By Mark Heenan
Ocean Grove speedster Dan Roddis expects his side’s confidence to grow after a gutsy three-wicket win over Portarlington.
Roddis claimed eight wickets for the match and destroyed the Demons batting line-up in their first innings on day one with 5/34.
“To roll Portarlington for 103 the week earlier on day one considering they made 330 the week before was pleasing,” Roddis told the Voice.
“It has given the bowling group massive confidence knowing we have knocked over a team and we have taken 17 wickets for about 220 runs.”
Resuming at 5/59 on day two after Portarlington was all out 107, Paul Jubber (65) and Corey Buxton (26) shared in a match-winning 82-run eighth-wicket stand on Saturday.
The Demons claimed two quick wickets as Ocean Grove had fallen to 7/70 at the start of play on day two, still requiring 34 runs for victory with three wickets remaining.
“We were confident we could get the job done – we had faith in the boys to make the runs,” Roddis said.
“They (Portarlington) bowled well.
“It was a good win – it got a bit tight there with the bat.”
Grubber playing coach Paul Jubber continued his golden touch with the bat.
Jubber has scored 284 runs from three knocks at 142 after his unbeaten 149 in the opening round and half-centuries in Rounds 2 and 3.
Ocean Grove was bowled out for 161 from 55 overs.
Star Portarlington all-rounder Paul McGrath (5/22) claimed a five-wicket haul and remained 22 not out in his side’s second innings.
In its second dig Portarlington was 7/115 from 41 overs.
Roddis led the way 3/38 from 15 overs in the second innings, while Jake Taylor took 2/3 from five overs.
Fourth-placed Ocean Grove, which have a 2-1 record after three rounds, now face Little River in two-day game this Saturday at Ray Menzies Memorial Oval.
In B Grade, Ocean Grove batsman Jay Dawson scored 93 in his side’s timely 76-run win over Newcomb.
Dawson hit 17 boundaries and shared in a 113-run stand opening stand with Nathan Madden (23).Ocean Grove was out for 159 from 68.1 overs on day one and lost its final 10 wickets for only 46 runs. Newcomb made 83.
Grubber opening bowlers Ned Thorley (3/34) and Matt Bellingham (4/13) ripped through the opposition batsmen and combined for seven wickets.
Ocean Grove won its C Grade clash by 121 runs against Portarlington.
Batting first the visitors piled on the runs and made 6/262 from 60 overs. Greg Scarpa batted well for his 97 and in reply Portarlington made 141 with Nathan Down taking 4/32.
In D Grade, Grove beat Little River. Dean Platt finished with 3/9 and Steve Duan made 60.
