Ocean Grove failed to captitalise on a great start after day one of its two-day game against Drysdale as Hawk coach Nick Hallam hit a superb century.
The Grubbers had the home side on the ropes at 3/27 on the lush green outfields at Drysdale before Hallam led his side’s recovery and scored a brilliant 102 in the Hawks total of 276 from 73.5 overs.
Ocean Grove bowler Paul O’Donohugue (2/21) claimed two of the first three wickets in his first A grade game in two seasons after he removed the dangerous Jason Malcolm (10) and Wade Arnott (6).
Grubber coach Paul Jubber who took 2/26 from 10.5 overs, praised Hallam’s efforts with the bat.
“It was a chanceless (innings) from Hallam – he absolutely batted beautifully,” Jubber said.
“Technically correct … played to his strengths and it was a super knock.”
Hallam combined in a 65-run fourth-wicket stand with David Hambrook (28) and a 71-run partnership with Ryan Lang (36), who succumbed to a hamstring and was unable to run.
Lindon Giuffrida (2/36) also snared two wickets for the Grubbers.
“Lindon Giuffrida was mighty – he bowled 16 overs and got two maidens,” Jubber said.
Jubber admitted dropped catches at crucial stages did not help its case to put the Hawks on the back foot.
“Ground fielding was alright … we dropped five catches and obviously it is going to cost us somewhere, that is something we need to improve on,” he said.
Hawk gloveman Josh Williams (15) and teammate Andrew Dundon (31) chimed with some late contributions with the bat.
Drysdale defeated Ocean Grove by seven wickets in their one-day clash on January 7, a week earlier.
The Grubbers require 277 with the bat for victory this Saturday.
Ocean Grove B Grade suffered a disappointing loss on first innings after day one of its two-day game against Newcomb’s top side at Erwin Reserve.
The home side which does not have an A Grade team, ripped through the Grubbers for only 84 from 45.5 overs.
Ben Hanson (28) was the top scorer for Ocean Grove.
Newcomb bowlers Brendan Sheedy (3/19) and Stuart Keys (4/19) did the bulk of the damage.
In reply Newcomb will resume at 1/109 on day two after facing 26 overs.
At stumps Grubber Ned Thorley was the pick of the bowlers with 1-22 from eight overs.
Three-wicket hauls from Michael Thornton, Darren Roddis and Jake Taylor helped Ocean Grove dismiss Drysdale for 162 in 60 overs in their two-day game at St Thomas Catholic Primary School.
Thornton bowled 17 overs and collected 3/44.
Roddis finished with 3/22 from 10 overs, while Taylor bowled 26 overs to claim the figures of 3/69.
Grubber wicket-keeper Nathan Madden took three catches.
Hawk Malcolm Sheers top scored with 36 for the home side.
Newcomb defeated Ocean Grove by three wickets in its D Grade one-day clash at Ray Menzies Oval.
Batting first the Grubbers compiled 7/193 from its 40 overs with Steve Duan (46), star junior Nathan Down (42 not out) and Lucas Cameron (35) all making valuable contributions.
In reply Newcomb finished at 6/196 from 39 overs and won with one over to spare.
Grubber bowler Jeff Erskine finished with 3/43 from eight overs.
