By Ronen Erulkar
On Saturday Lilydale Cricket Club saw the return of the U16s team along with the remaining senior teams following the holiday break. With the weather forecast upwards of 36 degrees, unfortunately the 4s, 5s and 6s were heated off – resulting in only three senior teams and the U16s taking the field.
In the U16s, Lilydale won the toss against Wonga Park on a warm morning and decided to bat first. They posted a very strong score of 4/226 off 50 overs, with captain Braeden Anthony-Digby top scoring with 86 off 121 balls and Darcey Barker scoring 72 off 112 balls. The innings was finished off nicely by Angus Smith (21*) and Cameron Thomson (22*). Lilydale will be looking to bowl out Wonga Park next week to claim a victory to start the year.
In the seniors, the First XI won the toss against Wantirna South and elected to bat. After the loss of an early wicket, Ronen Erulkar (63 off 164 balls) and Shifran Muthalif (53 off 96 balls) formed a 103 run partnership for the second wicket, however the middle order struggled to capitalise on a good start, with the Falcons being bowled out for 194 with 8 overs remaining in the day. Overnight, Wantirna South are 2/19 – with the game to be concluded next week and Lilydale looking to take the 8 points to consolidate top spot on the ladder.
The Second XI lost the toss against South Warrandyte and were put into the field. They toiled hard all day, with South Warrandyte being bowled out in the last over for 238. Mickey Goodlet (5/71 off 23 overs) and Angus Adamson (3/48 off 20.4 overs) were the pick of the bowlers. Lilydale will be looking to bat all day next week and chase down the runs in an important game for the season.
The Third XI had a great win over a strong St Andrews team. The Falcons won the toss and decided to bowl first in a one day game. The opposition made 8/161 off their 35 overs, with opener Kieran Hanley taking 3/22. In reply, they chased down their total with an over to spare, finishing 5/165 off 34 overs. Captain Matt Goss top scored with 36*, and was supported well by Justin Roberts (33), Trent Davison (19), Joel Coutts (18). Cameron Thompson (17) and Matt Browell (16).
Overall a decent day for the club and Lilydale looks forward to welcoming more teams back to play next week. This coming Tuesday the Falcons host a T20 quarter final at Lilydale Reserve against Mooroolbark CC from 5.30pm, as the team look to make it to finals day on the Australia Day public holiday.
