This week saw the teams finally able to get back onto grass wickets after a couple of weeks of making use of the artificial variety. There was an inspired venue change late in the week when it was decided that the Championship side should play at Bishopdale after originally being scheduled to play on Edgar Mac 2 and as a result the MP BBS Timbers Presidents Gold side shifted from Bishopdale to Edgar Mac 2. History now shows that both sides had a good day out which included some fantastic individual and team performances as detailed below.

  Congratulations to MP Sporting Edge Championship batsman Jamie Chapman whose innings of 113 (11 x 4's & 8 x 6's) on Saturday 23rd October was his maiden MPCC century and helped the side to a healthy 1st innings score of 244/6 in reply to Lancaster Parks 89 on Day 1 at Bishopdale Park. LP finished the day 11/1 in their 2nd innings still trailling by 144 runs heading into Day 2 next week. This was Jamie's first bat of the season and saw him claim the "One Ton Tankard" off Mark Hume who had scored 135 round the road at Edgar Mac 2 earlier in the afternoon.

  Congratulations to MP Sporting Edge Div.1's Glen Bellam whose 4/20 in the 1st innings on Day 1 against St Albans at Hagley 5 on Saturday included his maiden MPCC Hattrick.

  Congratulations to MP BBS Timbers Presidents Gold player Mark Hume who scored his 2nd MPCC century and the first MPCC club ton of Season 21/22 on Saturday 23rd October. Humey scored 135 in a huge total of 301/4 (Gavin Strachan 99) in a mauling of the Heathcote Tussocks side at Edgar Mac 2 with the Heathcote side being bowled out for 61 in reply! In the process Humey became the first MPCC player to score 4000 (4068) Presidents Grade runs and the 9th MPCC player to score 6000 (6038) career runs for the club.

  Congratulations to MP Presidents Blue bowler Nathan Columbus whose 2nd wicket in 2/13 yesterday against St Albans at St Albans Park saw him become the 6th player to take 100 Presidents Grade wickets for MPCC. Nath's Pressie figures currently read ... 273.4 overs, 89 maidens, 612 runs, 100 wickets, RPO 2.24, RPW 6.12, Strike Rate 16..42 & 6 x 5 wicket bags with a best of 7/21 and don't forget last season's Triple Hattrick when he took 5 wickets in 5 balls in figures of 6/17!

  Congratulations to MP BBS Timbers Presidents Gold skipper Richie Mayo who took his MPCC career best figures of 7/25 in 8 overs against the Heathcote Tussocks in that dominant win for the MP side at Edgar Mac 2. Richie's figures currently see him with the best figures by an MPCC bowler in Season 21/22 and have set the bar high in the race for "The Pitcher Trophy" for the best bowling figures of the season.

  Congratulations to MP Sporting Edge Div.1 bowler Chris Mcbride whose 1st wicket in 2/32 yesterday against St Albans at Hagley Park was his 100th Division 1 "Senior B" wicket for MPCC. "Hipster" has currently taken 101 Div.1 wickets which includes 3 x 5 wicket bags and a best of 5/21.

2021/22 Subs Reminder ...

Thank you to all those who have already paid their subs for this season. To those who havn't yet got them sorted you have until the end of this week before the late payment fee kicks in. Men’s full subs to be $260 for the season if fully paid by 31 October, 2021 or if an AP has been established in writing with the Treasurer by 31 October, 2021. Otherwise the subscription to be increased to $300 for late payment. ($130 for students and team captains, or $170 for late payment).

NOTE: AP means a regular automatic payment is being made and not just a "one-off" nominal payment prior to the deadline to try and avoid the late payment fee.

Please contact John Costello (MPCC Treasurer) if you have any queries or issues with paying your subs.

When paying your subs by Internet Banking ...

• The clubs bank account details are:
• Westpac 03 0866 0269318 000
• Merivale Papanui Cricket Club Inc
• When making a transfer please state your full name as a reference.

Match Reports from Saturday 23rd October ...

MP Sporting Edge Championship vs Lancaster Park @ Bishopdale 1 (2-Day)(Day 1)

 We started the day, excited to be able to make amends for last week's poor performance. We got started at Bishopdale Park bowling first on a new deck, but one which Daksey was really happy about!  

