Episode 4
Murrays Memoirs takes us back to the early rounds of 98/99. The Dreamteam is so far undefeated but has a tough game against Kilsyth at Pinks Reserve. Fish won the toss and had no hesitation in batting on a fine day. Disaster struck when Ogden fell early then wickets, wickets and more wickets until Rob Mantel was joined by Luke Egan at 6/60. Egan put the shots away and played a support role to Mantel who proceeded to dispatch the Kilsyth attack to all parts of the arena. Sixes over mid-wicket, square leg and one unbelievable six over gully and the boys were in raptures. Egan was playing a great support role until he departed after a record partnership for 36. Mantel was charging towards a ton when joined by the illustrious webmaster Griffiths. Mantel continued on his way bringing up the ton and eventually succumbing for a mighty 122. Griffiths ended up with 27 and The Dreamteam were eventually bowled out for 290 in the last over. A big score but not ungettable.
The second week began with Murray and Egan opening the bowling and it was a procession. Bang, Bang, Bang, Bang, Bang, Bang and it's 6/20 with Murray taking care of the left handers. A bit of a partnership developed before the last four wickets fell quickly with Kilsyth rolled for 75. Murray ended up with 4/26 and Egan 3/24. Mooroolbark enforced the follow on and once again Murray and Egan ripped through the top order. Stumps were flying, wickets were tumbling, it was all happening. At seven down and with Kilsyth a batsman short it looked all over but a dogged partnership saw The Dreamteam struggling to make that vital breakthrough. The captain thought it was time for him to bowl his spinners??? Well it worked. Their gun bat got sucked in and skied it to a bloke on the fence and he was gone. The Dreamteam were back in it. Then the skipper called on his gutsy opener Murray who was stuffed after bowling 26 overs but with only four overs left he grabbed the ball. A perfect off cutter saw the number 10 dismissed to see the Barkers record a magnificent outright victory with Murray again claiming four and Egan another three.However this game will not be remembered as the game Mantel went sick and scored a ton, or the game that Murray and Egan destroyed Kilsyth with the ball. This game will be remembered for the fact that Darran Arnott took a catch in slips.