BARKERS BUGLE

Volume 3 No. 3 - End Of The Millennium Edition 18th December 1999

COXY & QUACK

GO ON THE ATTACK

Rounds 4 & 5

Chandler 1

Mooroolbark vs Templeton

After a steady start Templeton were sent reeling when Jacko took the ball and spun his way to 5/44. Their total of 122 was never going to be enough as we marched to a score of 303. Hoppy (76), Ricci (70), Trollope (63) and Grigg (36) were the chief contributors. Hoppy looked headed for a ton when he was, for want of a better word, unlucky to be adjudged LBW. For the ball to travel between his front pad and the stumps it would need to take a cut lunch with it!

Mooroolbark vs South Ringwood

The opposition looked like posting a good score before Brad Guan put the brakes on. They fell away in the middle order to register 171, Guan 3/7 and freezer 3/66. Reminiscent of a recent test match when a mix up in the field saw disastrous results - Plugger down for the count with what appeared to be a serious knee injury. Losing 3/26 before stumps indicated that our opponents were not going to lie down. The second day saw Brendan take charge with some masterly stroke making and unfortunately fell 6 short of a ton. Hoppy provided sound support with 46. At 4/156 victory seemed a formality. However a bad attack of Barkerwobbles saw us fall over the line with 9 wickets down. Plugger did a Rick McCosker and propped up an end for a while. South Ringwood lost 6/112 in their second innings.

Trivia Question: When Australia scored 721 in one day against Essex in 1948 Keith Miller made a duck. What was his excuse? (Ans. last page)

Chandler 2

Mooroolbark vs Templeton

Capitalising on an inept fielding display Templeton totalled a sizeable score of 262. Frank Toner and Muzza battled valiantly to register 4/46 and 3/27 respectively. Day 2 saw us progress to a viable 3/120 at tea but succumbed to be all out for 184. John Fisher (63) and Justin Uilderks (64) were the only two who demonstrated the commitment required.

Mooroolbark vs South Ringwood

Restricting South to 162 on a quick surface was an excellent effort with Col Perrett leading the way with 3/21. Perfect batting conditions on day 2 were not utilised and we fell way short in both runs and technique. John Fisher was the only player to get a start (21) in a disappointing total of 98.

Chandler 3

Mooroolbark vs Templeton

Mooroolbark were set for a big game looking to avenge last seasons semi final defeat against a Templeton outfit led by the inspirational Morgs. After a shaky start Robert (The Axe) Mantel plundered 85 and was given good support from Mark Ross (47) and Dash (again) 36n.o. The last wicket stand of 72 in a total of 252 was invaluable. Templeton never looked like mounting a serious challenge and were dismissed for 174 with Emery the best performer (3/33).

Mooroolbark vs South Ringwood

With a slightly weakened side due to promotions we struggled to contain the opposition batsmen and at stumps they were 8/278. Wickets were spread between the bowlers. Day 2 saw Mark Ross score 33 and Luke Painter 31 however they lacked support. We managed 174 with South scoring 1/69 in their second innings.

Chandler 4

Mooroolbark vs Templeton

Batting first Templeton were restricted to 187 with the chief destroyer being the ever improving Trav Kane with 5/23. This saw Mooroolbark left with a few overs to bat on the first day. At stumps we had already compiled 0/75 (Trav 50 n.o.). Day 2 saw us pass them comfortably before being bowled out for 267. Trav finished up with 70 and handy contributions were made by Sammy Russell (43 n.o. batting at no. 10), Trevor Blackley (42), Donna (28), Luke Miller (25) and Tim Meredith (1) who scored his first run of the season. In their second innings Templeton were destroyed for 98 runs by Hollywood Holwell who snared 4/16 as the Barkers charged towards an outright win. Needing just 18 for the win Mooroolbark finished with 2/21 and a comprehensive outright victory. But there is still room for improvement with 8 blokes being bowled and a poor fielding display.

Mooroolbark vs South Ringwood

South Ringwood batted first and it was Tim Meredith who blasted out their top order taking the first 3 wickets. Trevor picked up one and there was a good run out causing the Southerners to be 5/132 at tea. Craig also bowled well but he was "stiffer than a honeymooner" Donna tells us. The only obstacle in the Barker’s way was the opener on 84 n.o. and eyeing off the ton at tea. But Donna had other ideas. After only four balls he was out to a cleverly disguised slower ball. This triggered a mini collapse which saw them slump to 8/146 before some stubborn resistance nearly saw the entire 4th XI fall asleep as South added 40 runs in 29 overs. It was here the partnership breaker, Brendan Fay, bowled a ripper of an inswinger to awaken the Barkers from their slumber. Hollywood took a much deserved wicket and finally the torture was over with South out for 190. The pick of the bowlers were Tim (3/56), K.O.S. (2/13) and Brendan, Trev and Craig with one apiece. Day two saw Nick go at 17 before Patch (62) and Fay (68) batted South out of the game taking the score to 140. Luke Miller took over from Fay and was scratchy early before batting brilliantly for 81 n.o. Donna hit a huge six on his way to 42 and Craig batted sensationally for his 40. Quack was also looking very good before surrendering on 36 as Mooroolbark finished with 8/363cc. Another good win for the 4th XI. Boo for South who tried to mankat Quack. It’s incidents like these that put them up there with Templeton.

