Woods Wacks Wicked Century

Round 10.

We headed out to Heathmont on a warm day and were greeted by a dry, dusty under-prepared wicket. We lost the toss and were sent into bat. Wright and Watkins, who was opening for the first time this season, batted beautifully in trying conditions to put on 73 for the first wicket, before Watkins was dismissed for 30. Wright made a well compiled 43 before one rolled and he was trapped in front. There were some other good contributors throughout the day – Joslin (41), Padbury (37) and Guley (39). Unfortunately no one was able to go big which affected our ability to post a big total. We were dismissed in the 77th over for 255, which was a credible score considering the pitch conditions.

We rocked up week 2 to see a pitch that was polar opposite to week 1 – Green and damp on top. We knew if we bowled disciplined line and lengths we would get enough chances to win the game. Right from ball one, the pitch was proving a handful for Heathmont’s batters as our bowlers got into their rhythm. We were able to take regular wickets from the outset, bowling Heathmont out for 65 in 27 overs. Jackson and Howes both took 3 wickets a piece, while Padbury and Watkins both took 2 each. With only 27 overs into the day, we decided to send Heathmont back in for a second stint. The pitch dried out and while we were able to take 4 (Watkins 2, Padbury and Munro 1 each) for 55 runs, Heathmont were able to consolidate and bat until we called it quits after 33 overs.

A convincing performance and one of our better efforts with the ball! A great start to the weekend! Go Monts!

Round 11.

After a big Saturday performance by our bowling group, we geared up for a 1-day affair away to Ashburton. We lost the toss, once again, and were sent into the field. Right from ball one, you could tell we were on, with Padbury and Jackson bowling hard lengths and making it tough for Ashburton to score. We were able to take 5 early wickets, before Ashburton put on 88 for the 6th wicket, helping them build a competitive total on a slow and low wicket. We were able to restrict them to 8/147 off their 40 overs, with Padbury the standout taking 3 wickets, while Jackson, Howes, Munro and Watkins all took 1 apiece. It was a total we were happy to chase knowing partnerships and wickets in hand were the key!

We got off to a solid start before Wright was dismissed with the score at 27. This started our worst collapse for the season, losing 6 wickets for just 17 runs in 11 overs. I don’t care what anyone says – you can’t win games of cricket when this happens! It was mainly a culmination of poor shot selection and lack of intent, which was the most disappointing thing. It illustrated what we have glossed over for too long this season – out top 5 need to start putting a price on their wicket and converting some of their start and needs to happen quickly if we want to be a contender at the business end of the season!

Padbury (20) and Watkins (47) who batted beautifully gave us some hope, but unfortunately too much was left to them and we were dismissed for a miserly 121 in the 38th over. A disappointing effort after our bowling group executed so brilliantly.

The one positive is that we only have to wait 6 days before we can seek redemption, as we take on Ashburton at home in a 2-day game.

Round 10

MA 4/198 (Woods 100*, Fernandes 40) def Glen Iris 117 (Power 5/26) & 5/49 (Taylor 3/12)

Round 11

EMT 51 (Thorn 4/14) def by MA 1/53 (6.2 overs; Woods 31)

What a strong weekend for the 2s. Strengthening their top ladder position with two dominating performances against Glen Iris and second placed EMT. By far the performance of the round was Jack Woods’ first 100* in the 2s, against rival Glen Iris. He then backed this up with a quick fire 31* to help the team home against EMT on Sunday. Thorny and Lachy were also dominant with the ball. Also great to see some strong performances from Luke Fernandes who will stand in as captain for the remainder of the season following the tragic knee injury to regular skipper Luke Galtieri. We all wish Luke the best in his recovery.

The threes took on Richmond City for the second time this season at the ‘gar, finally winning a toss and deciding to have a bat.

The wicket looked as good as it has for a long time and played just as well, with almost everyone getting a 20+ score. The Kandyman (Gaj) batted beautifully with the tail and top scored with a composed 64 to help us to the commanding total of 308.

Craig Vollmer went hard early doors for an entertaining 32, While Davo Rawlings (25) and Big Papa (30) scored handy runs when we needed them to.

Richmond weren’t up to it in response, all out for a poultry 131. We were firing on all cylinders with the ball, with every bowler keeping it tight and executing their plans.

Nobby got us going early and was the standout with 3/22 off 12 with 7 maidens!

Uudles (2/30) and Gaj (2/20) continued their good form with the ball.

It was our most complete performance this season with bat and ball, with the majority of players starting to find their groove at the right end of the season.

Onwards and upwards.