Gonawala shines for the Cats

MORTLAKE’S middle order batsman Saman Gonawala remained unbeaten at the crease, just seven runs shy of a century, at the end of play last weekend.

The Cats’ Premier side travelled to Merrivale to take on the Tigers for the second last home and away round on Saturday, keen to pick up some points.

The home side won the toss and sent the visitors in to bat.

Opener Taj Podger was unable to get a run on the board before being bowled by Matt Petherick, while fellow opener Clinton Baker fell for 17 off 50 deliveries.

Gonawala’s impressive 93 from 188 deliveries included 11 boundaries.

Team-mate Chamika Feranando also reached double figures, adding 27 before being caught.

The Cats finished the day on 9/184 after 80 overs and will be looking for a strong performance with the ball this weekend.

In the championship division, Mortlake won the toss against Hawkesdale and elected to bowl at DC Farran Oval.

The visitors were contained to 10/98 in the 57th over, with Max Slater effective with the ball, taking 3/10 from five overs, while Damien Goddard took 3/14 from nine.

Other wickets fell for Neil Kelly 2/41 and Oscar Ritchie 1/11.