Another big day for MPCC on Sunday with Div 2 backing up their T20 championship with victory in the 1-day final! All the details of this, and more, below.

MPCC American Food Night

Saturday 9 March is American food night at the club. Mel Wilson will be cooking up some American classics for MPCC members and their guests. $25 gets you a plate and a free stubbie or soft drink. Put your name down on the board at the club or on the event notice on the Facebook page, so we know how much food needs to be prepared.

Congratulations to Sporting Edge Div 2 player Jibin Joseph, whose half-century vs East Shirley on Saturday 24 February brought up 500 club runs for the season.

Congratulations to Jamie Chapman, whose 77 runs vs Heathcote in Div 2's one-day final were the crucial contribution on the day.

Congratulations to Andy Richards, who scored 51* for Bushnell Builders Div 6 Panthers as part of a commanding 10-wicket win.

Congratulations to Jamie O'Connor who scored his fifth half-century of the season vs the Fitz Wanderers, setting his team on the way to victory.

Congratulations to Om Prakash Saudiyal, whose 54 for Bombay Tandoor T20 helped his side to victory over Halswell.

Match Reports from Saturday 24 February and Sunday 25 February

MP Sporting Edge Prems Div 2 vs Heathcote @ Heathcote - 1-day Final (Win)

Spoiler alert: we won. We are the best team in the grade. Jamie hits big bombs. We don’t drop catches. Bertie is a lyrical genius.

Sunday. A holy day. Often associated with church-going or rest. But there would be no rest or repentance for the Div2 Wolverines because we spend our Sundays winning finals. There was a calm about the Heathcote Domain as the MPCC boys arrived. The sort of calm that comes from a quiet confidence that today was going to be our day. Throughout the season we have proved that we are pound for pound better fielders, bowlers, and batsman than our competition and today was going to be about showing that off in a final. Rig strolled out to the middle for the toss, and we were sent in to bat on a green but good looking track.

Our dependable openers STEEEVOOOO (Lou Stevens) and Jibin were keen to get us off to a good start but were made to work hard by a tidy opening spell by the Heathcote bowlers. Jibin fell for a duck and yours truly shat the bed once more in a final by only managing to add 1 to the scoreboard. We were up against it and a partnership was required to steady the ship. Out strolled Teddy. STEEEVOOO put up some resistance and grafted his way to 6 before hitting a catch. We were in it now at 3-31 but as they say, “cometh the hour, cometh the man.” Jamie Chapman, with BAS in hand came to the crease. There was a look in his eye that would unsettle the most fearsome of foe. This would have been intimidating if he wasn’t so distracted by the juicy looking short boundary at midwicket. The combination of Teddy and Jamie put on another 10 runs, before Teddy hit a catch. But this was the moment. With the game in the balance Jamie decided it was time to take down our good friend Gautam Khanna. Jamie took the long handle to him and plundered (along with Sloane) 51 runs from his 5 overs. This included straight sixes and a bomb sent onto the clubhouse roof. This destructive period of play in the middle overs saved our innings and brought the score to 4-147. It would be unfair not to highlight the importance of Sione’s (pronounced SI-O-NEE) well grafted 22 which not only added runs to the board but allowed Jamie to go about his work from the other end. Kyle fell and Jamie did soon after but the damage was done and the score was 6-151. The value of Jamie’s 77 off 57 balls cannot be overstated. Without this knock, a defendable total would not have been reached. Jamie chose the best time to come into the runs and this innings can join Teddy’s from the semi-final as a hard carry. Unfortunately, the tail didn’t wag, but Beattie added a handy 15 and Heathcote decided to gift us 32 extras. Bowled out for 182. Runs on the board.

A feed of samosas and bacon and egg pie was generously put on by our hosts. I would rate the spread 6.5/10 (got nothing on Mel).

It was going to be a tough ask to defend our total and we trotted back onto the field with plenty of belief. Quick wickets was the name of the game and uncle Rig delivered. Inside of his opening spell Rig picked up their dangerous looking opener and their number 3. At 2-17 we had the start we were after, and our tails were up. Beattie and Rig bowled a great opening spell and set the platform for Robbo and Teddy to go about their work. Robbo was once again at his consistent best and bowled a high percentage of deliveries that challenged the batsman. He was rewarded with the wicket of their opener and opened the gate for Junior (Lachie Cameron-James) and myself to pick up a wicket each. At this point the score was 5-87 and we were well on track to putting this game to bed. Resistance was shown by Matthew McGladdery who compiled a tidy 45 before Robbo snared him during his second spell. At 6-109 it was looking as if there would be too much work for the tail. The last wickets fell steadily until a nervy 35 run partnership for the final wicket brought the score to 9-161. A desperate heave across the line saw Rig's delivery sent up towards the heavens. As it descended from the stratosphere it became clear that the man underneath it would be none other than Jamie Chapman who stood his ground and pouched the catch to seal the win. A fitting way to win the game! Honourable mentions to Rig snaring 3-33 and Robbo taking 3-18. The job was done, another trophy in the cabinet and some very happy Wolverines.

