By Richard Millott
Knoxfield won the Beyond Blue Cup in its T20 matchup against Upper Ferntree Gully on Sunday afternoon.
It was also the Ferntree Gully and District Cricket Association’s Round 3 replay round.
The Knights took first use of the facilities looking to set a large target, however, Chris Wilson and former Melbourne Football Club forward Tim Smith both claimed three wickets to keep the visitors in check at 5/52 from 11 overs.
The Knights were dismissed prior to the break for 99.
The Kings were well on the way towards the target at 2/69 at the 13 over mark, with Daniel Gilbin (32) top scoring.
However the Knights’ pressure to close run scoring options sparked a terminal collapse, with the Kings losing 8/14 to be dismissed for 88 as the wickets were shared around.
Beyond the result was the fundraising efforts towards Beyond Blue, with $1800 raised to assist in providing invaluable mental health support services.
Lysterfield jumped to second on the ladder after an inspiring win against Ferntree Gully Footballers.
Tim Chivers tore through the Griffens early, claiming a hat-trick to put the visitors in all sorts at 4/17.
Cohen McElroy (42) helped right the innings but it was Chivers again who closed out the innings, claiming 6/25 from his four overs as the Griffens reached 116.
In reply, Nathan Hicks (37) got the Beavers off to a flying start before Anthony Brolic (31*) and Nathan Walsh (40*) brought home the win, passing the target at 2/117.
In other Norm Reeves Shield games, The Basin remained in the top four courtesy of victory against Upwey, Eildon Park claimed six points and a percentage boost in its game against Belgrave and Knox Gardens defeated Johnson Park.
In Decoite Shield, Rowville held off a fast-finishing Olinda to keep in touch with the pack.
James Rogers (35) and Brett Gatehouse (30) lead the way for the Hawks in some late-innings hitting to reach 6/152.
Not to be outdone, Hunter Greenall hit 56 from 37 balls to have the Bloods at 2/87 but coming down to the last over, the Bloods fell just short, reaching 7/147.
Ferntree Gully suffered its first loss of the season at the hands of South Belgrave.
On the home deck, Daniel Cormack (33) and Jordan McDermott (56*) helped South to reach the target with an over to spare, ending at 2/122.
In other games, Mountain Gate made it two wins in as many days after defeating St Johns Tecoma and Monbulk jumped into the top four after 41-run win over Knox Gardens.
