Laidley struggle on sluggish deck

Northsiders cricketer Billy Jack (28 not out) is the key to his team’s chances of taking points against Marburg on day two of their match at Keith Sternberg Oval.

Sarah Harvey

THEY occupy different ends of the First Division ladder but no-one at Mark Marsh Oval on Saturday would have guessed it.

Central Districts belied their underdog status to dismiss competition heavyweights Laidley for a paltry 117 before the premiers struck back to have Centrals 6-51 at stumps.

Laidley, who haven’t played away from Bichel Oval since the start of January, struggled to adapt to the Mark Marsh Oval pitch.

“There was a little bit of grass on the wicket but it wasn’t wet at all,” Centrals captain Duane Blake said.

“The ball moved around early but it was just a little bit slow.

“They played a few poor shots early and we got a bit of momentum and kept it going.”

Jason Cubit has been enjoying his new role opening the batting for Laidley this summer but that may need reviewing after the former middle-order batsman struggled to see off the new ball.

“The pitch didn’t suit his style of game,” Blake said.

“He likes to score quickly but he struggled a lot as he tried to go hard at a lot of balls.”

Rhys O’Sullivan (4-38) removed both openers and was well supported by Andrew Doyle (3-22), Blake (2-22) and Nick Vellacott (1-32).

“Everyone bowled well and kept the pressure on,” Blake said.

The skipper had to stop bowling after 12 overs when he felt a twinge in the hamstring he injured earlier in the summer.

But that was after he had claimed the prized scalp of Michael Sippel for a third ball duck.

“When you see him come to the crease you always put in a little bit more,” Blake said.

“He’s known to be a bit vulnerable early so to pick him up after three balls was fantastic.”

Sippel’s outside edge was taken by young keeper Steven Ihle.

Blake said Ihle, like O’Sullivan, Matthew Frederickson (0 not out) and the rest of Centrals’ youngsters would take a lot from the game.

“They’re really enjoying it,” Blake said.

“We’ve performed in games but we’re a young side and it puts us in good stead for years to come.”

Despite their meagre total, Laidley are still in with a better-than-even chance of taking points after Centrals found the batting equally tough.

“You can never underestimate them,” Blake said.

“Their bowling is always tight and they’re hard to score against.

“We’re not out of it but it is a hard road ahead.

“A win would be a great way to end the season.”

Meanwhile, Strollers are pressing for a win to move ahead of Brothers on the IWMCA Division 1 ladder.

Batting first at Strollers, the home team declared at 7-218 and had Brothers 3-75 at stumps.