The much-anticipated first versus second clash in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association’s senior division proved to be a fizzer, Greenvale beating South Caulfield by 56 runs on Saturday.
The win put Greenvale almost 10 points clear atop the table with one round to play before finals.
The Kangaroos set South Caulfield 231 to win and, despite a number of partnerships and solid starts for several South Caulfield batsmen, Greenvale largely controlled proceedings.
Thilina Masmulla was the first to fall, caught for 10 after half an hour at the crease.
Ben Howell, Jordan Clarke, Luke Russell and Russell Wiley followed in quick succession, South Caulfield losing 4/17 in a disastrous few overs.
Staring at a heavy defeat at 5/67, wicketkeeper Sam Holton (37) and Daniel Davies (47) bunkered down and late-innings runs from Sampath Perera (28) and Shane Jeffree (20) kept Greenvale out in the field, but none could convert their innings into big totals.
Jeremy Brown was exceptional with the ball, taking 6/64 from 20 tireless overs.
Greenvale hosts St Bernard’s this coming fortnight.
But the weekend wasn’t as good for Greenvale’s second XI, which slumped to an eight-wicket loss after being bowled out for 119 by South Caulfield.
South Caulfield’s Andrew Kahofer smashed 10 fours in his 58 not out.
DP
