OCEAN Grove Voice’s Mark Heenan compiles a mid-season wrap up and previews the remainder of the 2012/13 Bellarine Peninsula Cricket Association season with the four local clubs; Collendina, Ocean Grove, Barwon Heads and Wallington.
The local cricket new year resumes on January 12.
Collendina Cobras
SEASON SO FAR: The defending A-Grade premiers are 3-3 after seven rounds and have had an indifferent start to their 2012/13 campaign, due to injuries and unavailability.
Collendina A-Grade has far from been a settled line-up with a total of 20
players used this season.
However the emergence of youngsters Andy Higgins and Byron Taylor and more recently new recruit Alastair Grant, with both bat and ball have added extra flexibility and firepower to the Cobras’ line-up.
The flame is still alive to make finals after the Cobras scored a morale boosting victory over Barrabool in round seven, in where Collendina won off the last ball of the game in a thrilling contest.
A loss against Barrabool would have ended the Cobras’ hopes of making the finals.
Cobra Leigh Keast, has continued his consistent season with the bat, scoring 233 runs at 38.33, including a season defining knock of 97 against Newcomb in round five.
Collendina captain, Jye Hearps, is the club’s leading A-Grade wicket taker with 8 wickets at 24.
Preview for remainder of the season
Seventh-place Collendina are under no illusion if they win all games in the run home then they will deserve to make the top four.
It is a tough road home for the Cobras, who have won two of the past three A-Grade titles, with away trips against second-placed Queenscliff and likely finalists Drysdale.
An away win against Queenscliff or Drysdale will give Collendina a massive boost in confidence.
Star all-rounder Corey Walter who starred in last season’s A-Grade Grand Final with a match winning innings of 99, has been sorely missed this season.
He is yet to play a game this season with a knee injury and his addition will help the Cobras win more games to finish off the season.
Run home
Round 8: Wallington (A)
Round 9: Jan Juc (H)
Round 10: Queenscliff (A)
Round 11: Drysdale (A)
Ocean Grove Grubbers
SEASON SO FAR: A 4-2 win loss record has Ocean Grove in a perfect
position to pounce for finals after their bye in round seven.
The Grubbers’ bowling stocks was a key component in the club’s rise up the ladder last season.
In fact, the Grubbers A-Grade bowlers are the most efficient in the league with their team conceding the least amount of runs so far this season.
Former Melbourne University club bowler, Stephen Carlile, is a welcomed addition and the club’s A-Grade leading wicket-taker claiming 16 wickets at 12.44, while spinner Mick Gill continues to be a dominant force with 14 wickets at13.86.
A fully fit Lucas Cameron, who has taken 8 wickets at 14.63, will only further strengthen the club’s bowling stocks in the new year.
Meanwhile, Michael Kenneady, has been the standout batsman for the 2012/13 season scoring 375 runs at 62.50 including two centuries, while the evergreen Dean Gills has provided good support at the top of the order accumulating 218 runs at 43.60.
Preview for remainder of the season
The Grubbers have the luxury of playing three of their last four games at home in the road to the finals.
Ocean Grove currently in sixth place, definitely have a point to prove after losing to cross–town rivals Collendina in last season’s A-Grade Grand Final.
They had their bye last round and games coming up are all winnable.
The Grubbers would have to win at least three of their last four games to secure a finals berth.
It is ideal preparation for finals with match ups against finals contenders Barwon Heads and Portarlington.
The club’s final home and away fixture against Portarlington could have
a big bearing on the finals make-up.
Run home
Round 8: Anglesea (H)
Round 9: Jan Juc (H)
Round 10: Barwon Heads (A)
Round 11: Portarlington (H)
Barwon Heads Seagulls
SEASON SO FAR
The ladder leaders have rediscovered their 2011/12 winning touch that saw them claim the A-Grade premiership.
Barwon Heads have won five matches this season, their only loss a dramatic two-run defeat against the much improved Portarlington in round four at Portarlington.
The Seagulls have recorded some big wins this season, including a massive a 148-run win against Collendina in round six and the next match they scored a resounding win over finals contenders Queenscliff after bowling out the Coutas for only 73.
Barwon Heads’ captain, Jason Mallett, has been in sparkling touch with the bat and is the competition’s leading run scorer with 437 runs at 72.83, while recruit Sam Herbison, a former Geelong Club cricketer, has been useful with the willow scoring 200 runs at 66.67.
Bowler Sam Schaller has been on fire with the ball claiming 18 wickets at 13.22.
Preview for remainder of the season
One expects the first-placed Seagulls to be in the thick of the BPCA finals action. On form, Barwon Heads rightfully deserve to be premiership favourites especially after their 135-run win over second-placed Queenscliff at home. The club’s round 10 home clash against battle of the bridge rivals, Ocean Grove, shapes a crucial game in terms of the finals make-up. The A-Grade Seagulls only play one more home game and face must-win away trips to Barrabool and Newcomb if they are to consolidate their top spot and earn a home semi-final. A bye in round nine means the Seagulls will not be able to register any points.
Run home
Round 8: Barrabool (A)
Round 9: Bye
Round 10: Ocean Grove (H)
Round 11: Newcomb (A)
Wallington Wallabies
Season so far
The young and inexperienced Wallington outfit have learnt some valuable lessons after losses against some of the BPCA’s best including; Barwon Heads, Drysdale and Ocean Grove.
On a positive note, the Wallabies’ B-Grade pulled off some impressive wins against Barwon Heads in round three and Newcomb in round one.
Wallington A-Grade bowler Daniel Connoley is the leading wicket-taker with six wickets @ 39.87, while teammate Ben Atkinson is the leading run scorer with 122 runs @ 20.33 and posted a well compiled 52 against Jan Juc in round seven.
Preview for remainder of the season
While the winless A-Grade Wallabies have endured a tough start to the season, they play the next three consecutive games post Christmas on the comfort of their home surrounds at Wallington.
The club would like to see improvement especially with games against Anglesea and Barrabool.
Expect the Wallabies to continue with their youth policy as more youngsters play top level Bellarine cricket.
Run home
Round 8: Collendina (H)
Round 9: Queenscliff (H)
Round 10: Anglesea (H)
Round 11: Barrabool (A)
Latest Feedback