Tormey, who played with Lyndale in the Dandenong and District Cricket Association, and was The Journal's junior cricketer of the year in 2005, smashed an unbeaten 147 and placed Dandenong's finals chances at risk.

Chasing the Panthers' 9-255 declared on a maligned Shepley Oval wicket, the Hawks resumed at 2-10 and consolidated their position with a dogged and patient 40 from opener Aaron Dragwidge, and the free-scoring Tormey.

Despite losing several wickets after tea, Tormey guided the Hawks to their third win of the season, and his first century after a string of 90-plus scores.

Dandenong skipper Darren Dempsey, who was out through suspension, said the Panthers' attack couldn't create enough chances.

"We just didn't create enough chances and couldn't find an edge. We only had about two appeals for the day and never looked like getting a wicket really. It [Tormey's ton] was one of the better premier league hundreds I've ever seen."

Brent Fairbanks was the Panthers' leading wicket taker with 3-49 from 19 overs. Paul Boraston couldn't add to his two wickets from the first day's play and finished with 2-74.

Dempsey dismissed criticism of the wicket as revealed in The Journal last week. "The criticism of the wicket has been unfair. It played well on the weekend and has been one of the better pitches around the competition."

With one round to go and Dandenong sitting 10th, next Saturday's game against ninth-placed Fitzroy-Doncaster will more than likely result in the winner playing finals. "If we win and Prahran loses, we will make it," Dempsey said. "Prahran is playing Melbourne [second] so there is every chance that it could happen. Fitzroy is in the same boat as us, so it should be a really tight game."

■The report on state of the wicket at Shepley Oval has caused hot debate in Premier Cricket circles. Several comments were posted on The Journal website.