By Aaron Gillard
This weekend ended up being the last weekend of the Monbulk Cricket Club for season 2023/2024.
The ones and twos unfortunately fell short in their respective Preliminary and Grand Finals.
The ones had an uphill battle after South Belgrave made 9/406 batting first. Pick of the bowlers were Aaron Powell 4/112 and Duncan Maher 3/121 who have both had amazing seasons with the ball, taking 28 and 37 wickets.
The ones had a great season nonetheless, exceeding expectations after blooding lots of young talent and giving them an extended crack at 1st XI cricket.
The twos unfortunately fell short in their grand final against Eildon Park. Chasing 264, and after Sam Blenkiron took 4/40 to turn the game around, Monny couldn’t quite reach the target, falling 27 runs short. Jason Fraser anchored the innings with 88, but unfortunately a couple of injuries to a couple of batsman during the run chase stopped momentum and they couldn’t quite recover.
They have had a great year, finishing top of the ladder, and will be looking to go one step further next season.
Congratulations to the 4th XI for taking out the Community 3 Premiership!
The 4th XI had an amazing win, winning their second flag in a row, becoming back-to-back premiers!
A team made up of six under 18’s and bunch of old boys including five past junior coaches and five life members.
Steve Hopper laid the foundations with a fantastic 51, while skipper Craig Mackay 23, and Michael Adams 20 added handy runs. With the ball, Michael Adams took 4/32, while Nick Heron and Chris Defina both took two wickets!
It was a memorable finish with Jacob Defina hitting the winning runs while batting with old man Chris Defina!
Up-coming events:
Working bee – next Saturday 23 March
Junior Presentation – Sunday 24 March
Senior Presentation – Friday 5 April
Scores:
1st XI: Monbulk 10/283 (S. Cosstick 92, L. McIntosh 43, J. Fenby 27) def by South Belgrave 9/406 (A. Powell 4/112, D. Maher 3/121)
2nd XI: Monbulk 10/237 (J. Fraser 88, B. Hooker 32, B. Trinnick 26) def by Eildon Park 10/264 (S. Blenkiron 4/40, D. Cleary 2/57)
4th XI: Monbulk 6/171 (S. Hooper 51, C. Mackay 23, M. Adams 20) def Upper Ferntree Gully 10/169 (M. Adams 4/32, N. Heron 2/44, C. Defina 2/25)
Super 7s: Monbulk Maroon 53 (P. Silver 7, C. Selby 3*) vs Upwey Tecoma 134 (E. Phyland 1/9)
Super 7s: Monbulk Gold 55 (H. Robb 3*) vs Emerald 89 (M. Phyland 1/6)
