By Mark Heenan
Ocean Grove A Grade claimed a decisive victory over Inverleigh after its revised one-day fixture was held in rain affected conditions at Inverleigh on Saturday.
Extreme heat forced the cancellation of all BPCA two-day scheduled cricket matches on 6 January, which meant the Inverleigh and Ocean Grove clash was reduced to 40 overs per side.
The Grubbers were the only side victorious from the re-scheduled Round 7 fixtures, with the remaining five BPCA A Grade games eventually called off due to persistent rain.
Ocean Grove elected to bowl first and dismissed Inverleigh for 139 from 39.5 overs.
In reply the Grubbers accelerated to finish at 4/140 from 26 overs.
Ocean Grove coach Paul Jubber said it was a significant win for his side.
Fourth-placed Ocean Grove (27 points) has now bridged a three-point gap over nearest rivals Barwon Heads (24 points) in fifth spot.
“It is a significant outcome for us, it is a good as a win – we are really pleased,” Jubber told the Voice.
“The weather whilst at times was quite difficult to play in … .but credit to both teams and credit to the umpire for enabling us to keep playing in those conditions.”
Mick Thornton in his first season at Ocean Grove was the catalyst in his team’s victory.
Thornton snared the brilliant figures of 5/9 from 4.5 overs.
“Mick Thornton came on when the pitch started to dry out a little bit – the quicks were able to stand up a little bit more,” Jubber said.
“He bowled fantastic areas, he bowled full and straight and bowled at the stumps.”
Ocean Grove all-rounder Jackson Kent was also damaging, finishing with 3/20 from seven overs.
Jubber said it was a great recovery after Inverleigh had seized control at 1/90.
The home side capitulated and lost its last nine wickets for 39 runs.
Ocean Grove player Michael Kenneady took three catches.
Opener Jay Dawson made a quick-fire 45, while Jubber chipped in with a valuable 36 as the visitors salvaged a vital win.
The Grubbers will now meet Winchelsea in a two-day game in Round 8 at Ray Menzies Memorial Oval in Ocean Grove this Saturday.
The B Grade one-day match between St Leonards and Ocean Grove at Len Trewin Reserve was called off due to rain.
St Leonards finished at 6/125 from 28.4 overs.
Grubber bowler Billy Foord Engelsman took 4/27 from eight overs.
The C Grade one-day match between Wallington and Ocean Grove at Wallington was a drawn match.
Batting first Wallington was bowled out for 143 from 36.5 overs.
Grubber pair Callum Docherty (3/24) and Darren Craig (3/22) each took three wickets.
Myles Henderson picked up 2/26 from eight overs.
In reply Ocean Grove finished at 4/92 from 23.4 overs before play was abandoned.
Darren Craig followed up his good work with the ball and remained unbeaten on 38Inverleigh won by five wickets against Ocean Grove in their D Grade one-day match at Inverleigh.
Batting first Ocean Grove was all out for 100 from 38.3 overs.
Inverleigh finished at 5/106 from 22 overs to win comfortably.
Grubber Troy Wiseman was the leading wicket-taker with 3/28 from seven overs.
