MARONG opening batsman Scott Ross had a day out against Spring Gully on Saturday, smashing an Emu Valley Cricket Association record score of 283 not out.
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Ross blasted 42 boundaries and two sixes in his record-breaking knock in the Panthers’ massive score of 6-467 at Spring Gully’s One Tree Hill Hotel Oval.
Ross’ 283 is the highest score in the EVCA since United’s Michael Cornish made 233 not out against West Bendigo in November, 2003, while it surpassed Richard Murphy’s previous Marong record of 227 not out in 1999.
“We were a bit concerned about this game going into it because we had four guys out of the team from last week, so we knew we needed to get runs on the board, and when you’re one of the more senior guys, you have to stand up and make them,” Ross said yesterday.
“I felt good from the start and was seeing them well, so you’ve just got to make the most of it when you can.”
Ross – whose previous best was 158 against Golden Hill – had some luck throughout his innings.
He had a confident lbw shout turned down just after he passed 100, while he also survived a sharp dropped chance at gully.
“It was a good day, and I was well supported by the other guys around me who ran hard,” Ross said.
Adding to Ross’ marathon innings is the fact he batted for 75 overs in what was a 33 degree day.
“It was very hot out there, especially batting in a helmet,” Ross said.
“I was fortunate enough to have one of our guys doing the square leg umpiring all day who was able to keep giving me a drink to keep me going.
“Over the last hour or so, it became a bit of a blur and I had trouble concentrating on the ball coming out of the bowlers hand.”
Acting Spring Gully captain Shaun Makepeace said Ross constantly picked the gaps all innings.
“It was disappointing to be on the receiving end of a score like that, but at the same time, you have to appreciate it,” Makepeace said.
“It was one of those innings where he just kept picking the gaps all day, no matter where we put the fielders.
“It was a very good effort from Scott.”
In making their 467, the Panthers reached 100 in the 22nd over, 200 in the 38th, 300 in the 53rd and 400 in the 64th, while they had five partnerships of more than 50.
Behind Ross’ 283, the next best of the Marong batsmen were Andrew Gladstone (44) and opener Zac Samuel (42).
Ross has now made 404 runs for the season at an average of 134.6.
● In the grand final rematch between United and Mandurang at Ewing Park, the Tigers compiled 9-276.
Jayde Mullane (62) and in-form captain Forbes Klemm (56) both made half-centuries for the Tigers, who had their top six batsmen all reach double figures.
Saturday was the third consecutive innings in which Klemm, who is averaging 72.3, passed 50.
Mandurang threw almost everything at the Tigers, using 10 different bowlers.
● Axe Creek compiled 229 against Maiden Gully.
The Cowboys lost their way midway through their innings, slumping at one stage from 3-143 to 6-150.
Rob Fisher led the way for the Cowboys, making 55 in what was his second half-century of the season.
Glenn McCoomb continued his fine season with the ball for Maiden Gully, picking up 4-61 off 18 overs to take his season tally to 16.
Maiden Gully will resume its innings at 0-19 this Saturday.
● The much improved Emu Creek is well on the way to winning its third game in a row.
After dismissing Golden Gully for 128, Emu Creek is 4-97, needing just 32 more runs to win.
The only Cobras batsman to offer any resistance against the Emu Creek bowling line-up was Will Horan, who made 53 at No.4.
Anthony Collins dominated with the ball for Emu Creek, claiming 5-29 off 12.2 overs.
● Three batsmen passed 50 in West Bendigo’s score of 5-322 against Sedgwick.
The Redbacks’ run spree was led by Bradley McHugh (91 n.o.), who returned to form, opener Dion Prange (75) and Andrew Sharpe (61), playing against his former side.