By Mark Heenan
Barwon Heads pulled off a stunning victory to upstage Battle of the Bridge rivals Ocean Grove in an enthralling contest at Ray Menzies Memorial Oval on Saturday.
A key 139-run fifth-wicket partnership between star Seagull all-rounder Sam Schaller (92) and Michael Fallon (67) proved the difference for the visitors on day two.
Chasing 238 for victory the Grubbers had the Seagulls on the ropes at 4/66 before Schaller and Fallon turned on an aggressive batting masterclass. Ocean Grove compiled 7/237 while Barwon Heads won with more than 12 overs to spare to finish at 7/242.
The loss saw Ocean Grove (21 points) cling on to fourth spot ahead of fifth-placed Barwon Heads (21 points) on percentage heading into the two-week mid-season break.
Ocean Grove coach Paul Jubber lamented his side’s inability to take control of the match at crucial stages.
“Losing against Barwon Heads is extremely disappointing,” Jubber told the Voice.
“We didn’t take ownership of our game at times and it ultimately cost us the points.”
Jubber praised Schaller and Fallon for their aggressive response with the bat on day two.
“Sam batted very well, he took it up to our bowlers and his aggression paid off,” Jubber said.
“Credit to him and Mick. “They were under pressure and their partnership was the difference.”
Schaller described it as a ‘mini-finals’ victory over their arch-rivals.
“The win was huge, we all internally built it up as a bit of a final,” he said.
“The game was pretty hot, two big rivals, so to get six points was fantastic.”
Grubber opener and wicket-keeper Huon Bertino continued his consistent form with the bat with an impressive 73 on day one.
It was Bertino’s third half-century this season.
Ocean Grove all-rounder Sam Jubber who took 3/53 with the ball on Saturday and chipped in with 37 on day one.
Star batsman Michael Kenneady made a rapid 37, while Paul Jubber remained 31 not out batting at number 7.
Seagull bowler Damien McMahon was the leading wicket-taker with 3/86 from 19 overs.
The Grubbers won their B Grade two-day clash over Barwon Heads at RT Fuller Oval by 79 runs on Saturday.
Batting first Ocean Grove was all out for 188 with opener Nathan Taylor leading the way with 65, while fellow opener Jay Dawson (45) got off to a flyer.
Joshua High did the bulk of damage for the home side with 5/47 from 15 overs.
In reply Barwon Heads was all out for 109 with Lindon Giuffrida destroying the top order with 5/35 from 15 overs, while Billy Foord Engelsman bowled 13 maidens and claimed 2/19 from 20 overs. Ned Thorley took 2/19 from 10.2 overs.
Ocean Grove C Grade defeated Barwon Heads by three wickets. The Grubbers made 7/130 from 48 overs in response to Barwon Heads’ 126. Ben Hughes led the way with bat with an unbeaten 51 not out, while Darren Craig dominated to claim 6/44 from 21.1 overs.
Ocean Grove had the bye in D Grade and remain in second spot on the ladder after 10 rounds.
