BARKERS BUGLE
1997 - 98
Round 6
DONNA & HICKS GO ON RUN BLITZ
Chandler 1
Some good wins before Christmas against Wonga Park and Warrandyte had the boys sitting on the edge of the four. But after the break the one dayers did not seem to suit us, losing to South Ringwood and Wantirna South. Highlights have been Freezer's matchwinning 7/39 against Wonga and Gwyn Jones with the bat. Good to see the Captain/Coach back.
Chandler 2
Mooroolbark 235 (D.Fisk 97, M.Piggott 54) vs Warrandyte 326 (L.Egan 3/60, A.Guy 2/66, A.Murray 0/27, J.Fisher 3/27)
A solid 104 run partnership between Fisky and the President set up Mooroolbark's total. The boys had the 'Dyters 1 for overnight and on resumption wickets fell steadily to have the visitors 7/164. A controversial catch and disgraceful umpiring saw Warrandyte win in the end. Fish cleaned up the tail with 3/27.
Chandler 3
Mooroolbark 258 (S.Donovan 104, S.Archer 32*, T.Meredith 29, B.Jones 25) vs Warrandyte 186 & 0/65 (A.McDonald 3/10, B.Jones 2/24)
Mooroolbark lost the toss and were asked to bowl by the fourth placed Warrandyte. Donna and Jonesy opening it up kept it tight with Jonesy picking up a couple. Good fielding kept Mooroolbark in touch at tea. After tea the 'Dyters looked like they were starting to get away when Quack took 3/10 in a sensational spell to clean them up for 186. The Barkers had to bat and overnight were a disastrous 3/17. On the resumption of day two Donna and Tim Meredith took to the attack, Donna blasting the Barks back into the game and Tim content to push the singles and put away the bad balls. When Tim departed at 4/133 the boys had put on 116 at better than a run a minute. Donna continued plundering the hapless Warrandyte attack to record his maiden century in only 67 minutes. After Donna departed at 5/162 Jonesy and Arch batted patiently trying to use up the overs, however Mooroolbark were dismissed for 258, Arch stranded on 32 not out and still 15 overs left. A good, fighting win but we must bat out our 70 overs!
Chandler 4
Mooroolbark 246 & 3/36 (B.Kesters 55 & 18*, K.Blake 61, R.Pieters 61, I.Stewart 30) vs Warrandyte 208 (K.Blake 5/45)
Storky, winning the toss, had a bat and along with Brad Kesters in the top order helped to set it up for Kim Blake and Rick Pieters in the middle order taking Mooroolbark to a defendable total of 246. Kim Blake, obviously upset at being dropped the previous week, bamboozled and bluffed the Warrandyte batsmen for a match winning 5/45. In the second dig Mooroolbark made 2/36 with Kesters on 18 not out. A good win which put the 4ths one point out of the four.
G Grade
Mooroolbark 168 (J.O'Donnell 30, T.Kane 32, R.Naylor 24*) & 298 (R.Mullett 64, S.Cox 63, J.O'Donnell 43, T.Guy 43) vs Norwood 107 (T.Kane 5/56, M.Gale 3/32)
Mooroolbark, winning the toss, made 168 with John O'Donnell getting 30, Trav Kane 32 and the no.11, R.Naylor, getting a very well compiled 24 not out. Norwood went into bat and were dismissed for 107 on the first day. Travis Kane had a day out taking 5/56 and U/14 Matthew Gale picking up 3/32. Mooroolbark came back the second day and belted some handy bonus points making 298. Young John O'Donnell had a good double making 43 in the second dig, Ryan Mullet and Coxy making 64 and 53 respectively and Tony 'run machine' Guy chipping in with 43. A good win.
One Day Grade
A win before Christmas and a thrilling last ball win against a Montrose side stacked with some fair cricketers has also catapulted the boys into the four. I know Woodsy got 47, but a more updated report will feature in the next edition as I do not have the scorebooks. Keep up the good cricket fellas.
Round 8
Chandler 2
Mooroolbark 131 (J.Fisher 42, D.Fisk 28, S.Archer 0(DUCK)) vs Wantirna South 155 (A.Murray 4/32, A.Gale 3/38, A.Guy 2/36)
After a good, tight bowling and fielding effort to restrict the Southerners to 155 on the lush Heights ground, hosting it's first senior game of the summer, the Barkers couldn't quite get going with only Fish and Fisky making any inroads. Mooroolbark falling short in the end by 24 runs. Keep plugging away fellas, a win's just around the corner.