Fifth XI

Mooroolbark vs Boronia

Boronia were rolled for 107 with an excellent team performance. We lost a couple of wickets early and needed someone to put their hand up against Boronia’s quickie. Quack rose to the challenge and despite taking a heavy blow to the face in the nineties he was not to be denied and remained undefeated at stumps on 105n.o. The Dwarf gave valuable backup contributing 57 in the team’s total of 6/234.

Mooroolbark vs East Ringwood

The opposition posted a moderate score of 155 with Ross Newbegin claiming 4/41. Our batsmen enjoyed themselves against a mediocre attack scoring 6/307. Main contributors were Guy 85, Kesters 62, Runge 55n.o. and Mitchell 54.

Sixth XI

Mooroolbark vs

Sorry but we were unable to obtain the scores from this game. More importantly we know that we won.

Mooroolbark vs Kilsyth

Kilsyth toiled with the bat on day one scoring 153. Chucker Newey bowled (well, not quite) accurately for 3/26. Coxy, following his promotion, relished the opportunity to bowl a long stint and took 3/54. We never really got on top of Kilsyth’s attack and scored a modest 143. Only Justin Waters broke the shackles with 45. We did well to have them 2/10 at stumps.

Seventh XI

Mooroolbark vs Wonga Park

Despite bowling a good line we only managed one wicket in the first hour. Although the outfield was slow Wonga Park failed to increase the tempo and at tea were 4/71 off 41 overs. Coxy put in a marathon 19 overs on the trot and was unlucky to have a couple of appeals turned down particularly a caught behind. After the break Cam Linford chimed in with 4 wickets. Seeing a ball spin was considered an unusual event in G Grade (by both batsmen and fieldsmen!). Wonga’s innings mercifully finished in over 63 - they scored 136. Cam Linford 4/41, Coxy 2/22, Roper 2/3, Powell 2/21. Good ground fielding and excellent catching complimented the bowling. Coxy and Brett Purcell saw out the remaining 7 overs to have us 0/16 at stumps. Resuming on day 2 Coxy and Brett raced to an opening stand of 89 before Brett departed for 45. Coxy then took control and completed a well deserved maiden century. Excellent support was received from Col Claven who clobbered 49 and the fat man who does not like running (61n.o.) as we amassed 8/355.

Mooroolbark vs East Ringwood

East Ringwood (on top of the ladder) batted first and were restricted to 163 on a quick ground. Our bowling was steady with Mal Heighton snaring 3/41. Our best bowler however was part timer Colin Claven who toiled into the breeze for 19 overs straight without snaring a wicket. Newcomer Peter Wallace, father of under 14 Steven, showed that although 40+ agility is still possible! Unfortunately our batting did not measure up although it may be said that we were confronted by a bowler playing below his standard. We totalled 111 and performed creditably in their second innings having them 6/102.

BARKERS THROUGH TO ONE DAY SEMI FINAL

AS KING OF SWING CAUSES HAVOC ON DEBUT

Mooroolbark 3/162 def. Warrandyte 159

Batting first in this one day quarter final at the Heights Warrandyte looked to play their shots early. Linc Grigg took two wickets in his opening spell but one batsman had retired on 40 after only 8 overs. Another one retired soon after and it was starting to look ominous for the Barkers. Jacko came on and chipped in with two wickets (2/28) before the vital change was made. Making his debut in the first XI Shane Donovan came on to bowl from the Sammy’s Fish and Chip Shop end. Bowling in tandem with Dickie Ellisdon they applied the breaks to the Warrandyte scoring each claiming 2 wickets in an economical 8 overs, Donna 2/18 (both bowled) and Dickie 2/16. With the retired batsmen back at the crease Linc came back to take his third wicket (3/28) and the last of the innings.

Mooroolbark set about the run chase positively with Dickie finding the boundary off the first ball of the innings before he and Hoppy both went in the teens. This brought together Brendan Ricci (44 ret.) and Ken Trollope (43ret.)who went about plundering the attack each amassing the mandatory retirement score. This brought debutante Bryn Griffiths to the crease who was very unlucky to cop the best ball of the day departing for 2 before Linc (25 n.o.) and Jonesy (22 n.o.) saw us past the post.

The next game in the one day competition is the semi final showdown against Wonga Park on 16th January 2000 with the venue to be announced.

