Sugg & McCormack answer call for tons

Matthew Sugg posted his first hundred of the year in the B grade over the weekend to lead his team to a massive win over Prospect. Sugg scored his ton at a run a ball after the team stumbled to be 3-20 early. Robbie McCard chipped in with his first half century of the season to help the team post 290 at Bice oval. Prospect were never in the hunt on day 2, bowled out 120 runs in arears, with the bowlers sharing the spoils.

In the C grade Brendan McCormack posted his first club century as he and Liam Ridley made light work of the Prospect attack at Park 25. Together they put on 130 for the 3rd wicket, Ridly eventually outfoxed on 85 while McCormack continued patiently to his hundred before falling the next ball. Defending the target was never an issue as the ladder leading C's destroyed the Pirates top order for just 45 in the first dig, Jason Samarcq taking 4 wickets, and leg spinner Daniel Rodgers 3 wicket. Sent back in the opposition stumbled to 7-150 when play ended, Brad Hatchett picking up 4 2nd innings poles with his off spin.

It Was Bradley Hatchett who also starred for the D grade in their first innings on Saturday, making a controlled 93 before being unluckily run out backing up at the bowlers end. Skipper Joel Ashforth smashed a ball back to the bowler who in an attempt to get out of the way was struck on the hand, fracturing it in 2 places, and then defelcting onto the stumps. The D's put up 250 at CBHS with Alex Shute contributing 50 runs. Prospect were never in the hunt, as Jarryd McCormack lead the Stingrays with 3 wickets in their romp over the Pirates.

It was a different story at the A grade, where once again the top order failed to stand up and post a match winning score. Winning the toss on Saturday, skipper Simon Roberts sent the opposition in the knowledge he would lose Putland and Delaney the next day to state representation. The bowlers toiled away on a flat wicket, catching and fielding well to eventually bowl Prospect out for a modest 199. On day 2 Justin Ifould fell cheaply for just 6, with the captain falling the very next ball to leave the side at 2-20. Brenton Maiolo hung in and with Paul Roberts formed a partnership that looked capable of passing the total. However, neither managed to go on with their innings, falling after lunch for 52 (Maiolo) and 31 (Roberts) respectively. Shaun Tanner also showed some fight, posting 41, but also lost his wicket when the game was there to be won. DLCA import Lewis Hill fell for just 4, Scott Heywood 9, and keeper Toby Viney 13. Josh Vincent was stranded on 11 when Tom Joraslafsky and Lewis Hatchett both fell leaving the Stingrays 12 runs short of their target. This loss, and with the bye still to come, leave the A grade teams season hanging by a thread.

After 7 rounds Southern District sit 3rd on the club championship ladder. This week offers a considerable challenge as all sides face Adelaide in a 1-day game before breaking for Christmas.

AM.