Creek too wet to host

By Keith Thompson
PLAYERS were eager to get onto the field for the first uninterrupted start of a two-day game for the season.
In the DJ Strachan Shield, Hoddles Creek were to host Wandin at the picturesque Hoddles Creek ground – but extreme wet weather forced an early move to the Wandin cricket ground.
Wandin batted first and were dismissed for 143. Simon Young led the way with the bat rather than the ball, making 27. Stu Garside took 5/22.
In reply, Hoddles Creek are precariously poised on 5/75 with Brenton Derix on 18. Jackson Wright has 3/28.
The match is probably slightly in favour of Wandin, based on recent match scores.
Mount Evelyn, at home, made first use of the conditions, but could only manage 103. Kane Jones (26) was the best performer with the willow.
Ishara Amarasinghe (5/35) and Matt Tilney (4/53) both enjoyed a the longer spell with the ball.
In reply, Seville are not faring much better in the batting stakes at 6/99.
Jon Dalton (3/23) and Kane Jones (3/48) have tried to keep Mount Evelyn in the match, which could still go either way.
At Silvan, Healesville batted first and reached 257 at the end of on day one.
D. Semken (5/62) and Mark Appleby (4/51) shared the wickets. Silvan will need to bat well next Saturday to win.
Woori Yallock batted first at Warburton and the Tigers were 9/246 at the close of play.
Warburton-Millgrove has the batting ability to get this score – it will simply depend on their application on the day.
In the RA Finger Trophy, Yarra Junction, at home, reached 8/258 at the end of day one, with Paul Osbourne (98), Jordan Fall unbeaten on 33 and Ed Buckley (30) best with the bat.
The best of the bowlers for Gruyere District was Dave Riddell with 3/72.
On day two, Gruyere District will need to bat better than three runs an over to get the score.
Seville were also at home and batting first in their match versus Mount Evelyn. At the close of play, Seville were 9/319, with Roger Oates making 89, Phil Smith 82 and Scott Troyahn 48 not out. H. Breukers took 3/67.
Silvan was all out for 152 in their clash with Healesville, with Chris Phaia dismissed for 51 and Jodey Kay taking 6/31.
Next Saturday is the final day prior to the two week Christmas break. Play resumes on 8 January for DJ Strachan Shield and RA Finger Trophy and C Grade with a one-day match. On 15 January, another one day match has been slotted in for the DJ Strachan Shield, RA Finger Trophy, and C and D Grades.