) led the way with the bat and Chris Hill (4/29) returned the best bowling figures.
Johnson Park overcame a disappointing Rowville. The Sharks held on for a win by three wickets thanks to Dulip Samaraweera’s 79 not out and the bowling of David Devenish and Craig Wenham. Paul Evans scored 65 for the Hawks with little support. Rowville’s bowlers toiled hard but a lack of runs saw the points go to Johnson Park.
Batting first at HV Jones Reserve, Mountain Gate set Upper Ferntree Gully 206 for victory. Athula Samaraseekera (65) and was ably assisted by Perera (37) and Young (39). For the Kings, Dean Roberts (81) and Robbie Winters (31) fought hard but the total proved too great for Upper Gully to overcome.
Eildon Park leapt out of the blocks thanks to Ben Morris’s 87 against St Johns Tecoma and the Saints just didn’t have the answers. The Panthers were best served by Morris, James and Powell with the bat and Sinclair bowled well. Despite some good bowling to peg back Eildon Park, St Johns Tecoma stalled with the bat losing wickets at regular intervals.
In the closest game of the round, Knoxfield beat the Basin at Batterham Park. The latest results saw the top 5 teams win and increase their hold on their positions.
In the Decoite Shield, Monbulk had a resounding victory over Johnson Park thanks to Steve Bohun (83), Jason Fraser (67*) and Chris Coen (64*). Lee Reid carried his bat for the Sharks making 89.
In the top of the table clash, Footballers beat Knox Gardens, South Belgrave soundly beat Upwey, Lysterfield easily accounted for Ferntree Gully and Knoxfield won over the Basin.