BALLAM Park kicked off the new year in outstanding fashion, smashing Crib Point by almost 60 runs in round seven of the MPCA Provincial contest on Saturday.
Defending a modest total of just 181, the Knights had the Pies staggering at 2-24 at close of play on the first day and the belting didn't stop there last Saturday, the home team losing its remaining eight wickets for only 100 runs.
Andrew Tweddle was the star with the ball, claiming 4-41, and Mitchell Gill-Furness, Matthew Roach and Nick Gurry picked up two wickets each.
Luke Herrington was the pick of the Pies' bats with 44.
The loss saw Crib Point drop to third place on the ladder, just one game clear of Mornington, which could have claim a spot in the top four but was rolled by Mt Martha.
Defending just 99, the Doggies were always going to be up against it. However, their bowlers stood up to the challenge and failed by just 10 runs to claim victory, bowling out the Reds for 109. Luke Popov snared 4-41, Mick Foon 3-27 and Matt Harper 2-27. After taking 3-29, Rhys Whitling top-scored for the Reds with an unbeaten 28.
Baxter remains at the top of the Provincial table after smashing Heatherhill by almost 200 runs.
Defending 9-336, the Baxter bowlers took control on day two with Marc Uccello dominating with 5-40 and Max Blackburn 3-36 to dismiss the Hills for 148.
Jason Hamilton-Smith with 41 and Joe Rule (32) were the only highlights for the Hills with the willow.
Superstar Paul Hartle scored an unbeaten 100 to guide Long Island to victory against Moorooduc.
Chasing 171 for victory, Hartle strolled to the crease with his side in a spot of bother at 5-78 with guns Michael Burke and Scott Phillips back in the sheds. With Stuart Doolan scoring 39 at the other end and occupying the crease with Hartle, the pair put on 70 to get the Islanders within a sniff of victory.
Batsmen fell cheaply around Hartle, the final four adding just four runs between them. However, the star all-rounder blasted his side to 9-228 and ultimate victory.
Ken Cremen bowled 16 overs for his 3-36 and Kyle Blake took 2-54.
Peninsula Old Boys made light work of getting the job done against Somerville.
With veterans Brad Glenn (55) and Ben Coates (43) among the runs, the Old Boys were never in doubt. New Eagle recruit Andrew Kaddatz made an impression in his first appearance for the Eagles with 6-66 and fellow debutant Shaun Ezard was more than handy with 3-29.
Frankston YCW had plenty of reason to celebrate on Saturday night, picking up a valuable 12 points against Sorrento.
Resuming at 2-27 chasing 138, the Stonecats ended proceedings on 8-234, Luke Hutchison getting 55, Matt Lane 53 and Craig Burch 45.
The Stonecats are now a game clear of Somerville in a bid to avoid relegation.
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