Chandler 3
Mooroolbark 6/239 (B.Jones 40*, B.Griffiths 39, N.Ogden 33, D.Wardley 33, T.Meredith 30, S.Donovan 23*) vs Wantirna South 141 (T.Meredith 4/24, S.Donovan 4/48, B.Jones 2/17)
Losing the crucial toss in stifling heat Mooroolbark were made to field first. Jonesy and Dasha kept it tight early on with Jonesy picking up a couple and Dasha having no luck. Wantirna South then got away to 2/87 before Donna removed both of the run scorers and with Tim Meredith bowling sensationally at the other end rolled the home side for 141 in the 40th over. Brad Kesters and Nick Ogden got us away to 37 before Brad departed. Dasha, in the pinch hitting role, then combined beautifully with Nick and they saw us to 80 before both departed for 33. Bryn Griffiths and Tim Meredith saw us past the post before Donna and Kathy Watt had a slog at the end, easily winning by 100 runs. Neil Culles kept beautifully with Craig Holwell and Brad Kesters taking some very good catches. Jonesy had one six nearly land on Scoresby Rd. Keep winning fellas and you will make a big impact on the finals.
Chandler 4
Mooroolbark 75 (L.Malvaso 23, C.Bowen 22*) vs Wantirna South 210 (G.Newey 3/50, K.Blake 2/33, I.Stewart 2/21)
A disastrous loss with only Leo and Corey reaching double figures. The Southerners easily made the runs with Glenn, Kim and Storky picking up the wickets. Win the last three games and you will still be a show for the four.
G Grade
Mooroolbark 4/294 (C.Hicks 127, L.Miller 62, T.Guy 45*) vs Croydon North 206 (P.Aukinautis 5/60, K.Dawson, 3/48, N.Parry 2/39)
The Barkers got away to a flyer, Chris Hicks and Luke Miller put on a 140+ opening partnership before Luke was dismissed for a well compiled 62. Chris Hicks continued to pulverise a hapless Croydon North attack for a magnificent 127, his first century for the club. Tony Guy chipped in with 45 n.o., the boys scoring at over 7 runs an over to finish with 294. It came our turn to bowl and young Peter Aukinautis was equally impressive claiming 5/60 off 13 overs. Kevin Dawson and Nick Parry chipped in with 3 and 2 wickets respectively to get the Northerners out for 206, a convincing 88 run victory and the boys marched to 3rd on the ladder, and with three more wins could claim a top 2 spot. Keep up the good work fellas.
Round 9
BACKS TO THE WALL ...AND DASHER AND GALE SET SALE
Chandler 1
Mooroolbark 145 & 2/56 (J.Shepherd 30, M.Piggott 29*) vs Kilsyth 247 (C.Piggott 5/82, A.Freeman 2/56)
Mooroolbark, winning the toss and deciding to bat, got away to 48 before Shep went out for a well compiled 30. However, after this, wickets fell steadily with only Mick Piggott batting defiantly for 29n.o. as the Barkers were bundled out for 145. With Kilsyth 1/43 overnight early wickets were vital. Unfortunately the Redbacks got away to a flier losing their next wicket at 114. Wickets fell at a steady rate with rising star, Chris Piggott, picking up a sensational 5/82 off 36.2 overs, to completely dumbfound the Kilsyth batsmen (and Ken). He had solid support from Freezer and debutant Adam Guy who took his first wicket in Chandler Shield. Special mention to Fisky who took three absolute blinders.
Chandler 2
Mooroolbark (S.Archer 67, B.Springett 45*, D.Arnott 32) vs Kilsyth 5/267 (B.Springett 2/34, D.Emery 1/30)
Kilsyth won the toss and sent the Barks in on a fairly warm day. The ground was slow but that didn't stop Mooroolbark amassing 2/120 by tea. Shane Archer, who was promoted to opener (because he was supposed to leave early for a wedding), together with Darren Arnott got us off to a flying 86 run opening partnership before Darren was dismissed on 32. Arch lost his wicket shortly after tea and then the last seven Mooroolbark wickets fell for 85 runs with Ben Springett the only one to show any resistance with a fighting 45n.o. The second week it was almost a perfect start. Both openers played and missed on numerous occasions and the run rate was right down, 17 runs off 15 overs. But things fell apart from there. By tea the Sythers were 0/120 and ended up passing the Barkers total with 8 wickets in hand. The pick of the bowlers being Ben Springett (2/34), Darryl Emery (1/30) and Alan Gale (0/37). The boys would have been a big show in this match if 8 catches hadn't been put down. Catches win matches.
