By Damian Ford
The Third XI were the highlight of the round at Montrose Cricket Club, needing to win to have a chance of playing finals and playing the fifth team in Chirnside Park. Losing the toss and they were asked to have a bowl in the 35-degree heat. Chirnside Park started well until Jacob Crowe came onto bowl in the 20th over and got the first wicket 1/42. Jacob dominated the Chirnside Park batting lineup getting 8/15 off 15 overs including a hattrick. The Wolves bowled Chirnside Park out for 90 in the 48th over. Having 32 overs to bat, the run chase started well, losing Nathan Rees 34 in the 11th over as they were 1/55. A stumble through the middle order had Montrose 5/86 at the close of play. They ended up being bowled out for 135 on day two and sent Chirnside Park back in to chase an outright result. The game finished up with Chirnside Park 3/140 in the second innings. The Third XI are now third on the ladder with two tough games to come.
First XI had a trip to Lilydale with both teams on the same points. They lost the toss and had to bowl in hot conditions. Lilydale started slowly but to their credit had a good day with the bat amassing a large total of 8/274 from their 80 overs. Pick of the bowlers for Montrose Cooper Grigg 3/27 and Juddy Perkins 2/24. The run chase started slowly as early wickets cost them. Being 6/88 when Michael Edwards 30 was dismissed the total looked all but out of reach. The boys fought hard, ending up being bowled out in the 76th over for 196. Juddy Perkins backed up his form with the ball and finished with 56 and Oscar McCallum a gallant 35 not out at number 10. The Wolves will shake this off and go again next round versus top of the table North Ringwood.
The Second XI had a dominating performance versus Warrandyte at home. Batting first it was an all-round team performance. Cheyne van Koll 56*, Conrad Ratcliffe 51 and Josh McCallum 49 really put Warrandyte to the sword. Montrose declared 9/309 and had 5 overs to bowl on day one. Cheyne van Koll started with some aggressive bowling, getting a wicket first ball of the Warrandyte innings and after 5 overs having them 2/9. The consistent pressure bowling on day two paid off as Montrose rolled Warrandyte for 192 off 74 overs. The Second XI stays top and have a real test next week as they play North Ringwood who are equal top.
The Fourth XI in a must win match had a great win, bowling first kept Warranwood to 157 off their 35 overs. Pick of the bowlers Jack Brisbane 3/40 and Bailey Yelland 2/21. Having 35 overs to chase the target on a big ground they felt confident. After losing Miff Smith in the third over we were 1/17. That brought Damian Ford to the crease with in form Will Newey. The Wolves lost wickets consistently and were 4/54 when Scott O’Neil was dismissed. The boys dug deep and a partnership between Damian Ford and Max Cron got the team to 5/136 and with 5 overs to go they needed 30. A couple of cameo performances from Jake Smith and Brad Felstead got the boys over the line with 3 balls to spare, keeping their season alive. Stand out performances with the bat Damian Ford 63 not out and Max Cron 27.
Fifth and Sixth XI’s both had losses this week but find themselves both in finals contention. Stand out performances Leigh Marshall 1/20 and 28 and Nathan Robbins 37. Andrew Gibson 46 and Gary Mangnall 39. Both teams have a good run to the end of the season and hope to be playing finals.
The Women’s team got back on the winners list, travelling to Warrandyte on Sunday to play. Warrandyte batting first set a total of 9/148 with the pick of the bowlers Grace Pearce 4/19, Charli Stevens 2/14 and captain Keltie Blake 2/20. The ladies were confident they would be able to chase that down and that they did. Passing Warrandyte with 4 overs to spare 2/149. Pick of the betters Tammy Pearce 44 not out and Grace Pearce 37. The ladies find themselves a real finals chance but have a big match versus Norwood this week at home.