MOOROOLBARK WINS THE INAUGURAL J.D. SHIELD IN AN EPIC ENCOUNTER

Mooroolbark Under 21’s 8/105 def. Vermont South Under 21’s 103

Playing for the inaugural Junior Development Shield debutante captain Paul Brush lost the toss (he hasn’t won one all year) and we were sent into the field for the fifty overs a side one day match. Matty Mitchell opened up with Al Murray and they kept it tight. Matty was bowling really well and was rewarded with two early wickets. The fielding was great and the pressure was right on Vermont South to get the score ticking over. Ryan Mullett collected two more wickets to see Vermont South reeling at 4/30 and when Craig Holwell deservedly picked up a wicket it was looking as though a rout would be on the cards with tight bowling and some very ordinary stroke play seeing the Souths 5/36. Wickets continued to fall steadily and scoring was down to a trickle with Trav Kane claiming two wickets and Al Murray and Luke Miller one a piece. Matty Mitchell claimed the last wicket to see Vermont South all out for 103 in the 42nd over. A very even bowling performance saw Matty the pick of the bowlers with 3 wickets and all other bowlers giving away nothing. The fielding was superb with an unbelievable catch being taken by Bryn Griffiths (just ask him about it), and most catches being held. Special mention must also go to Luke Painter, whose talk in the field contributed to at least five wickets according to him. He came up with classic comments such as, "This bloke has more lives than a cat." Well done Paints, inspirational stuff.

After a quality afternoon tea with an abundance of doughnuts Mooroolbark set after the small score expecting to pass it quite easily. Johnny O’Donnell and Brushy opened up and saw us to 17 before Johnny was caught and bowled. Brushy soon followed and we were in a bit of trouble. Paints and Miller hung around for a while before Paints ran himself out followed quickly by Miller leaving us at 4/32. Bryn Griffiths and run machine Kesters then steadied the ship with a handy partnership, but just as we were getting on top Kesters was dismissed. With five wickets down we were looking vulnerable. Ryan Mullett put on a small partnership with B.G before being dismissed which brought vice captain Mark Ross to the crease. Rossy and B.G got us within sight of victory before Rossy was caught for a quick fire 12. Matty Mitchell then joined Brynny and they put us within 10 runs of victory before B.G was out for a sensational 33. He was the only batsmen willing to put in and although it wasn’t the best he has batted he dug deep and did the job that was needed. Craig Holwell joined Matty at 8/93 with plenty of overs in hand. The boys were getting nervous before Hollywood sent one high onto the hill for a towering six to tie the scores. The veteran then drove the winning runs and we were home and dry. It was a fighting win but after a great bowling and fielding display we should have really not given the opposition a sniff. But a win is a win and Mooroolbark will be looking forward to defending their Junior Development Shield next season. Thanks to everyone who made the trip over to Vermont South to support the boys.

Player Profile

This week we profile young up and coming player Brendan Fay. Last year Brendan won the Lindsay Trollope Shield while still playing junior cricket. Not only is he a good cricketer but he will certainly help to boost bar sales once he turns 18.

Full Name: Brendan John Fay

D.O.B.: 21/12/82

Birth Place: Lilydale

Marital Status: Single

Previous Clubs: Croydon North

Highest Level Played: Chandler 3

(including rep.)

Cricketing Highlight: Winning the Lindsay Trollope Shield

Highest Score: 151

Best Figures: 5 for unknown

Best Cricketer Played With: Myself

Best Cricketer Played Against: Gladstone Small

Most Disliked Club: Croydon North

AFL Team: Hawks

Other Sporting Interests: Volleyball

Favourite Food: VB

Favourite Drink: VB

Favourite TV Show: VB Ads

Favourite Movie: The Sound Of Music

Favourite Band: Hanson

Favourite Song: MMM Bop

Favourite Holiday Place: Parra On The Yarra

Claim To Fame: My Looks (the beer gut)

Senior Record With Mooroolbark (correct to end of 1998/99): 21 games, 584 runs @ 36.50, 27 wickets @ 20.60

Over The Boundary

• More golden duck candidates - Fisky, Bull, Linford.
• 7ths batsmen have had to defend (successfully) against three hat tricks in the last 2 games.
• Was Donna happy with a wicketkeeper who missed 2 stumpings off his bowling during the knockout game? It would have been 4 for on debut, instead he had to settle for 2.
• Rumour has it that the person in question was suffering from a virus contracted during a protracted visit to a Melbourne establishment down by the Yarra.
• Who has been dismissed twice in the nineties via full tosses.
• Congratulations to Matt Gale on his Chandler 1 debut. It’s good to see a former Dreamteamer up in the top grade.
• Why would an experienced quick bowler from another club be in the 7ths when his 69 year old father was playing in the 6ths.
• Newcomer Peter Wallace (7ths) engineered wickets with his first ball in both innings against East Ringwood.
• Dick Linley bowling in a game - these are desperate times.
• Dick Ellisdon being run out while acting as a runner - was he out and was he happy?
• South Ringwood’s scorer was a breath of fresh air. (No offence intended Lindsay!!)
• Lightning doesn’t strike twice - YES IT DOES. Donna has claimed two LBW decisions in two games from opposition umpires.
• Timmy Meredith has nailed himself. Tim was keen to have the week off from Chandler 4 so that he could see his brothers in law oppose one another in Chandler 3. So what does he do? He puts a nail through his knee.

Trivia Answer: He wanted to go to the horse races!

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