Fletcher's Double Ton Puts Bombers In Strong Position
The Sunday Age
Sunday November 30, 2008
ESSENDON observed a minute's silence before the start of yesterday's two-day match at Kardinia Park as a tribute to batting coach and former captain Paul Hibbert who passed away recently.
By stumps Ben Fletcher (210not out off 176 balls) finished an emotional week by putting the Bombers into a strong 8-402(dec) against Geelong's 0-11. It was Fletcher's first double ton and he didn't give the Cat attack a chance as he rescued the Dons from sliding at 5-138."In some capacity, I'm sure Ben thought, here's to you 'Dasher' (Hibbert)," coach Darren Cullen said.In-form Bushranger Damien Wright will be ready to pounce on his second ton this month when round eight resumes today; he is 99not out. The former Tasmanian pushed Casey to 3-231 as it chases its first points this season against the Dogs.Other Bushrangers in action today, after being turned back from the Twenty20 tournament in India, are Aaron Finch, Darren and James Pattinson, Matt Wade, Rob Quiney, Aiden Blizzard, John Hastings, Chris Rogers and David Hussey.Twenty20 matches could be played for premiership points or for the club championship next season.PC manager Peter Binns said he had heard the suggestion but nothing would be considered until the off-season. "It gives momentum going towards the growth of it (Twenty20)," Binns said.The first two rounds of the Primary Edge Twenty20 have again drawn crowds in their hundreds.At last Wednesday's Twenty20 Essendon's Brendan Fevola took a couple of wickets including that of Carlton teammate Marc Murphy. But it was veteran Craig Berger who set up the one-run victory. The all-rounder made 83not out and then took 3-0 in the last over!Hawthorn-Monash did not support its appeal against clearances for Sam Miller and Matt Hewat, so the pair will play for Uni. The meeting over outstanding issues between the Hawks and Cricket Victoria has been postponed until Wednesday.
© 2008 The Sunday Age