Armstrong Creek proved too good for Ocean Grove in round 11 of BPCA A1 Grade on Saturday January 21.
In a day/night fixture at Aim Hire Reserve, Armstrong Creek, the Titans kept their finals hopes alive in what now seems to be a three-club race for fourth spot.
Ocean Grove and Armstrong Creek are on 30 points and Jan Juc 34 with its match against Anglesea completed on January 26.
Armstrong Creek gleefully batted first to avoid the twilight effect under lights and Chris Marsiglio (58) playing well.
The Grubbers bowlers struggled with the pink ball into the breeze and a final total of 7/158, while not massive, was very competitive.
Leg-spinner Rob Rutley took 1/14 from eight immaculate overs and Jake Taylor enjoyed some time at the bowling crease with 3/33.
Jason Robertson ripped through Grove’s top order to take 4/7 for the Titans and the Grubbers were in trouble early in their run chase.
Jake Taylor (22) and Bailey Le Maistre (20) made things interesting with a handy lower order partnership, but the required run rate proved too much with wickets running out.
Armstrong Creek defeated Ocean Grove by 50 runs in B1 Grade.
Oliver Corby bowled well for the Grubbers to take 3/23 to help restrict the Titans to 9/148.
However, only Nathan Madden (29) was able to dig in as Ocean Grove fell for 98 with Ryan Boyer snaring 3/14 for Armstrong Creek.
St Leonards won a thriller in B2 Grade.
The Saints made 9/151 with the vastly improved Lachie Campbell continuing his good batting form with 43.
Leg-spinner John Murphy took 4/25 and Andrew Schoch 3/42.
In reply Ocean Grove was all out for 149 with one ball off its 40 overs remaining.
Zack Carmody (28), Noah Brooks (24) and Joel Baran (23) got starts, but young leggie Ethan Coleman’s 4/41 proved the difference.
Anglesea was too good in D Grade.
Ocean Grove made 106, but the Seas passed the total in the 28th over thanks to veteran Graeme Dodkins, who made 59 not out although Jarvis White managed two wickets for Ocean Grove.