  Beattie (2/18) and Brogan (0/15) started off well, way more accurate than last week and chipped away at the top order, just before drinks we brought on Sam Gillespie back from Queenstown!  That brought a wicket straight away with the trap being set and we managed to have LPCC 3 down at the first drinks break. After drinks Cam Norton (3/16) started back up and was on a hattrick, and despite bowling one of the best hattrick balls in recent memory, the batsman kept it out! Sam (2/0) and Deeley (1/0) wrapped up the tail taking 3 wickets for 0 runs off 3 overs collectively!  Bowling them out for 89 in the first innings we were happy, but knew there was still work to do with the bat.

  The batting innings didn't start well, with an early wicket, but Brogan (62) and Az (39) steadied the ship so to speak, with a great partnership which brought us up to their score at the tea break. We knew we had about 20 odd overs left before a declaration and plenty of wickets in hand, which gave a free license to our middle order, Jamie Chapman (113) scored his first hundred for MPCC, in a blistering knock (11 x 4s, 8 x 6s). Some of the best consistent hitting we have seen for a long time and with a short cameo from Rory at the end meant we ended up with 244/6 off our 60 overs.

  With 7 overs to go, we were hunting for some quick wickets and in the last over of the day Sam Gillespie (1/0) picked up the crucial wicket to have them 11/1 at the end of the days play.

  A great day for us, to take a lead of 144 runs and needing another 9 wickets to try and push for outright points. Highlighted with a fantastic knock by Jamie, well done mate!

Lingy

MP Sporting Edge Div.1 vs St Albans @ Hagley 5 (2-Day)(Day 1)

  On Saturday the 23rd of October Merivale Papanui Division 1 took on a newly promoted Saint Albans team, and after a good performance last week we were looking to keep up the momentum and get our first win for the season. It was a slightly windy day with some clouds in the sky and Gilly won the toss and decided to have a bowl. Kyle Sloane opened the bowling with Chris McBride and tied up their opening batsmen well with a few maidens to start things off. Their openers took their time scoring runs and were not looking to take any risks. After a very well bowled few overs from Caleb Smith and Josh Dyer, Bellsy came on to change things up and hopefully grab a wicket or two. In the 21st over their first wicket fell just before drinks when their opener tried to sweep Bellsy but resulted in him being cleaned up. The next wicket then fell when a fired-up Sloane came back for his second spell, and trapped their number 3 in front of middle. 4 balls later a similar delivery was bowled which again resulted in an LBW. This brought back some much-needed energy to the team and we were fired up looking for more wickets. In Sloane’s next over he picked up the other opener by taking out his leg stump. In his next over he cleaned up another which took him to 4 wickets for the innings which is what he finished on (4 for 37 off 13 overs). Chris then decided that he wanted to get in on the action and cleaned up their number 6 and 7 in successive overs. Chris finished with 2 for 32 off 11 overs. Bellsy then brought on a bowling masterclass to get the last three as the batsmen weren’t too sure about which way the ball was spinning. On a hattrick ball, the batsmen left a straight one and was given out LBW which resulted in euphoria for the whole team as Bellsy had just picked up his first hattrick for the club. Saint Albans ended up getting 124 all out off 43.5 overs.

  After a good start with the bat last week, we were looking to keep up this momentum, however, this was not the case. Louis snicked off in the 4th over to bring in Jamie. Ash and Jamie looked very good at the crease scoring at a good rate and playing some great shots. They put together a 45-run partnership before Jamie was caught for a well-made 17 off 13. Joel stepped up to the crease but was dismissed shortly after and started a collapse of middle order batsmen. However, Ash was still out in the middle looking strong and making sure that the scoreboard was ticking over but was then bowled for a great effort of 32 runs off 56. Sloane was in the middle with Bellsy, and both were looking good and playing with an attacking mindset while we were about 70/6 at this stage. A few more wickets fell around Sloane while he kept playing his game by getting 35 and took us to 108 all out trailing by 16 runs.