Chandler 3
Mooroolbark 388 (D.Wardley 139, N.Ogden 80, S.Donovan 68, B.Jones 30, B.Griffiths23) vs Kilsyth 137 (S.Donovan 3/35, C.Holwell 2/13, D.Wardley 2/25, T.Meredith 1/19) & 5/157 (T.Meredith 2/27, C.Holwell 2/44)
Mooroolbark, charging towards the finals, won the toss and had no hesitation in batting. With the Barks at 2/42, Darren Wardley joined Nick Ogden and together set about destroying a beleaguered Kilsyth attack. Dasha, elevated up the order because he had to leave for a wedding at tea, was deadly on anything short while at the other end Nick was content to play the sheet anchor role, while playing some delightful drives and scorching cut shots. At tea, the Barks were 2/173 with Dasha being 92 n.o. and not taking a lot of persuasion to stay. Shortly afterwards Dash brought up his maiden century and just when Nick was charging towards the magical three figures he was caught for an excellent 80 (11 fours). Dasha continued to plunder the undermanned Redback attack finally ending his excellent odyssey at 139 (15 fours, 8 sixes). Nick and Dash put on a third wicket record of 191. Donna, inspired by his teammates, was batting like 500 was a possibility making 68 off 25 balls. He combined well with Bryn Griffiths for a 75 run stand. The Barkers lost 3/0 with Jonesy being tragically run out on 30 and were made to settle for a more than competitive 388. Kilsyth 0/4 overnight were soon in trouble with Dash and Craig 'Disco' Holwell picking up two wickets a piece. Unfortunately Craig, who was bowling with fire and looking set for a bag, dislocated his finger requiring urgent medical attention (Get well soon Craig). Donna then came on to bluff the middle order taking 3/35 including one disgruntled Kilsyth player and the Sythers were finally bundled out for 137. Sending Kilsyth back in and having them 5/91, with the possibility of an outright, some poor catching and stubborn batting saw Kilsyth reach 5/157.
Chandler 4
Mooroolbark 200 (I.Stewart 94, M.Duckworth 31) vs Kilsyth 9/391 (M.Duckworth 2/32)
Winning the toss and batting in their last shot at the finals the Barkers started off disastrously being 7/65 before Mark Duckworth joined Storky. These two blokes put their heads down and etched out a 93 run partnership before Ducky presented the bowler with a catch after making a sensational 31. Storky then went on the attack to try and register his first ton in a couple of years, but fell six runs short after the score had been taken to 200. The second day was a disaster with some 15 catches being dropped. Kilsyth finished on an imposing 9/391 with Mark Duckworth again starring, being the only mulitple wicket taker with 2/32. Great game Mark, and bad luck to Storky.
G Grade
Mooroolbark 347 (T.Guy 99, T.Kane 54, S.Cox 38, S.Piggott 30) vs Boronia 8/302 (K.Dawson 2/50, T.Kane 2/81, N.Parry 1/43, S.Cox 1/42, R.Mullett 1/29)
Mooroolbark, winning the toss, slammed the Boronia attack all over the park. Tony Guy 99, stumped, and Travis Kane, a sparkling 54, put on a 94 run partnership with good support from Coxy and Steve Piggott, who put on 63 for the 9th wicket as the Barks totalled 347. Due to some poor fielding from the Barkers Boronia got off to a flyer, but with wickets falling at regular intervals 347 was never really threatened and when Kevin Dawson removed their century maker the result was beyond doubt. A good win but must keep it tighter in the field boys.
