By Garry Nicholls
Lusatia Park’s 1st XI played Day 2 of the game against Healesville and after losing two early wickets last week, were looking to get off to a better start this week, hoping to build a partnership and chase down the target for a much-needed win and get back into finals contention. Sadly, it didn’t go to plan with Lusatia Park losing the next four wickets in the space of only four overs with only 3 runs added to the total. Apart from a defiant cameo from Lochie scoring 24 from 15 balls, the team never recovered and were bowled out for a disappointing 83 in only 24 overs. Some much-needed soul searching is needed this week to bounce back for next week. Kudos to the Healesville bowlers for a great performance, D.Edwards 4/14, M.Wallace 3/17 and L.Chandler 2/15.
The 2nd XI returned to Queens Park looking to chase down the 156 target required for the win after making a great start with the 12 overs to bat last week finishing at 0/40. Lusatia Park didn’t start as they’d have hoped, losing four wickets with only 35 added to the score with Stu and Corey doing the hard work of seeing off the opening bowlers. With plenty of overs left in the day, Jai Gupta and Steve Morgan knuckled down and added another 40 to the score when Morgs went for 20. Captain Keiran joined Jai at the crease and they got the score to to 147 when Jai went for a well-made 42. With only 9 runs required and still overs in hand, Lusatia Park lost another two wickets to be level on 155 until Kieran scored the winning run and consolidated their position in the four.
The 3rd XI played top side Warranwood on a super fast outfield at Wickhams Road with the visitors batting first. Lusatia Park got off to a good start picking up the 1st wicket with only 4 on the board. Unfortunately, that’s where it ended with their batters going on a run spree ending their 36 overs at 2/296 with four of their batters all scoring 50s retired. M.Caspersz, S.Lynch, J.Charles and T.Packett with J.Hobday also scoring 41n.o. With an uphill battle facing Lusatia Park, they lost their first two wickets with only 4 on the board as Caitlyn Parker joined Lee Philpot at the crease and they put on a partnership of 70 until Lee went for 43. Caitlyn continued on with wickets falling around her until she fell for a magnificent 49 and with 165 still required and only 6 overs left the game was called.
The 4th XI played Healesville at Coldstream Primary School and also faced a mammoth task with the home side scoring 2/246 from their 36 overs. L.Caldicott 53 retired, M.Ferris 50 retired, L.Keath 41n.o. and S.Caldicott 32n.o. Lusatia Park’s batters unfortunately never seriously challenged the score and could only manage 9/83 in 24 overs.
