By Tara Murray
A late explosion with the bat has the Merrifield Panthers in prime position to claim its first North West Metropolitan Cricket Association George Luscombe Shield.
In their first season in the top flight, the Panthers have been the team to beat with just one loss for the season.
Keen to continue on their good form from throughout the season, the Panthers timed their batting performance to perfection against Tarneit Central on Saturday on the first day of the two-day grand final.
They made 307 as they were bowled out with four balls remaining.
Day two was set down for Sunday, but due to heavy rain throughout the day, it was postponed to the reserve day this Saturday.
Panthers president and captain Harman Bhathal said it was disappointing not to play on Sunday but there wasn’t anything they could do about it.
“We didn’t want there to be an unfair advantage,” he said. “We’ll come back next Saturday.
“We’re happy to play next week.”
The Panthers entered the match against the only side that had beaten them during the season. Tarneit had finished fourth on the ladder and upset the Darebin Chargers in the first week of finals.
Bhathal won the toss and decided to bat which proved to be the right call after a slow start.
It was Tarneit that had the better of it early on, putting the pressure back on the Panthers.
Bhathal said they were struggling at one stage before the game came to light.
“[Talwinder] Prince as usual and Rocky Sharma came on fire,” he said. “In the last 30 overs we made 200 runs.
“In the first 50 overs it was really trying. We only made 115 on the board but were able to score 200 late to put a good score on the board which was really good.”
Sharma made 100 off 130 balls which included eight fours and three sixes. Prince made 90, which included eight fours.
Anil Bhatia took four wickets for Tarneit, while Daljit Singh and Simranjeet Singh Cheema took two wickets each.
Bhathal said the match is now in their own hands after putting a really good score on the board. Tarneit has scored more than 300 just once this season.
Bhathal said they were confident they could bowl Tarneit out.
“We’ll come back Saturday and see what happens.”
It was a big weekend for the Panthers.
The Panthers second XI in the Keith Stringer Shield, made 9-394 on day one of its match against the Darebin Chargers.
In the Graham Muir Shield, the Panthers need 209 to beat Donnybrook in the grand final.
Day two of both those matches will also be played on the reserve day.
The Panthers under-14s claimed the premiership on Friday night, while their under-16s just fell short.
Their under-14s girls team was due to play in a grand final on Monday, after deadline.
