Cricket round-up: Anglesea and Barrabool denied by rain

The McGrath family enjoying a memorable occasion.

THE rain brought plenty of drama and frustration in the Bellarine Peninsula Cricket Association (BPCA) at the weekend.

A mixture of rain and regulation spoiled Anglesea’s day.

With one over left and 105 runs needed to win, Portarlington had no chance of beating the league leaders. Yet because more than 20 minutes had been lost to rain, and because Anglesea had not bowled Portarlington out, the league rules meant the game officially ended a draw.

Despite the disappointment, Anglesea club president Brett Kerr was magnanimous about the result.

“If you lose 20 minutes it’s okay, but I think they lost 24 minutes. It’s just part of the rules. We didn’t get them out in the time that we had to get them out, so it is the way it is.

“If we were Portarlington in their situation we’d probably be taking the three points too.”

For Anglesea Ned Cooper’s 91 was crucial to them getting to their total of 2/216, while Dale Kerr once again shone with the ball, taking 3/9 in his eight overs.

Barrabool endured similar frustration to Anglesea.

They posted a formidable score of 4/251, with captain Kane Pickering playing a sensational innings to finish unbeaten on 137.

Collendina batted with good intent, but at 7/184, with just three overs left, looked destined for a loss. Yet once more, because time had been lost to rain, the match ended a draw.

Jan Juc were the only team to force a result, moving up to second place in the process.

Jordan Graham tore through Queenscliff’s tail to take 5/22 and restrict the visitors to 166.

Jan Juc chased the target down with more than ten overs to spare.

Barwon Heads may also feel weather denied them a victory against Ocean Grove.

Ocean Grove were 5/81 off 25 overs chasing 149. But the weather ensured the match became the third draw of the round, keeping the two sides level on 15 points.

In B Grade Portarlington not only won, but celebrated a special moment for the club as Jackson McGrath played his first B Grade match in team that included his dad Paul McGrath, and his uncle, Adam McGrath. His grandfather Mick McGrath was also there watching the game.

In the BCPA A2 Grade, Inverleigh continue to dominate the league. Their thrashing of St Leonards meaning they are yet to drop a point.

In the GCA the local sides struggled with both Leopold and Torquay losing in Division 1 and Division 2, respectively.