  We went back into the field with a strong wind blowing and some very cold hands knowing that we had 45 minutes to get a wicket. We ended up bowling well but to no avail as their batsmen shut up shop and weren’t looking to hit it off the block in the 15 overs that we bowled. They finished 15/0 and will resume day 2 with a lead of 31. 

https://www.crichq.com/matches/956057/1st_innings

Louis Stevens

MP Bombay Tandoor Div.3 vs Richmond @ Richmond 1 (Loss)

  After a rough start to the season, it was nice for the team to be on a grass deck. We lost the toss and were asked to bowl. Opening with myself and Josiah, the deck was a little up and down. Josiah bowled very tight and their captain left a ball which then ripped out off stump. Jase and Max followed; Jase struggled for some consistency but managed to pick up 2 key wickets. Max was as always extremely consistent with his line and length picking up 3 wickets. At drinks we had Richmond about 62 for 5 on a track I thought might be good for about 130. Pratik and Mani finished the Richmond innings off both taking 2 wickets for 2 runs. Richmond 106 all out. 

  Opening with our fill in from Div.1, Michael Thorpe and Hemanshu. Both Richmond openers bowled 8 overs through with combined figures of 2 for 26 from 16 overs. Hemanshu fell early, Darren Leigh batted for a while top scoring with 10 and Ross Patterson also spent some time at the crease. Things never really got going for us with the Richmond bowlers very tight. For Richmond, Brennan Pitts was key taking 5 wickets for just 7 runs from his 8 overs. I was not out at the end while Jase looked good while at the crease but unfortunately a few poor shots let the team down giving away some fairly simple wickets. We were rolled for 69.!

We can take a lot from this game as it is early in the season so plenty of time to find the balance of this side. 

https://www.crichq.com/matches/957281/1st_innings

Matt Wilcock

MP Frame'n'Copy Div.6 Panthers vs The Buffaloes @ Spreydon Dom.2 (Loss)

  The Panthers second game was played against familiar foes from last season, the Buffaloes. The Buffaloes won the toss and decided to bowl on a patchy looking Spreydon Domain pitch. Our batsmen got us off to a better start than the first game with Dean (7) and Sunnie (20) setting a good platform. But, with Andy Richards (4) and Richard Judkins (9) getting out before drinks it left us in a precarious situation. Jonathan Abbott (19) and Nick (16) rebuilt after drinks and regained some momentum until Nick was bowled missing a straight one. Debuting Panther Adam (14 not out) came in and hit some great blows towards the end of the innings, aided by a returning Jatinder (14), which saw us reach 138 runs from our 40 overs. Perhaps just a little below par on a Spreydon pitch that played better than it looked.

  Andy Anderson (3/21 from 8) maintained his great bowling form, sending one of the Buffaloes openers back LBW in the first over of their innings. Jatinder (0/33 from 5) and club icon Jonathan Collins (1/20 off 8) backed up Andy and kept the pressure on their top order batsmen. The introduction of Ronald (1/24 from 4.5) immediately brought a wicket. After this, the Buffaloes were able to build a partnership with two of their best batsmen at the crease, and unfortunately there were a few dropped chances which if taken would have helped us wrestle the momentum our way. Over 19 of the match, Adam’s (0/24 from 2) first over for the Panthers, was particularly entertaining. The over included good balls, beamers, a wandering dog which led to some off-field biffo, early drinks, and then a visit from another wandering dog. It probably took 30 minutes to complete the over given all these distractions.

  After drinks Andy Anderson returned to the bowling crease and took the important wicket of Pringle (35) which gave the Panthers a chance to reassert some pressure. Nick (2/13 from 3), Jonathan Collins and Ronald all backed up in the second 20 with some tight overs and wicket taking deliveries, but we still struggled to take advantage of all the chances the Buffaloes gave us. Ultimately, JB (42 not out) batted sensibly throughout the innings taking the Buffaloes to a three wicket victory with 9 overs remaining.  

  The Panthers batting improved on the first week but unfortunately we were not as sharp in the field as we can be. Hopefully we can improve our overall performance and lodge our first victory next week.

https://www.crichq.com/matches/956225/1st_innings

Nick Kirk

MP Geeks on Wheels Div.7 (BYE)

MP Presidents Blue vs St Albans @ St Albans 1 (Loss)

Match report from St Albans ...

