FIRST XI: The 1s rounded out their season with an impressive win over Essendon at McQueen Park. Bowling first, the quicks struggled for early breakthroughs, with Essendon skipper James Seymour leading the way. However, young tearaway Tom Nelson broke the opening partnership and then took a second to expose the middle order. After the third wicket the dominos began to fall, and Will Walker was at his scintillating best, taking 4/58. Bill finishes up as one of the top wicket takers for the season in first grade, a mighty effort. Essendon were dismissed for 257, leaving our boys with a tricky chase. Thankfully, openers Atharv Deshpande (60) and Tom Scott (61) made the best possible start, putting on over 100 for the first wicket. A few cheap wickets fell soon after, but Akshay Kodoth (44*) and Jack Lyndon (35*) guided us home in style, closing out our campaign in the best possible manner.
Ultimately, the First XI ended up in 13th position, with five wins from 13 matches. Bill was undoubtedly the standout performer over the course of the year, but there was plenty to like from the rest of our young side.
SECOND XI: The 2s were chasing a win to sew up finals qualification, and bowling first put them in pole position. So did early wickets to Brides and Shan. However, the innings turned into a grind from that point, with multiple Essendon batters making scores as they racked up 7/310 off 90 overs. The wickets were shared, including two for Sam Olsen on second grade debut. I can’t help but feel that it’s the start of a long career in the top grades for Sammy. In pursuit of a challenging target, early wickets put the lads on the back foot on Day 2. Opener Swapnil Challa dug in for a gritty 52, but he was offered little support as we collapsed to be bowled out for 130. It was a disappointing way to conclude a positive season – on to next year.
Unfortunately, the loss saw the Second XI tumble out of the top eight. Lessons will be learned, and the 2s will surely come back stronger in 2024/25.
THIRD XI: The 3s batted first in their final game of the season, putting on 281 over a day of fluctuating momentum. Essendon made early inroads, but Sam Mazza was quick to turn the tide, compiling an entertaining 86 at first drop. Promoted up the order after consistent contributions, Lucas Harrison also came to the party, digging in for 37. The best knock of the day, however, came from returning quick Reuben Jamieson. Seemingly out of nowhere, Jamo smashed his way to 91, a personal best. His innings propelled us to a competitive score, and the bowlers made sure it was a winning total on Day 2. Despite early partnerships, a middle order collapse saw Essendon bowled out for 174, with skipper Tom Vanderslik taking 4/36, supported strongly by Max Burn (3/22).
The resulted lifted the Third XI to 15th in the standings. While it was a tough summer, the players never faltered in their commitment and effort. Bring on next season!
FOURTH XI: The 4s are finals bound after a comprehensive victory over Essendon on the final day of the home and away season. Captain Bob Capstick elected to bowl on an overcast morning at Cross Keys, and he was rewarded with early poles. Our disciplined bowling unit managed to maintain the rage over the course of the innings, taking regular wickets to dismiss Essendon for 138. Every bowler except an unlucky Luke Prior was rewarded with wickets. A tricky evening batting period saw the Magpies lose one wicket, but Sam Jackson (57) and Tom Sheehan (71 retired) came together on Day 2 to see the team home. Jimmy Thewlis (51*), James Jarrett (46) and Tom Mariadason (31) also made scores as we batted through to 8/287, before calling the game at 4/88 in Essendon’s second innings.
With eighth place secured, the Fourth XI will now take on Fitzroy-Doncaster in a do-or-die final at McQueen Park this weekend. Get down to support the boys as they pursue premiership glory!
WALKER'S ALL STAR YEAR!
We were lucky enough to witness another all time season from 1st XI quick Will Walker. Finishing the season 3rd in Premier Cricket with 34 wickets at 20.18, Will was overlooked this week in the Leader Local Cricket Team of the Year. Not sure what cricket they've been watching but we are excited and hopeful at the prospect of Bill being named in the Victorian Premier Cricket Team of the Year! What a season from the 200 game life member, congratulations Bill!
Welcome to Jack's Q&A Corner brought to you by Bendigo Bank. This week, I sat down with one of the 4th XI's most consistent performers who is also well known for flooding his house #floodsy, that's right, it's Daniel Walker!
1. How mad are you at Bob for stealing the bowling award from you on Saturday?
Daniel: It’s very difficult to stay mad at bobby, he’s a bit of a teddy bear off the park but he did have butter fingers on the weekend which may have helped get himself over the line!
Oooo not our man Lord Emperor Supreme 'accidentally' dropping catches to get his name up on the honour board again! Loves a junk time wicket does our man!
2. Do you think you'll ever bowl an out swinger?
Daniel: Me bowling an out-swinger on purpose is about as likely to happen as Anton scoring double digits with the bat, once in 150 games!
So you're telling me there's a chance! If Anton can score 25, you can get that ball reversing, just need a concrete gutter and an old ball....but you didn't hear that from me.
3. Have you retired from purchasing bats off the dark web since the resurrection of Badger Cricket?
Daniel: Badger crickets resurrection has been both a blessing and a curse for my bank account - if only I could put their willow to better use!
Mandatory rule for next year - in order to get the best use out of Badger bats, owners must be allowed to take down the new ball at least once in the season! Would certainly spice up selection meetings....like they need more spice!
4. How excited are you for the weekend and if we win the flag, who's house are you flooding?
Daniel: You won’t see me surface from the Camberwell rooms for days if we win a flag so there’s a definite possibility the rooms will be knee deep by the end of the weekend.
That's actually a real possibility the amount of times blokes leave the ice machines on. There might be a new floodsy coming through the ranks. 4s flag here we come!
5. If I come over for dinner, what are you cooking for me?
Daniel: You can come over for tea any time Jack but a true staple in the floods kitchen is a low and slow Ragu pasta which pairs perfectly with a bottle or two of red.
Sounds like you and cob could bring back the infamous Cob's Kitchen! Sharing a passion for authentic italian pasta and a coupla bottles of red. Sounds like the beginnings of a saucy night in!
Thankyou to Daniel for playing! Who will be next on Q&A Corner? Find out in next weeks newsletter.......
The Toyota Good For Cricket Raffle is back for another year! Tickets cost $5 each and can be purchased via the link below. The club receive's 100% of the proceeds and you go into the draw to win some amazing prizes, including 3 new Toyota's! Now that's Good for Cricket!
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