One Day Grade
Mooroolbark 6/202 (S.Mitchell 51 ret., M.Heighton 34, P.Mitchell 22, N.Woods 19, Extras 42) vs Wonga Park 189 (M.Mitchell 3/23, M.Heighton 0/10, B.Fay 1/37, L.Miller 1/40)
A top win chasing 189, young Sam Mitchell making 51 and his namesake Matt taking 3/23. Mal bowled superbly without luck and also made a steady 34.
Mooroolbark 7/135 (N.Woods 47, S.Mitchell 28) vs Montrose 133 (S.Cox 4/32, B.Fay 3/17, M.Heighton 2/23)
Another solid victory after the bowlers all bowled well to roll a stacked Montrose side for 133. Shane Cox and Brendon Fay doing the damage. A strong bowling attack held no fears for Sam Mitchell who slapped up an impressive 28 while Woodsy was equally impressive making a hard hitting 47. I believe it came down to the last over where Colin Claven saw them over the line with 10 n.o.
Veterans
Mooroolbark 131 (M.Piggott 40 ret., R.Nicholas 28, D.Grigg 18) vs Bayswater Park 7/157 (M.Piggott 2/28, K.Bull 1/18, M.Heighton 1/19, B.Gatherum 1/20)
An undermanned Mooroolbark side contained a very committed and all too serious Bayswater Park side to 157. Best of the bowlers being Mick, Bob, Keith and Mal. When Mooroolbark batted wickets fell at a steady rate with only Mr. President, Richard Nicholas and Don Grigg getting amongst the runs. Unfortunately Mooroolbark fell 26 runs short with a jovial 131.
Round 10
Chandler 1
Mooroolbark 233 (K.Trollope 49, D.Fisk 35, A.Freeman 28) vs Parkwood 8/317cc (MPiggott 4/79, C.Piggott 3/90, M.DeHoon 1/36) & 3/19 (A.Freema 2/3)
A lacklustre day in the field saw the Parkers destroy the Mooroolbark attack with only the father and son combination of Mick and Chris Piggott bagging seven wickets between them. It must be noted that several dropped catches cost the boys dearly. With our turn to bat again the top order got off to a steady start but failed to capitalise on their opportunities. Only Ken, with a stylish 49, Fisky 35 and Freezer with a run-a-ball 28 managed to really trouble the Parkwood attack.
I urge all club supporters, players (senior and junior) and anyone who has anything to do with the MCC to get over to Mullum Reserve for the next two weekends to cheer the guys on. This is Mooroolbark's most important match in 20 years, as we strive to maintain our Chandler Shield status. Go for the jugular boys, we're all behind you 110 per cent!!
Chandler 2
Mooroolbark 6/306 (A.Gale 138*, P.Brush 81*) vs Parkwood 9/252 (S.D'Rozario 4/94, B.Springett 2/56, L.Egan 2/68)
Fish won the toss and elected to bat on a small ground. The Barks started off cautiously and could never really get going as they lost several wickets. The game was in Parkwoods favour as Mooroolbark limped to 6/98 (39 overs), before a sensational partnership between Butch and Brushy developed. 35 overs later the game had swung around into Mooroolbark's favour as rain stopped play on the first day with the score on 6/253. With 6 overs to bat the following week the boys were after quick runs. 53 runs were added before the end of the Mooroolbark innings at 6/306. Butch Gale, 138n.o., and Brushy, 81n.o., added 208 for the seventh wicket which is a new club record. The Barks felt confident going into the field with only three bowlers after butch pulled a calf muscle batting. Someone needed to stand up and be counted and Dingo was the man to do this. He bowled a marathon 34 overs on the trot taking 4/94. Ben Springett (2/56) and Luke Egan (2/68) also bowled well aided by some special fielding efforts. In particular a run out (direct hit) from Fish and 3 great catches (well two anyway) from Mark Ross. In the end Parkwood finished with 9/252, well short of the Barker's total. It was great to see the twos get a win on the board. It's been a long year for them but they've kept trying and never given up.
