By ADEM SARICAOGLU
KEALBA Green Gully still has a sniff at snatching top spot on the Luscombe Shield ladder but will need its bowlers to dig deep this weekend against Gladstone Park.
The second-placed Cougars currently sit four points behind Pascoe Vale Central in the North West Metropolitan Cricket Association’s top division.
But with the ladder leader struggling in its two-day clash with Sydenham Hillside, Kealba will likely claim top spot – with finals set to begin in two weeks’ time – if it can get the win.
The hosting Cougars were sent in to bat first in the cool conditions at Green Gully Reserve – a decision that proved a wise one by Gladstone Park captain Matthew Nyhus on Saturday.
Two Kealba batsmen, including captain-coach Evan Long (caught for two), had already been sent back to the dressing room before 20 runs were even posted on the scoreboard.
Former captain-coach and opening bat Andrew Lambropolous was left to salvage the innings for most of the day as he helplessly watched four batting partners fall by the wayside.
Eventually Lambropolous fell on his own sword for 46, leaving Kealba stuck on 5/72.
That soon became 6/78 and then 7/83, but a last-ditch 32 by tail-ender Jarrod Catania and cameos from Tristan Krizanic (16) and Danny Viani (12) helped extend the Kealba innings, and just as importantly the final total, which stood at 143 before the final wicket fell in the 60th over.
Gladstone Park faced 21 tricky overs in the middle late in the day’s play but handled them with class, managing to post a very handy 1/40 by stumps.
Needing another 104 for victory, Gladstone Park will begin day two in the box seat.
However, as the Cougars have nothing to lose having already secured at least second spot, Green Gully Reserve and the Gladstone Park order could be in for a fiery 59 overs of play this coming weekend.
Meanwhile, Sydenham Hillside will be desperately hoping their crosstown rival can beat fourth-placed Gladstone Park on Saturday.
The Storm, just two points outside the top four, is on the verge of an unlikely and season-defining upset against Pascoe Vale Central.
Sydenham Hillside needed only 54 overs to dismiss Pascoe Vale Central at home on Saturday before spending the final 26 overs of the day’s play in the middle with the bat.
This weekend the Storm resumes its chase at 2/57, needing only another 55 runs to win.
To get into the top four, the Storm needs to win and Gladstone Park must lose.
