Dederang’s Luke Deans fires one down to Howlong’s Benjamin Dedic.
Howlong’s Joel Montgomery cuts on his way to 23, not enough for his team to avoid a home loss to Dederang. Pictures: MATTHEW SMITHWICK
MOUNT Beauty skipper Al Randell says all-rounder Ashan Rana- weera is in the best form of his district career.
Ranaweera scored his first century for the Power on Saturday as it sunk Eskdale by nine wickets. He also took five wickets in the match.
And while Randell was pleased with the spread of contributors, he was impressed by Ranaweera.
The star all-rounder will be in Sydney this weekend as part of Cricket Albury-Wodonga’s SCG Cup team.
Randell said Ranaweera was in the best form he had seen in his years at the club.
“He’s certainly one of our key players and he’s had a really consistent season,” Randell said.
“He obviously was pretty happy about his first 100 for the club — he batted really well.”
Randell was also keen to praise others.
“Young Will Betheras bowled well, as did Jeremy Peacock,” he said.
“We had plenty of blokes chip in for a solid win.”
The Power sits second on the ladder with three rounds to play but Randell isn’t overly concerned about where the defending premier finishes at the end of the home and away season, as long as it’s inside the top six.
“Obviously, we want to finish as high as we can but the competition is really even,” he said.
“New City is probably the stand-out but there’s a lot of teams in the mix.
“It’s very open.”
In other games, a monster knock of 145 not out from captain Ash Sutherland allowed Kiewa to smash Bethanga, much as expected.
A five-wicket haul from quick Chris Simpson helped ladder leader Dederang account for Howlong at Howlong.
A century from Mick Hardman proved the highlight in Baranduda’s thrilling outright win over Barnawartha-Chiltern.
Despite losing first innings points, the Rangers stormed back into the match with a strong second day showing.
And Yackandandah scored a crucial 25-run win over New City.
Both teams sit inside the top four in the lead-up to finals.