Chandler 3
Mooroolbark 237 (B.Jones 95, T.Meredith 47, A.Murray 34*) vs Parkwood 234 & 2/32 (A.Murray 2/40, T.Meredith 2/14, S.Archer 2/48, L.Bull 1/4)
Mooroolbark, winning the toss, sent the last placed Parkwood into bat, and at 3/37, it looked like a wise decision (but was it?). At 3/111 things looked disastrous before the king of swing, bowling the best he has in his eventful career, got the vital breakthrough with Corey Bowen taking a neat leg side stumping. Again the Parkwood batsmen put their heads down and at 4/194 the decision to send them in looked like a nightmare. However, the Golden Child picked up two vital wickets and with Tim Meredith saw the Barks dismiss the Woodsmen for 234. The unluckiest bloke of the day being young Liam Bull who missed out on a second wicket when the bail failed to dislodge. The highlight in the field was again Bryn Jones who is undoubtedly the best slips fieldsman this writer has seen at Mooroolbark. A disastrous start saw Mooroolbark 2/6 overnight. The resumption on day two saw us plummet to further depths from 4/16 to 5/41. Through this carnage and poor stroke play Tim Meredith stood tall and with Bryn Jones a faint hope of victory remained with the Barks 5/106 at tea. First ball after tea Tim's concentration faltered and he was bowled for his highest ever score of 47 (a top innings). 6/106, 7/109, 8/109 and in came the underrated Al 'The Man' Murray. We had all conceded defeat, apart from these two gutsy warriors. Bryn Jones immediately went on the attack pulverising the bowlers to all parts of the ground. Helped by stout resistance from Al Murray who played the shot of the day, a late cut Mark Waugh would have been proud of. The 200 soon came up and an unlikely victory was on the cards with Jonesy charging towards the ton. On 217, and a thirds 9th wicket record partnership of 108, Jonesy was tragically run out on 95. Again victory seemed out of reach, however the never say die Al Murray and consummate no. 11 Liam Bull pushed the score past 234 for a thrilling win. With a bit more confidence in his batting Liam can become a handy batsman. The rest of the boys had to get a relieved Jonesy out of the rooms as he refused to watch the final overs. TOP WIN!!
Chandler 4
Mooroolbark 167 (A.Burton 38, I.Stewart 31) vs Parkwood 244 (K.Blake 4/74, I.Stewart 3/26, R.Pieters 2/51)
Parkwood won the toss and batted first. Kim and Rick had them in trouble early at 5/23 and then 6/52 before being let off the hook by some poor fielding to take them to 244. None of the batsmen were really able to come to terms with the bowling. Many got starts but failed to kick on. Only Storky with 31 and Ash Burton with a career best 38 made any inroads. All get together and finish off the season with a win against Norwood and then get down for the end of season do.
G Grade
Mooroolbark 204 (B.Kesters 46, M.Gale 38, D.Grigg 23, N.Parry 18*) vs Wantirna South 241 (M.Gale 2/42, L.Miller 2/49, M.Duckworth 2/6, T.Kane 1/38, T.Guy 1/0)
The fifths, playing for second place and a home final, won the toss and batted. At 2/19 the Barks were in early trouble but Tony Guy joined Brad Kesters and they took the score to 72 before Kesters was caught for 46. Tony soon followed for 22 and another quick wicket saw the Barkers reeling at 5/87. Kevin Dawson and Don Grigg took the score to 118 before both were dismissed. Travis Kane's short stay at the crease left Mooroolbark in perilous trouble at 8/122. Mark Duckworth was joined by U/14 Matthew Gale and the young fellas put on 34 before Ducky was caught for 18. Nick Parry then joined Matt Gale to show the old hands how it is done in an exciting partnership. Matt showed he is a great prospect making an entertaining 38 while Nick made a gritty 18n.o. in a 48 run stand taking the score to 204. It started well the second week with an early wicket but after that the Swans put together some good partnerships and saw them past Mooroolbark easily before the boys cleaned up the tail. Matt Gale had a good double claiming 2/42 off 12 and the surprise was Luke Miller with 2/49 of 11. Ducky continued his consistent form claiming 2/6 off 3. Big bustling Brad Kesters with two stumpings looked good but the highlight was Poppa Smurf who took a brilliant diving catch (it was rumoured he took more than four steps). No doubt pumped up by something near unthinkable, he brought himself on to finish the tail off with 1/0. Great stuff Tony!! It is do or die next week against Wonga. Win and you're in. Lose and you're out. I'm sure if the wise old heads make a good score and the youngsters continue to fire a win is there for the taking. Kick some ass lads!!
