The first round of 2020/21 began with two Saturday and two Sunday games for the Marcellin Old Collegians Cricket Club.
KEYUR MEHTA
3RD XI - 2020/21 ROUND 1 - 105 NOT OUT
With Donnellan’s - Tyre Men 1st XI being sent in to bat by last years premiers (North Balwyn) on a good wicket, Cal Stewart’s 59 of 50 (8 x 4’s and 1 x 6) and new recruit Dan Kiely’s 34 off 61 (4 x 4’s) got the team off to a great start being 3/100 at drinks. A few costly run outs slowed the run rate down but with Kris Krolokowski’s 30 off 32 (2 x 6’s) and Joel Donnellan’s 26 off 24 ( 1 x 4) saw the team bring up a competitive 7/200 of 40 overs.
Marcellin started the second innings really well having NBCC 6/82 and with new recruit Mitch Carey 3/25 off 8 and Nick Watty 3/31 of 7 (including dangerman Patel (23) who was well caught by Mitch Carey, the eagles were in a good position. NBCC middle order responded well and following a few dropped catches and some wayward bowling the game came down to the wire. In the second last over a great diving catch by Kris Krolikowski saw the Eagles take the chocolates by 5 runs. A great start to the 20/21 season.
The Planning Partner 2nd XI playing North Balwyn on a Sunday at our adopted home ground (Schramms Reserve) lost the toss and after 40 overs found themselves chasing 4/200 of 40 - NBCC captain batted well scoring 85. Julian Black (1/10 off 8) was the pick of the bowlers and was well supported by Chetan Joshi (0/13 off 5). In reply, Marcellin were in trouble early at 3/34 before Julian Black 45 off 51 (4 x 4’s and 1 x 6) steadied and put up some resistance. Unfortunately Marcellin were dismissed inside 34 overs for 123. A real wake up call as to what B Turf might offer this season.
The Bendigo Bank 3rd XI also playing North Balwyn on a Sunday but at Macleay Park 2 were sent in to bat. Keyur Mehta 105* (13 x 4’s and 1 x 6) scoring his maiden century for the club was the standout batsman whilst Sam Mackie 38 ( 6 x 4’s) was next best. Mira’s boys were happy with the total but unfortunately NBCC chased down the runs in the last over. Michael Mirabella (1/34 off 8) and Trev Keogh (0/12 off 4) were the pick of the bowlers. Some dropped catches and misfields proved costly in the end. 450 runs scored in a day’s play made for a good cricket game.
The Balwyn Builder’s 4th XI playing away against Mount Waverley Uniting were set into bat. With 9 players for the day the “Giraffes” did well to bat out 40 overs and posted 10/156 on the board. Adam Clements 65 ( 11 x 4’s) was the stand out batsmen having been compulsorily retired at 50 and returning at the end to bat with skipper Meehan 15* (2 x 4’s) to face the last few overs. In reply MVU chased down the total with 5 balls to spare. Bowling honours were shared with Lyons-Negus (2/30 0ff 8), Marchesi (2/27 off 8) and Meehan (2/27 off 8). A great effort with 9 players - looking forward to having all 11 next week.
1 win and 3 losses this week. Let’s look to improve going into next week.
Round 2 -
1st XI v Old Carey Schramms Reserve No 2, Doncaster - Sunday 22nd November
2nd XI - v Balwyn Saints - Myrtle Park, North Balwyn - Sunday 22nd November
3rd XI - v Salesian Old Boys - Salesian College Chadstone Saturday 21st November
4th XI - v Melbourne Deaf - Hay’s Paddock, Kew - Saturday 21st November