Sharks lose close battle against Scorpions

A Grade

This week saw the Sharks make the trip to Leongatha to take on the top of the table Scorpions.
After winning the toss the Sharks had a bat and lost opener Brodie Johnston early to a questionable catch.
Eli Richard met Lochie Cleeland at the crease and together the two went about their business putting on 62 for the second wicket until Richards was adjudged LBW and was out for 31 with the score at 2 for 71.

Cleeland followed the next over and the Sharks needed a rebuild with the score at 4 for 73.
Henry Shawcross (31) back into the team came in at number 6 along with Max Royal (30) at number 7 and the two had a productive partnership putting on 53 and some late hitting from Greg Selby saw the total climb to a defendable 181 on a fast ground

After the break openers Simon Kirton and Shiran Rathnayake bowled well but without luck and it wasn’t until the 12th over when spin sensation Zac Brown got the big breakthrough of Amila Rathnayake. From here Brown along with Charith Keerthisinghe were able to build pressure and force wickets on a deck that suited the spin bowling.
At the drinks break the Scorpions were 4 for 76 with the game in the balance

After the break however the Sharks were unable to make a breakthrough and an excellent innings for Sahan Perera who finished 72 not out was able to guide the Scorpions home in the 39th over. Next week the Sharks take on Inverloch at home in what is a must win game.

U14s

The U14 Sharks played against Nerrena on Saturday morning, Nerrena won the toss and elected to bat.
George McCausland took two wickets early in the match. Soon after Connor MacMillan took another wicket, which was followed by his brother Thomas taking another soon after.
Xavier Godena bowled exceptionally taking two key wickets. Drew Fusinato came into the attack and finished with two wickets for no runs.

Despite Harry Arceo, Sam Bennett and Charlie O’ Garey not taking any wickets they bowled superbly. Nerrena finished the innings on 9-50.
Ollie Duggan and Jake Hughes looked set from the start putting on a show. They both retired on 25.

Tyler Duell and Justin Tran came out to the middle and continued the flow of runs with Tyler finishing on 11* and Justin 10*.
The sharks ended the innings on 0-96, leading by 46 going into next week.
Continuing their innings from last week, Tyler Duell and Justin Tran opened the batting, Tyler made his way to 22 before being bowled, Justin fell in the same manner shortly after for 16.
Drew Fusinato and Sam Bennett made their way to the crease, however Sam got caught behind on 1.

Drew and George McCausland kept the runs flowing before retiring on 11 and 14.
Thomas and Connor MacMillan both saw out the innings, Connor made 13 and Thomas made 3.
The score finishing on 3–186.

Harry Arceo opened the bowling and was very unlucky not to get a wicket. Charlie O’ Garey in the second over of the day took his first wicket in U14s.

The Island dismissed Nerrena all out for 52.

With one game remaining the Sharks look well placed to finish on top and receive a home final if they beat Imperials this week.