One Day Grade
Mooroolbark 5/203 (M.Mitchell 50 ret., B.Fay 42*, N.Woods 30, P.Mitchell 23) vs Croydon 4/163 (B.Woods 2/53, K.Bull 1/26, M.Mitchell 1/30, M.Heighton 0/20)
This win has allowed the boys to get one step closer to the finals. Young Matt Mitchell again had a good all round game. Brendon Fay hit up a quick fire 42 n.o. and Neil Woods with a hard hitting 30 continues his good form from previous weeks.
Mooroolbark 104 (P.Mitchell 37*, R.Mullet 19) vs Kilsyth 2/108 (M.Heighton 2/21)
A disastrous day for the one day side. Winning the toss no one got started except young Ryan Mullet with 19 and Peter Mitchell, again a model of consistency, scoring 37 n.o. The Redbacks easily passed the Barkers in 23 overs with Mal Heighton the pick of the bowlers. To be fair to the boys this was a very strong side Kilsyth fielded. My jaw nearly hit the ground when I saw some of the names. Win your last two games boys and I believe you'll be part of the March action.
Veterans
Mooroolbark 2/148 (H.Bromley 40 ret., A.Gale 40 ret., M.Piggott 32*, I.Stewart 27) vs Panton Hill 147 (C.Perrett 4/17, N.Roper 2/28, A.Gale 1/21, T.Keogh 0/8)
A more competitive Mooroolbark side hosted the Panton Hill Redbacks at the lush Mooroolbark Heights Reserve (special thanks to the council). With the Redbacks winning the toss and batting they soon proved no match for the Barkers. Col Perrett was soon into the action picking up an early wicket and with tidy bowling from an extremely unlucky Trevor Keogh the Redbacks were on the back foot. Butch and Skip continued to apply the pressure before Col came back and cleaned up the tail. As the score might reflect Mooroolbark batted very well with a number of players shining out. In the end the Barkers cruised to victory with Bromley and Gale reaching the compulsory age of retirement and Mick and Ian not far behind.
Round 11
FREEZER SAVES THE DAY
Chandler 1
Mooroolbark 9/222cc (A.Freeman 89*, A.Gale 34) vs Norwood 170 (A.Freeman 4/30, L.Grigg 2/33, C.Piggott 2/52)
February 21st 1998, was an important day for the entire Mooroolbark CC and the direction it would take in forthcoming seasons. With four points between tenth and twelfth position, nothing less than a win would do. Things started off well with Shep winning the toss and electing to bat. Bad luck struck early with Killer being found just short of his ground. Jonesy soon followed chasing a wide ball as the Barks were perilously placed at 2/6. Fisky joined Shep for a 47 run partnership before Fisky was out for 24. Shep followed ten runs later to leave the Barkers at a shakey 4/63. It was here Ken joined the in form Butch Gale and they set about resurrecting the Mooroolbark innings, taking it to 4/77 at tea. The lads brought up the fifty run partnership before Butch was caught for a well compiled 34. Kenny departed seven runs later for 23, leaving Mooroolbark 6/120, 7/120, 8/120 and 9/126. Then Muzza joined Freezer at the crease hoping to improve the total after a below par batting performance. A miracle was needed or maybe a slice of good luck. However, cometh the man, cometh the hour, as Andrew Freeman pulverised a hapless Norwood attack to every corner of Mullum Reserve. It was an innings of sheer power, driving anything up and being brutal on anything short. It was full of class. When stumps were drawn at 5:42 the Barkers were a commanding 9/222. Freezer unconquered on 89n.o. which included 9 scintillating fours and 2 towering sixes. This was not possible without Murray Dehoon, who was the 'Rock of Gibraltar' at the other end, grimly protecting his wicket. Not to be left out, Muzz went sick in the last over hitting two sensational boundaries to finish on 10n.o. in the unbroken 96 run tenth wicket partnership. Stirring stuff!! The following week and with plenty of runs on the board to defend, Freezer was again in the thick of things picking up two early wickets to have the Norsemen 2/31. Shep and Lincoln then chipped in with a wicket each before Freezer put the issue beyond doubt sneering wickets in consecutive balls to have Norwood reeling at 6/90, and Chris Piggott taking a blinder at point. Norwood added another 80 runs for the last four wickets but fell short by 52 runs. Freezer back to his best taking 4/30 off 20 overs and solid support from Lincoln Grigg with 2/33 and Chris Piggott with 2/52. This helped the Barkers to a relegation saving win. Great win fellas. Special thanks to Lindsay Trollope for again keeping the scorebook in control for the season.
