Bendigo United still a power

By Adam Bourke
Updated November 7 2012 - 6:13am, first published October 9 2011 - 11:07am

BENDIGO United showed it’s far from a spent force with an exciting 15-run win over Sandhurst at Harry Trott Oval on Saturday.The Redbacks had been expected to slip down the ladder after the departures of several premiership players, but the new-look first XI side proved it will be more than competitive this summer.Mark Di Fede took his opportunity at the top of the order, making 84 in the Redbacks’ total of 5-185.Di Fede and Wayne Fidler (35) laid the foundation for the Redbacks’ score.Sandhurst spinner Matthew Pask (2-35 off nine overs) and Dylan Gibson (0-24 off nine overs) reeled in the home side in the middle overs.Bendigo United first-gamer Joel Spry (26 not out) and Zac Mona (13) combined to add 40 runs in the final four overs.Sandhurst’s cause wasn’t helped by poor fielding, with the Dragons conceding at least 15 overthrows.After losing opener Levi Walker for just one, Sandhurst made a promising start to its run chase through Shane Robinson (31) and Dylan Gibson (44).However, the introduction of off-spinner Nick Crawford (3-12 off nine overs) turned the game the Redbacks’ way.Crawford dismissed Robinson and acting captain Nick Scullie (1) in quick succession and followed up with the wicket of the dangerous Mark Holland (0).Crawford’s spell, which included five overs, appeared to have sewn up the points for Bendigo United.But Sandhurst veteran Leon Beatty had other ideas.The former Eaglehawk premiership player smashed four sixes to give Sandhurst a sniff late in the game.On 38 he teed off at a Leigh McDermott delivery and the bowler somehow clung on to the return catch.His dismissal ensured Sandhurst would fall short.Strathfieldsaye opened the season in fine style with a five-wicket win over Kangaroo Flat at Fulton Hogan Oval.Five of Kangaroo Flat’s top six batsman made starts, but Brad Orton (34) was the only player to pass 30 in the home side’s total of 9-159 off 45 overs.Spinner Andrew Stove (3-24) and new skipper Ben Gunn were the most successful bowlers for the Jets.In reply, opening batsmen Liam Smith (22) and Adam Hargreaves (27) put the Jets on target for victory when they added 60 for the first wicket.When they fell in successive overs the Roos were back in the game.Gunn made a quickfire 20 and Tim Wood a polsihed 32 to regain control for the Jets.Wood’s dismissal gave the Roos a chance, but Greg Lyon (21 not out) and former captain Ben Devanny (17 not out) put on an unbeaten partnership of 40 for the sixth wicket to see the Jets home with two overs to spare.Reigning premier Strathdale-Maristians scored a 34-run win over Golden Square at MyJet Oval.Recruit Cameron Taylor was the star for the Suns, making 74.Taylor and Jonathan Davidson (49) put on 112 for the first wicket to set up the Suns’ total of 9-218.The Bulldogs would have been chasing more had it not been for the fine bowling of coach Scott Johnson.The veteran off-spinner claimed 5-39 off seven overs.Most of Golden Square’s batsmen made starts, but none could emulate Taylor’s innings and go on and make a big score.Skipper Grant Connelly and Scott Trollope top scored with 24 each in the Bulldog’s total of 9-184.Paceman Ben DeAraugo was the most successful Strathdale bowlers, claiming 3-34 off seven overs.Ryan Haythorpe was economical, conceding just 12 runs off his nine overs and he took the wicket of David Hickman (22).A fine spell from new coach Aaron Monro led White Hills to victory over Huntly-North Bendigo at Strauch Reserve.Monro ripped through the Power middle-order, taking 4-9 off nine overs.The Power were eventually dismissed for 133, 30 runs short of White Hills’ total of 8-163.Skipper Gavin Bowles (34) led the way with the bat for the Demons.Brett Elvey made a good start to the year with the ball for the Power, taking 1-10 off his nine overs.Recruit Isaac Hogan (42 not out) top scored for the Power, while Brodie McRae made 28 before being run out.

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