With finals very much around the corner the top 4 in both McIntosh and Wilson Shields are not set in stone and round 9 proved to be important.

McIntosh Shield

Blackburn needed a win against Forest Hill at home to stay in touch with the top 4 and the home side delivered. Batting first the Zebras were going along nicely at 4/148 before losing 6wickets for just 19 runs to post a below average 167. Aaron Taun-Henderson scored an 11 boundary 64 but it was Matt Yeo’s 5/22 that stole the show on day one. The home side stumbled to 5/60 thanks to Peter Jones’ sharp work with the new ball but it was Robbie Chancellor who guided the Panthers to a fantastic victory, his 81* sees Blackburn move to fifth spot on the ladder just 4 points shy of a finals berth.

In a largely inconsequential game to both the finals and relegation battle Blackburn South played St Davids at Mirrabooka Oval in an action packed high scoring affair. Sent in to bat the Cobras made the most of some poor fielding and had the measure of the Saints most of the day. The home side as able to post a remarkable 324, with a host of batsmen getting starts. Peter Alderton (59)was the only batsman to reach a half century for the day while Dean Sofianopoulos (5/101) continued his good wicket taking form. The St Davids run chase was always ahead of the run rate but the home side were capable of taking wickets at the crucial moments. The Saints eventually stumbled to be all out for 298, a fantastic win for the home side. Mike Enticott’s 67 was the highlight for the batting side while Mundy 3/33 and Thompson 3/54 were great with the ball.

At Howard Wilson Oval it was the Sean De Kretser show, the Heatherdale premiership skipper was ruthless in his dispatching of the East Box Hill bowlers. De Kretser was able to bat the whole innings and compiled a brilliant 176* he was assisted brilliantly by Brenton Toole (66) and Lachie Johns (43). After their 80 overs the Dales finished up at 6/363. It was always going to be tough for the Breakers in reply Andrew Bethune provided the only real resistance with 55 as Nick Rodwells 4/40 ensured the visiting side would come away with an emphatic win, eventually rolling East Box Hill for 146.

In a likely finals preview Vermont hosted Bulleen Templestowe at the Vermont Recreation Reserve and came away with a fairly comfortable win. Bating first, The White Ants were ever really able to recover after being 4/45. Jack Berry (47) and Andrew Verga (41) provided some fight in the middle order their 76 run stand saw the visitors eventually post 205 from their 80 overs. Mitch Rickarby’s excellent season continued with another 5 wicket haul (5/49). In reply it was all Brad Cullen the Eagles opener blasted a brilliant 112* which combined with Rickarby’s 41* saw the home side win by 5 wickets with still 22 overs left. These two sides are now equal first with BHNSK on 42 points atop the McIntosh Shield ladder.

Templestowe were able to claim a late season scalp at East Burwood Reserve. Thanks to Nish Sopariwala’s 57 they were able to post 173 and overnight on day one had the home side reeling at 3/12. East Burwood were never able to recover from that damage and 4/13 from Daniel Arfi combined with another bag of wickets (4/55) from Luke Costa saw the Stowers roll their opposition for 154.

At Walker Park the Box Hill North Super Kings continued their march towards the finals with an emphatic 7 wicket win over the Wilson Shield bound Mitcham Tigers. Batting first the home side posted a more than defendable 221 with half centuries to Abbot (84) and Johnson (55) the cornerstones of their innings. Jamie Phillips was he pick of the bowlers with 5/41. In reply the Super Kings showed why they sit in equal firs position on the ladder, losing just three wickets on the way to 228 and a big win. Ramesh Shanmugam’s 69 was vital in steering the visitors home.

WILSON SHIELD

In what was undoubtedly the match of the round at Terrara Park the Vermont South Vultures were able to take a scalp and give themselves some breathing space in fourth position. Batting first only Ben Davis (61) provided any real resistance as wickets at regular intervals saw the Bulldogs post only 183. Fantastic bowling from Guruge (5/45) cemented his favouritism for this seasons Fred Watson medal. Lahiru Anthony was ruthless in his batting the next week, contributing 73 of the last 78 runs to guide the home side to a convincing 5 wicket win.

At Wellington Reserve Mulgrave/Wheelers Hill were unable to extract themselves from the relegation battle. The home side going down in a close game to Laburnum. Ashley Keys was brilliant for the visiting team, taking 3/44 then smashing a brilliant 56* to guide his team to 9/212 and a hard fought one wicket victory.

Eley Park were another side looking to move away from the relegation zone when they hosted the Glen Waverly Hawks. Batting first the home side were rather disappointing, limping to a paltry 166, Luke Galle (3/34) was the main destroyer for the Hawks. In reply Jarrod Greaves (61*) ensured that Eley Park were never really a chance. The visiting side finished up at 5/169 still with 16 overs remaining.

At Greythorn Park it was Doncaster who provided the upset of the round, knocking off second place Koonung Heights. Their patient batting really grinding the home side, a host of batsmen were able to get starts, Tim Waters (54) was the pick of the bunch. At stumps Doncaster finished up at 9/267. Two early wickets from skipper Sam Noble (3/48) really got the ball rolling for Doncaster. Wickets at regular intervals proved to be too much for the home side as they were bowled out or 208.

Kerrmiuir United well and truly put their early season blues behind them. Their 5th consecutive victory came against Heatherdale at Heatherdale reserve. Jordy Wise 3/67 played the role of spearhead as the home side were rolled for just 199. Needing 200 for victory the Muirs were never really challenged. They got there for the loss of just 3 wickets and look like the team to beat come finals.

Round wrap-up by Paul Semertzidis

ROUND HIGHLIGHTS

Best Batting Performances

Best Bowling Performances

Hat-tricks