Daniel Salpietro’s summer of runs went to a new level on Saturday as his unbeaten 152 led Greenvale to a draw against Hawthorn-Monash Uni.
Salpietro and James Lidgett (55no) shared a 212-run stand to rescue Greenvale from a wobbly start and ensure a share of the points in the two-dayer at Greenvale Reserve.
HMU posted 8-308 batting first the previous weekend, with stumps called after 56 overs on Saturday and Greenvale 2-221 in reply.
Salpietro and Victorian under-19 representative Lidgett came to the rescue after HMU made early inroads by taking 2-9.
Salpietro now has accumulated 361 runs in six trips to the crease this season and is averaging 90.25.
Batsmen reigned supreme at Windy Hill as Essendon answered Dandenong’s imposing total with a big run chase.
Four half centuries in the top order did the job as Essendon bested Dandenong’s 8-293 by making 3-296 in reply.
Aaron Shellie (55) ignited the chase early before his departure at 1-67 bought Aaron Ayre (83) to the crease to join Ben MacRae (63) in a 103-run stand for the second wicket.
Ayre and Solomon Mire (74no) kept the runs coming before James Seymour (11no) joined Mire to help steer the Bombers past the victory target.
Such was Essendon’s pace in the chase, the Bombers were home with 12.3 overs to spare.
Another round of two-day games starts this Saturday, with Greenvale away at Melbourne Uni, while Essendon is away at Camberwell.