  St's met MP Blue on a very green looking St Albans 1. The pitch appeared to not have had a shave since last weekend and I was lucky enough to win the toss (I should say Mario lost the toss as it was his call) and we bowled first, mainly because we had a stack of batters but limited bowling options so wasn't confident we could defend a total.

  Mario and Tonks opened up against the pace of Wellsy and the non pace of Flav. 38 on the board after 11 with a change of bowling, the skipper coming on and having instant impact removing Tonks for 19. 2 overs later and Iggs took a great stumping down leg side again from me to see Mario on his way for 12 (44/2). Andy Mayo strode out and remained for the rest of the innings, scoring a beautiful 77* and shared a good 4th wicket partnership with Watts (28) to see the MP boys end with 154/4. All our bowlers bowled well to keep MP to this total.

  Jimmy and Gibby faced up to Nath Columbus and Fish to start the innings. The runs came at a healthy rate but unfortunately for us so did the wickets, 17/1, 27/2, 37/3, 47/4, 59/5, 90/6 before Rich Mather was joined by Flav for a match winning partnership of 42 before we lost 2 more wickets to see us 146/8. Potty joined Wellsy and over number 34 saw the winning runs hit with us 155/8. Rich made a solid 41 with Flav chipping in with 26. Columbus 2/13 off 8 and Fish 3/45 the best of the MP bowlers.

A good game of cricket followed by the 2 teams sharing a few beers and a lot of laughs.

https://www.crichq.com/matches/956005/1st_innings

Cheers, Potty

MP BBS Timbers Presidents Gold vs Heathcote Tussocks @ Edgar Mac 2 (Win)

  MPCC BBS Timber "Canaries" hosted new guys on the block Heathcote Tussocks on a good looking backtrack at Edgar Mac. Some midweek negotiations brought Gavin Strachan out of partial retirement and we had one of our best batting lineups available which we were intending to use to the best of our ability. Richie had the toss go his way and had no hesitation in unleashing a top heavy line up against our opposition. Tussocks, using first name bowlers, started with George and Thomas to throw down missiles against Dearsley and Strachan and it seemed a fairly even contest, MPCC moving to 28/0 after seven. Bit of a turning point in the eighth, when Dearsley damaged a bicep in the act of being dropped at point and was forced to the side line next ball having no power in the bottom hand shots. This brought "modest" Hume to the crease, who got busy from the get go. What unfolded was a display of touch and brutality as Strachan and Hume found the change bowlers of Steve and Peter worthy of respect and fought it out to go into drinks 89 without loss. However this changed after the break as the Tussock bowlers were changed around (Mark, Adam, Andrew and Chris) and found the full force of two guys with their eyes in as well as being the recipients of some wayward catching techniques. The score shot up to 183 at the end of the 30th when Strachan was finally caught on the boundary trying to pump his seventh six (a hamstring going earlier put pay to multi-number running) and bring up a century, falling for 99 off 87 balls... Adam securing the wicket with Darryl making sure of the pouch. After sitting padded up on the sideline for 30 overs Pickle got his opportunity to make an impact, saw the first ball from Andrew out then stretched down the pitch connecting with a full toss and proceeded to sweep to backward square, gone without scoring and Mark making no mistake with the catch. Browne strode out to the crease, got the early single to advance his account and settled in with Hume to start the punching once again. Hume at this stage must have been seeing it like a beach ball with 24 scoring shots off 25 balls, finding the boundary at distressing regularity for the Heathcote team. Browne accelerated the scoring rate and it came as a bit of a shock when Chris snuck through the defenses and rattled the stumps returning Browne to the beer esky for a quickfire 39 (23) and the MPCC score sitting at 260 with three overs to go. Rob got a promotion to keep the scoring rate going, I think the instruction was to do anything to get Hume on strike as he had just brought up his personal milestone of 100. True to form the pair just kept scoring taking every opportunity to pile on the pain. Hume moved to a rather impressive 135 before finally being caught on the boundary on the penultimate ball of the innings, Darryl taking his second catch to Chris's benefit. A single off the final ball had MPCC's score to 301 after some recalculation (down from 303), with Rob ending 7* off 5 and Crimp being an observer and runner.

