An aggressive opening partnership and some great fielding saw the Suma Bellerinas end the Wandering XI’s three year Queenscliff winning streak by 58 runs at Suma Park on Sunday.
After winning the toss and batting, the home side were given a great start by Jones and Weaving who put on 81 for the first wicket in barely 12 overs, punishing some loose ACS bowling with powerful pull shots.
ACS captain, Jeff Scotland earned the respect of his team by volunteering four times to fetch the ball, after it had been blasted for long sixes, from over the stile and electrified Suma Park fences.
The ACS were then able to fight their way back into the game. Their morale being lifted by the sensational running caught and bowled by the younger Delaney twin, Vince.
Taking the initiative after at least three of his elders and betters vacillated under a skied lofted drive by David Connolly, Vince ran from the bowling crease dived and clasped the ball at deep extra cover. It was a monumental effort.
With Ray Matters (2/32) and Des Lloyd bowling effective spells the Bellerinas were brought back to 6/174. They then surged again on the back of some fine driving by former Footscray and Richmond stalwart Tony Hargreaves and finished with a worthy 211.
Chasing such an impressive 40 over total, straight after the standard Suma Park sumptuous feast, the Wandering XI needed a good start. They didn’t get it.
When Ian Hammet was brilliantly caught low down in the gully by Mahoney the visitors were 2/7 and in deep trouble.
Mark Browning (32) and Peter Leggett (30) rebuilt the innings as was necessary, but consumed overs that lifted the required run rate to close to double figures. The trio of Bellerina young subs perhaps saving 20-30 runs with their diving, sprinting and flat hard throws.
Jeff Scotland (24) attacked for a few overs and the Delaney twins each clouted a brace of sixes that entertained and gave the ACS total respectability, but they never really looked like changing the result. It was a great day, nevertheless. A big thank you to our umpire Ian Blackwell. — MB, as told to KEN PIESSE