A GRITTY batting performance by Leagues Club denied Yenda an outright win in the last two-day match of the regular season at the weekend.
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Yenda captain Shaun Stubbs called time on the match when it became obvious Leagues' batsmen Connor Matheson (64 not out) and would occupy too much time at the crease for an attempt at an outright win.
Earlier in the day Yenda Jets' batsman Peter Verdanega substituted in for not-out batsman Andrew Potter (20 not out) and stacked on 57 quick runs, including the 17 runs needed to claim the first innings win.
Jets captain Shaun Stubbs said the return of the opening batsman Verdanega at number 10 changed the course of the match.
"Pete Verdanega subbed in for Potter at 10 and he stacked on 57 pretty much batting out of his skin.
"He was away in Sydney for the first day and he normally opens the batting, so it's pretty handy to bring him in down the order.
"Once he got the 17 runs we needed he just started hitting out, which he was always going to do."
It seemed a different Leagues' Panthers side batting on Saturday compared to the previous week when they only managed 100.
Yenda brought Staines (3-38) into the attack for the first time since Christmas to good effect, but Leagues wouldn't be rattled.
Five of the top six Panthers batsmen brought up double figures, compared to just four 10-plus scores from the side on day one.
Stubbs said Connor Matheson's timely 64 runs in particular dried up any hope of an outright win.
"We had them 4-60 but the Connor Matheson came in and batted really well," Stubbs said.
"Along with Gleeson (17 not out) they hung around and kept us out there and unfortunately we just couldn't take wickets.
"If we bowled them out for 150 we'd only be chasing 100-odd as we were already 50 in front, but with half an hour to go we pulled the pin because it became clear there wouldn't be an outcome."
Yenda spent most of the day with just 10 men in the field after Jessie Ryan was taken to hospital after splitting the webbing in his hand.
The win sees Yenda occupy second spot on the ladder behind Exies, affording the club a second-chance in the finals.
"We're pretty confident to take on Exies next week, they're our biggest grudge side so we'll be very keen to notch up a win," Stubbs said.
"We've got a good bowling side and we've bowled most sides out for under 150 so runs will be the key to that match."