Rowville raring to break through

By Steve Brown
LAST season’s Knox Tavern Cup finalist, Rowville, is in strong position on the opening day of round four in its FTGDCA match against The Basin, which was dismissed for 118.
The Hawks lost their first three matches last season before storming into the top four, and eventually into the grand final, and in season 2008-09 they find themselves in a similar situation, having yet to register a win.
Fine efforts from David Ross (4/29) and Craig Arnell (3/28) have set the wheels in motion to open their account, with 92 runs needed and nine wickets in hand.
The Hicks brothers joined a long string of families having three siblings in the first XI in Eildon Park’s match at Upwey. But, it wasn’t a good day for the young Panthers team, which was cleaned up for 130 in the 59th over, Upwey going to stumps at 1/30. Upwey’s 17-year-old medium pacer and association under 18 captain, Ben Wood, took 3/11 from eight overs.
Monbulk’s Jason Fraser (55) continues to be a lone hand for his side, which made 180 against Mount Gate, Anthony Bailey taking five wickets. Fraser has top scored for his team in every match this season.
Ferntree Gully, at 8/213, is in a strong position against Belgrave. Good contributions from Ryan Handley (50), Graham Salan and Matt Black, on return from overseas, should ensure a winning total.
Upper Gully (239) is in a strong position against neighbour St Johns Tecoma. The Kings lost three wickets without addition to the score on 152 until Dean Roberts (68) and Al Lord (25) added 90 runs in a vital partnership that ended a good day’s work on a slow outfield.
Lysterfield performed well against Johnson Park, with 231 on the board. The Beavers are gradually hitting their straps, with Chris Hill holding the innings together, gaining support from Jarrod Moody and Kyle Snyman, who have found some form. Classy off spinner Dulip Samaraweera, with 5/28 from 25 overs, was the standout bowler for the Sharks.
In Decoite Shield, the clash between ladder leader Knox Gardens and Auravale is set for an intriguing finish. Batting first at Argyle Reserve, Knox Gardens could only register 169, with the Falcons having a bowl at the end of the day, striking back and leaving the Lakers 4/44 at stumps. The first hour of play on resumption should decide the outcome.
Johnson Park left-armer Tim Reid single-handedly knocked over Lysterfield for 154, taking 7/33, with Warrick Peluso the only batsman to get a start. In reply, a little of the hard work was forfeited, with the Sharks 3/27.
South Belgrave dominated day one against Ferntree Gully at Kings Park, compiling 4/324, with major contributions from Darren Ray (81) and Travis Fedley (82) after a season in the seconds.
Trent Gale (72) top scored for Footballers against Knox, who will be chasing 265 for victory in what should be another win for the ‘Ballers. Eildon Park’s Smyth and Chris Noonan scored half centuries against Upwey to register 231. Skipper Paul McCarrick returned 4/23 for the Tigers.
Knoxfield has the upper hand against The Basin, which was dismissed for 140. Bryce Notman (4/19) and Trent Scholfield did the damage.