Another frustrating round as weather disrupted play across all five XIs. Read below for an account of the up and down weekend from all of our senior skippers.
Benny Howes sending down a fire bolt! Image credit: Peter Knox
First XI
We travelled to Marcellin aiming for revenge after a disappointing loss in our round 1 match at home. The sky were looking ominous and the school kids were playing on our wicket when we arrived. We lost the toss and were asked to bowl and we were definitely not disappointed with good bowling conditions – a greenish wicket and clouds overhead.
Marcellin’s opener threw the kitchen sink at a couple early, clearing the pickets, however he was removed by Padbury before he could do any damage, which set the tone for the rest of the innings. Both Padbury and Howes bowled tremendous line and length on a wicket that was tough to drive on. We were able to take regular wickets, with all bowlers delivering when it was their turn and they were well supported by everyone in the field. Our good fielding performance vs Canterbury was backed up this week, which was pleasing, and highlighted by a screamer of a catch from Bonnett at mid-wicket. Standouts with the ball were Padbury (4/16 off 6.4 overs), and Howes and Watkins with 2 wickets apiece.
Padders and Dan modelling our new one day kit, Image credit: Peter Knox
We knew we had to start well with the bat and it wasn’t going to be easy, with the on and off nature of the day with the weather. Watkins and Wright went early but we were able to put on a couple of handy partnerships to break the back of Marcellin’s efforts. Joslin made 28, while McNally (43no) plundered the ball to all parts and was well supported by Guley (18no) to get the team over the line….just in time before the rain came. 4/114 off 27 overs = a great team performance.
That is two strong performances on the bounce after a disappointing effort in Rnd 1. We have played a good competitive brand which we hope to continue next week away to Ashburton.
Go Monts!
Second XI
Rainbow over Mont Albert Reserve – image credit to Chris Jackson
We took on Mulgrave for the second time this season and lost the toss on another wet and gloomy October Saturday and were asked to have a bat.
We started off well with debutant Dave ‘Chippa’ Chippindal (16) and resident Silver Fox, Troy McClure (29) ticking the runs over nicely, until we fell in a heap, mixed in with a couple of painful rain delays. There was some resistance from Reg and Jacko in the middle and later overs, but other than that, not a lot to tell you. All out for 99 in the 38th over… not our best display.
After 3 or 4 breaks for rain and over an hour lost, Mulgrave would have 85 minutes to try and chase down 100 to win. We knew they would go for it so with that came the opportunity to pick up a few wickets and put the pressure right back on them, which is what we did.
The opening combo of Shah (4/14) and Thorny (2/13) worked wonders and Mulgrave had well and truly gone into their shell by the time they’d finished their spells. Pommy recruit and debutant Jordy Tear chimed in with a wicket of his own.
At stumps Mulgrave were a poultry 7/42. Another ten overs and who knows…
A terrific fight back with the ball and in the field after an ordinary performance with the stick. We take on Ashwood this week at home, hopefully with a strong batting performance to back up our bowlers and get our season rolling.
Third XI
No play… again. Fair to say that skipper Greeds is a little frustrated in his return to captaincy this season, and given the forecast for next weekend, may have bad dreams all week.
Fourth XI
The 4s were back at the Gar again this week facing Bulleen. We lost the toss and Bulleen had a bat with the weather alternating between sunshine and rain. The couple of interruptions for rain didn’t help us and we went for a few runs in the later stages as Bulleen posted 185 from their 40 overs. Pom debutant George Petts bowled extremely well and was unlucky not to get more wickets, finishing with 1/43 off his 8. Jack Anderson also bowled well picking up 2/41 from his 8 overs. Morgan Gason bowled extremely tight, picking up 1/20 from his 8 as well as picking up 2 direct-hit run outs to go with it.
With 186 to chase, we were never able to get a substantial partnership going and were eventually bowled out for 144. Top scorers were Dean (30), Harris (29) and Gason (20) with some big hitting at the end. Unfortunately, 7 of our wickets were bowled and is a key area we need to work on going forward. A disappointing loss, but we will regroup to take on Deepdene next week.
Fifth XI
The fifths played against Richmond Union at Fletcher Park. We lost the toss and bowled first.
It was a tough day in the office. The ground we played on was a postage stamp and Richmond Union made total of 9/270.
Luke Pich bowled very well and took 2/25 of his seven and Bill Allen took 3/56, a catch and an assisted run out.
We got off to a shaky start in the run chase by losing two early wicket and were looking at being bowled out early. Then enter Marcus. He and his partner put on a 100+ run partnership, thus giving the fifths hope. Marcus then made his maiden 50 bring it up with a six. Sanjay then came in and also made his maiden 50.
Luke Pitch batted amazingly as well at number 10 and made a handy 22 not out. His management is now negotiating with the skipper for a higher batting spot.
Unfortunately, we fell about 40 short, but overall it was a decent effort, because due to circumstances beyond our control, we only had 10 men to start off with.
Go Monts!
If you have any snaps at all involving the club, make sure you tag @montalbertcc on instagram, or email them to harveyj42@gmail.com