Chandler 2
Mooroolbark 9/191cc (D.Emery 54, L.Egan 35, L.Painter 24*) & 5/98 (S.D'Rozario 70) vs Norwood 113 (D.Emery 5/23, S.D'Rozario 3/25, T.Newcomb 2/20)
The two's, after last round's drought breaking victory against Parkwood were keen to get on a roll, while the Noresmen were equally as pumped as they only had to win to play in the finals. Norwood won the toss and sent the Barkers in. At 3/31 then 5/75 it looked to be a wise move with Plugger and Fish the only blokes in the top order to get a start with 21 and 20 respectively. At this stage Luke Egan joined Daryl Emery and together started to shape the Barker's innings putting on 74 for the sixth wicket, with Daryl making a patient 54(2 sixes, 4 fours) and Luke also making a disciplined 35 to steer Mooroolbark out of danger. A mini collapse saw Mooroolbark at 9/165 with Tim Newcomb joining young Luke Painter who made a great 24n.o. at the end, the boys facing out the 80 overs to finish at 9/191cc. Good to see you back in form Paints! Week 2 saw the Barkers start sensationally with Tim Newcomb sneering two wickets in his first overs to have the Norsemen 2/3. Big D chimed in with the next two to have the visitors 4/28. A mini revival saw Norwood reach 4/84 at tea. There must have been something great in the cordial because after tea the Big D tore the heart out of the Norwood middle order picking up the next three wickets for 0. Dingo cleaned up the tail with three wickets while Bugsy had a good day behind the stumps with three catches and a stumping. This great effort saw the Barkers snag a 78 run victory. Daryl Emery's effort with the ball (5/23 off 21 overs, 10 maidens) and 54 with the bat was a great way to finish off a poor season for Daryl by his lofty standards. Top win boys. Special thanks to Pam Springett for scoring for the majority of the season.
Chandler 3
Mooroolbark 7/247 dec. (B.Griffiths 55, T.Meredith 54*, D.Arnott 43, C.Holwell 29) vs Norwood 162 & 2/62 (S.Donovan 5/20, S.Archer 3/64)
A crucial game for the Mooroolbark TAB 3rd XI, sitting 1.3 points outside the four and a crushing win being vital. Norwood won the toss and batted and early wickets to Arch and Jonesy had them 2/31. A smart piece of work by Darren Arnott caused a run out at 72. Shane Archer bowling well without luck eventually snared two wickets in two balls to have them 5/97. Meanwhile the King of Swing was proving a handful, bowling his first victim around his legs and with the Golden Child keeping it tight at the other end. Donna mesmerised the Norwood tail claiming the last four wickets in a masterful display of swing bowling. Arch finishing up with 3/64 and Donna 5/20, bowling all five of his victims. The Barkers had to negotiate 14 overs before stumps with Darren Arnott and Nick Ogden seeing us through to 0/32 at the close of play.
On resumption nothing but an outright would do. This being the case Jonesy gave the top order a licence to thrill. Nick and Arch went early and Donna joined Arnott with Donna compiling a quickfire 22. Jonesy followed quickly bringing Craig Holwell to the crease making 29 in no time at all. In a 47 run partnership both departed at 132 with Darren Arnott making 43. This brought together the two young guns of the thirds, Bryn Griffiths and Tim Meredith, who put on a brilliant 115 run partnership, easily passing Norwood in the process. Tim, scratchy early, toughed it out and played some glorious drives and cuts to again beat his top score being 54no.o at the declaration. His improvement over the last five games of the season has been excellent, averaging 30, but more importantly he has been tough in tight situations. The big fella at the other end was equally as impressive, playing some blistering drives and being particularly savage off his legs to make a spectacular 55 before being caught in a tin arsed effort last ball before the declaration. Bryn also had a great year, scoring over 300 runs in a season where he turned the corner.
