Cubs on the prowl

UPWEY-TECOMA’S junior cricketers returned to action last weekend following the Christmas break.
The Under-13 first XI posted its second win of the season against the Upper Ferntree Gully (UFTG) outfit.
UFTG had beaten the top two sides in its most recent outings but was outgunned by the young Tigers.
Jordan Tailby (23 not-out), Jackson Waters (22 not-out), Jackson Barnard (21 not-out) and Tyson Perfect (20 not-out) all reached compulsory retirement in a total of 3/109.
In reply, UFTG was dismissed for 63 with Jason Geddes (2/4), Oliver Lambert (1/0) and Harry Blair (1/0) leading great bowling. The Under 15 first XI has leapt to third place on the ladder following a hard-fought win against finals aspirant Johnson Park.
The hard-hitting Sam Raru (31 not-out), Chris Brown (30 not-out), Jordan Whiteman (24 not-out) and Jayden Brown (23) led the way with the bat, posting 3/136 from their 25 overs.
Nick Wood and Chris Brown then kept a tight rein on the Sharks’ openers, but missed chances in the field opened the door for the visitors.
The Tigers hung on, bowling out Johnson Park for 122. Sam Raru (3/30) and Jayden Brown (2/21) returned the best figures. The Under-15-2A XI ran into the formidable Eildon Park team that racked up 3/163 and then restricted their hosts to 9/75.
Joe Hughes (26) shone with the bat, while the ever-improving Tim Wood (0/10 from three overs) impressed with the ball. Similarly, the Under-17 XI continues to battle with player numbers and never looked likely against top-of-the-table Mulgrave.
James Dobbie-Hayward (23) top scored in a total of 9/71, while under-15 player Keenan Hinton (2/27) was the most successful bowler in Mulgrave’s total of 4/102.