By Ronen Erulkar
Another weekend of cricket was complete as Lilydale Cricket Club nears the end of the home and away season. Unfortunately the U10 Mini Bash and U12 teams were abandoned on Friday due to the league heat policy meaning these games could not proceed.
The U18s were unable to defend their total of 113 from the first week against Eildon Park, with the opposition chasing the total down without losing a wicket. This leaves one more game for the season, with the team looking to finish the season on a high.
On Saturday morning, the U16s successfully defended their first innings total of 167 on day one, bowling Vermont out for 121. Lachlan McCall (2/7) and Caleb Uerat (2/24) were the pick of the bowlers and this gets the team very close to securing a finals berth with one game to play.
In the Trollope Shield, the First XI chased down a big total of 260 against South Croydon to secure a double chance finals berth and a chance to knock North Ringwood off top spot next week. Shifran Muthalif (107) hit back to back centuries to lead the team to victory, and was supported by Brenton Pearce (38), Daniel Thompson (29) and Angus Adamson (28). A big game awaits next week at Lilydale Reserve.
In the Meehan Shield, the Second XI were in with a chance of victory against the top team however let it slip after the tea break. Defending 177, they had Croydon Ranges 4/39 early, however they finished the day 8/196 to claim victory. Bailey Humphrey stood tall all day, taking 5/47 from 16.5 overs. Next week is a must win game to secure a spot in the finals.
The Third XI had a tough day against Wandin, who beat them by 4 wickets. Lilydale batted first and managed to score 6/152, with Brett Smart carrying his bat on 68*. In reply, Wandin chased the total down in the 29th over, with Noah Hoare taking 2/19.
The Fourth XI had a tight loss against North Ringwood, who beat them by 5 runs. Bowling first, Lilydale kept the opposition to 5/183 – with Darcey Barker taking 2/11. In reply, the Falcons were bowled out for 178 in 34 overs, Dwayne Dobinson (34) and Darcey Barker (26) top scoring. They have secured a spot in finals and a win next week may help to secure a home game.
The Fifth XI failed to chase down Mooroolbark’s total of 8/160. Bowling first, Sriram Sridharan (2/18) and Rhys Allen (2/20) were the pick of the bowlers. In the run chase, Angus Smith (40), Callum Doyle (27) and Sean McDonnell (24) were the main scorers, however as a team Lilydale could not quite get to the total, finishing 9/146.
Rounding out the seniors, the Sixth XI took on Wonga Park. Bowling first, Wonga Park compiled 7/211 – with a number of bowlers taking 1 wicket each. In reply, they could only manage 186, with Quenten Wells (56) and Cooper Doughty (30) top scoring. Next week is a must win game against St Andrews to secure a spot in the finals.
On Sunday morning, the Stage 1 girls team took on Eastfield who made 7/122 batting first. Emma Hartigan (2/30) was the pick of the bowlers. In reply, Lilydale fell 7 runs short – scoring 3/115. Evie Bayliss (13) and Charlie Doughty (15) top scored. This brings their season to a close, a big well done to all the volunteers and players for a fantastic first season as a group.
This coming Saturday the club is hosting its annual ladies day function, raising much needed funds for the Ronald McDonald House Charities. Details are available on the Lilydale Cricket Club Facebook page, including a link to donate if you can’t make it on the day.
