Opening batsman Darren Webb top scored with 60 and 14-year-old spinner Harrison Cozens took 4-21 as the Cats defeated Grassmere by 24 runs.

The result lifted Hawkesdale to fifth spot on the Grassmere Cricket Association ladder with a 1-1 record, having lost to Killarney seven days earlier.

“We probably batted a bit better this week. We made a few extra runs, and we probably bowled better as well,” captain Ben Julius said.

“Webby has been brilliant since he’s been back. He’s made a 40 and a 60. Hopefully he gets better as the year goes on.

“And young Harrison, he’s a bit of a surprise packet. He was on a hat-trick yesterday.

“He didn’t get it but he hadn’t taken a wicket before yesterday and he’s got a four-for. He continually throws them up and lets the batsmen make the mistakes.”

Hawkesdale lost the toss and batted first, making 176 off its 40 overs. Beyond Webb, Julius chipped in with 31 while Paul Kelson took 5-25.

Grassmere started its run chase well, reaching 54 without loss with Chris Lenehan closing in on a half-century.

But the dismissal of Lenehan for 47, off the bowling of Joel Grant, swung momentum the Cats’ way. 

Grassmere finished its innings with 9-152.

Cozens’ wickets were the last four of the match, with the Meerkats searching for quick runs.

“If Lenehan had hung around, it would’ve been a completely different story,” Julius said.

“Once we got Lenehan and (Peter Sedgley), it was a sigh of relief ... the wickets fell pretty regularly after that.”

In other GCA matches, Panmure continued its destructive start to the season with an eight-wicket thrashing of Yambuk at Panmure Recreation Reserve.

James McKinnon top scored with 57 not out and Chris Bant made 50 as the Bulldogs chased down the Buks’ 9-143 in 26 overs, finishing with 2-149.

Three wickets each from Peter Hickey and Jarrod Chatfield helped Killarney beat Wangoom by four wickets at Wangoom Recreation Reserve.

The Roosters were all out for 89, with Hickey grabbing 3-6 while Chatfield took 3-19.

In reply, the Crabs raced to 6-103 from 20 overs. Brendan Chatfield made 29 and Jason Hutchins reached 30, while Shamus O’Beirne took 5-14.

Half-centuries to Dallas Armistead (63) and Richard McKellar (61) helped Panmure to a 124-run victory against Mailors Flat.

Shaun Griffin also made 42 as the Bulls posted 6-248, the highest score of the GCA season.

Mailors Flat never looked like reaching the target but kept wickets in hand, finishing at 2-124. Phil Edwards top scored with 69 not out.

afawkes@fairfaxmedia.com.au