  Certainly our best batting effort in the grade and would put an immense amount of pressure on the Tussock batting line up to match and make a game of it. Unfortunately for them another record was to be released in the form of one Richard Mayo... In the interest of giving everyone an opportunity to get involved in the game Mayo opened with Rob the proviso if you got a wicket you got more overs above the five allocated. Chris East and Muz Moeller to open for Heathcote, started slow but solid with a series of singles and doubles, one blemish from MPCC as a catch at second slip was put down resulting in Dearsley being escorted to the sideline for the second time in the match with a dislocated thumb (would take no further part in proceedings). Mayo's second over had him inducing a top edge from Muz going straight up presenting the easiest of catches for keeper Price, Muz gone for 7. Mini partnership between Chris and Darryl Veale lasted to the seventh and a Mayo double strike had Darryl (7) caught down the ground attempting to get a wriggle on, Browne accepting the catch then Chris (5) placing a cut into Hume's hands at point. Rob McLauchlan and Mark Peterson came together with a bit of a mission to achieve, but neither were allowed to settle as Mayo struck the stumps of Mark (4) in his fifth and Bert was done over by change bowler Crimp and was caught at slip, Strachan taking one over his head at speed. A chance for Mayo's fifth was spurned as some cold hands couldn't wrap around a venomous drive from Tom Deverson who profited with a couple of boundaries batting with Peter East. Peter (1) got run through by Crimp getting some inward movement then Tom being removed third ball of Mayo's last via an excellent effort from Hume pouching centimeters from the ground for 13. Another mini collapse when Adam was stumped by Price and Andrew McGroather being caught at cover by Muzz presented Mayo with his best figures for the club 8/0/25/7. The final two batters for Heathcote, George Tebbitt and Steve Britt, on a hiding to nothing, were chalk and cheese, George (3*) holding Crimp at bay with some excellent defense and Steve attempting to bop anything he could see. Wade got a consolation over with no luck and Crimp wrapped up the innings as Steve got hold of a straight one bunting down to that man Mayo at deep mid on, out for 1 and the Heathcote innings being curtailed at 61. Crimps figures 5/4/1/3.

  Having been on the receiving end of a few of these types of games we have sympathy for the Tussock crew, and advise there is always next week, throw this one away and realize burning the paperwork can feel really good.

https://www.crichq.com/matches/956447/1st_innings

Cheers, Pickle.

MP Cavaliers T20 vs Heathcote Blazers @ Barrington 2 (Loss)

https://www.crichq.com/matches/956379/1st_innings

Sporting Edge MPCC Draw for Saturday 30th October:

• MP Sporting Edge Championship vs Lancaster Park @ Bishopdale 1 (2-Day)(Day 2)
• MP Sporting Edge Div.1 vs St Albans @ Hagley 5 (2-Day)(Day 2)
• MP Bombay Tandoor Div.3 vs Sumner @ St Leonards 1
• MP Frame'n'Copy Div.6 Panthers vs Marist-Harewood @ St James 1
• MP Geeks on Wheels Div.7 vs Prebbleton @ Spreydon Dom.2
• MP Presidents Blue vs BWU Foxes @ Edgar Mac 2
• MP BBS Timbers Presidents Gold vs Ohoka @ Mandeville 3
• MP Cavaliers T20 vs No.4 Experience @ Walter 1

Mens Subs for Season 2021/22 … 

Men’s full subs to be $260 for a season if fully paid by 31 October, 2021 or if an AP has been established in writing with the Treasurer by 31 October, 2021. Otherwise the subscription to be increased to $300 for late payment. ($130 for students and team captains, or $170 for late payment).

• MPCC 5-Year Adult Membership … $1100 (To be paid immediately and in full).
• MPCC 10-Year Adult Membership … $2000 (To be paid immediately and in full).

Internet Banking ...

When paying your subs by Internet Banking ...

• The clubs bank account details are:
• Westpac 03 0866 0269318 000
• Merivale Papanui Cricket Club Inc
• When making a transfer please state your full name as a reference.

Facebook ...

 Both the Senior and Junior sections of MPCC can be found on Facebook ....

• Click Here for Merivale Papanui Cricket Club

• Click Here for Merivale Papanui Junior Cricket Club
• Be sure to "LIKE" both pages.

If you have any queries send us an email to mpcricket@xtra.co.nz

  Article added: Tuesday 26 October 2021