With 35 overs and an 85 run lead hopes were high and with Donna snaring an early wicket, it looked promising. Unfortunately with some poor umpiring decisions (while it would be unsportmanlike to say it was cheating it is suggested a visit to the vision and hearing specialist wouldn't go astray) and some stubborn resistance from the Norwood top order found wickets hard to come by. Donna and young Liam Bull were the bowlers most threatening with Liam's nice high action and good pace causing considerable problems. Norwood grinded out the 35 overs to be 2/62 with Darren Arnott picking up the other wicket. The highlight of the game was definitely the high standard of sledging that went on, especially from the quieter blokes in the side. It was like being out there with the old firm (not that the Mooroolbark CC condones sledging). Unfortunately with Wonga winning outright in the last game the boys fell short. Well done guys 7 wins and a draw for the season is a great effort. Special thank you to the Mooroolbark TAB (Wally and Nola Kenny) for their support and the group of parents, family and friends who supported us during the season.
Chandler 4
Mooroolbark 5/192 (R.Pieters 121*, C.Hicks 87, K.Blake 53) vs Norwood 6/290cc (K.Blake 4/73, G.Newey 1/59)
Norwood won the toss and batted, and apart from the consistent Kim Blake who snared 4/73, it was a long day for the boys. Norwood making a commanding 6/290. Glenn Newey and Storky were the other wicket takers with one each.
Things started terribly on the second day, with the Barkers reeling at 2/9. At this stage Rick Pieters joined Chris Hicks and together they set about saving the game. In a 120 run partnership Chris dominated the scoring blasting a quickfire 87 (15 fours) and was dismissed shortly before tea resulting in 3/131. Storky was dismissed shortly after the tea break. Kim Blake strode to the crease to join the rampant Rick Pieters, and together they set up a great victory. The pair put on 111 runs in even time with Rick picking up the tempo and Kim lending solid support getting out on 53. The score was 5/251 with Rick on 95*. With not many overs left Rick was joined by Ash Burton who worked the ball around while Rick brought up his maiden century. Ash and Rick knocked up the winning runs in an unlikely victory with two overs to spare. Ash ending up with 11n.o. and Rick finishing off the season in grand style being unbeaten on 121 (17 fours, 1 six). A great way to finish the season with a great batting performance from the guys. Special thanks to everyone involved in the Mooroolbark 4th XI.
G Grade
Mooroolbark 125 (B.Kesters 40, D.Grigg 30, T.Guy 19) vs Wonga Park 5/248cc (T.Kane 3/79, N.Parry, 1/54) & 5/81 (N.Parry 2/13)
The fifths, sitting fifth, played the fourth placed Wonga Park at Croydon Hills, only requiring a win to be part of the finals action. Wonga won the toss and batted. The boys did well to contain the Parkers to 5/248, with some good tight bowling from the youngsters. Travis Kane again leading the way with 3/79. He received excellent support from Nick Parry who returned the fine figures of 1/54 of 23 overs. Matt Gale was the other wicket taker. On the second day Mooroolbark never really looked comfortable with some threatening bowling from Wonga. Brad Kesters compiled a steady 40 and Don Grigg 30 provided the only resistance. Four ducks didn't help the cause. The boys were dismissed for a poultry 125, a disappointing end to a good season. Wonga was 5/81 in the second dig, Nick Parry again bowling well with 2/13. Well done on a highly competitive season. Again thanks to all who were involved with the Mooroolbark 5th XI.
One Day Grade
Mooroolbark 3/183 (S.Mitchell 53 ret., C.Claven 33, M.Mitchell 28*, N.Woods 22) vs South Croydon 5/179 (S.Mitchell 3/7, M.Mitchell 1/29, M.Heighton 1/45)
A great finish to the season for the one day side. Batting first Derek Braidner was out early before Sam Mitchell joined Col Claven and the boys put on 73 before Col was out for a well compiled 33. Sam retired shortly after for 53 and left Neil Woods, Matt Mitchell and Ryan Mullet who all batted sensibly to take the score to 183. Tight bowling by Ryan Mullet, Mal Heighton and Matt Mitchell with the wicket keeper-come-bowler Sam Mitchell picking up a handy 3/7 to put the issue beyond doubt. A great season fellas and you're very unlucky to not be playing finals, as an administrative bungle could have cost you match points. Thanks to Keith Bull who got the side together and did a fine job running the side. Also a special get well to young Matt Mitchell who was a fine performer throughout the year for the one day side and has recently been quite sick. Get well mate!!