Not only have we won the T20 competition and the one-day competition, but we also won the rark. The post-match operation was in full force with Comet recounting his personal accolades and words such as ‘dynasty’ being thrown around. However, the hero of the rark is none other than Bertie who managed to write, produce, and perform an entire album of individualised songs singing the praises of all those present. Keep an eye on Spotify for their release.

Once again, thanks to all those that came down to support us. It is great to see the club culture alive and well!

Woolfy

MP Sporting Edge Prems vs East Shirley @ Burwood 1 (Two Day – Day 2 - Loss)

No report. Richard Faust picked up 40 and Chris Ellison had a good day's effort with 40 with the bat and 2/27 with the ball, but East Shirley got their 5 down.

MP Sporting Edge Prems vs East Shirley @ Edgar Mac 1 (Two Day, Day 2 - Loss)

It was day 2 of the two day game and we were behind by 50 runs. As usual Lou and myself started the proceedings. We lost Lou in the first over by giving a return catch back to the bowler. Woolfy came to bat at 3 and we built a nice partnership. We managed to bat time. Woolfy was very cautious took his time and played some very nice shots. He was trapped infront for 37 and we lost a couple of quick wickets shorty afterwards. I got dismissed after completing my fifty. Then Jamie and Sloane batted with good aggression and allowed us to get some quick runs through the middle overs. Sloane was smashing everything which came his way. But he got out for a quick fire 41 (46). We didn't last long after his dismissal. We got rolled over for 179.

They needed 136 to win. Our bowlers bowled very well and created a lot of chances. But we felt the umpiring from the opposition was biased on most occasions. Pick of the bowlers was Woolfy with 3 wickets and Ritwik took one. We lost the game by 6 wickets.

Jibin

MP Burger Station Div 3 vs Marist Harewood @ Bishopdale (Loss)

Burger Station Div 3 went through a more than usually large reshuffle between games with injuries, work, inexplicable cricket season weddings and other things getting in the way. With some help from Div 7, NW and Cam’s dad, we got 11 together to take on Marist Harewood Mavericks. I won my third toss in a row and had no hesitation in bowling after a bit of rain and some muggy conditions. Fair to say we have the club monopoly on left arm inswing, opening up this week with Nath and Cam, who both bowled well early on. Cam picked up the first 4 wickets with a couple of bowleds and catches from brother Preston at point and Ayan Bhandari at square leg, while Nath did his usual job of giving away bugger all runs. However, with the veteran puffing, I replaced him and mixed up a couple of loose overs and a few decent ones, taking 3-22 off my 8, courtesy of a nick-off to Gilly (given by the umpire after the bat opted to hang around because he’d not got a run for a while), bowled and a fine grab at cow corner by Cam, whose work on such chances in practices paid off nicely. This left Marist about 75-7 at drinks. Preston replaced Cam and largely bowled well with his outswingers, but got a bit of tap for every ball that drifted onto the stumps. Nath had a second go after me but again kept it tight without getting reward, while Cam (4-38), Anil and Ayan were unable to get a breakthrough. Lurking in the outfield, however, was the neglected gun, Hemanshu, who trundled in, took a wicket first ball, bowled a wide, then took his second wicket, getting 2-1 off one over. Nathan (1-16 off 6.3) picked off the final wicket, leaving Marist Harewood 151 all out, with Martin Thomas holding up his end for 50-odd not out. Unfortunately, another game where we had the opposition 6 or 7 down for less than 100 and didn't put them away.

Fair to say our batting didn’t go as planned, with Ice and Gilly opening up and missing out, while Hemanshu also opted against scoring, as we started off 1-3 after 2 overs. Anil and Lucas Roan (on loan from NWY) dug in a bit, with Anil (16) taking to the boundary against one of the openers, while Lucas demonstrated solid defensive technique. However, Anil missed out with a ball that popped off a length, Lucas had the unluckiest dismissal of the day with the wicket keeper shelling a ball onto the stumps with Lucas’s foot raised and Steve Williams, playing for the first time in a while, with his sons, pinged LBW by Himanshu, who had the kind of smoking finger usually reserved for Ash Reddy. 6-22 became 7 when Preston hit one to point, making it a bad day to have four number 11s in the side. Cam (13) got a few away before missing an in-ducker from Thomas (7-14), while Ayan may have been unlucky with his LBW. At 40-9. Nathan and I decided to resurrect the old 2-day vibes, keeping out a fair few balls while the rest of the team only got part-way through a rain dance that briefly promised to snatch an ill-deserved abandonment from the jaws of defeat. Eventually, I proved no match for a short-ball barrage from the cheerful chap who hadn’t walked to me earlier, gloving one to the keeper to depart for 12, a ball after hooking him to the boundary, leaving Nath 3* and our innings over at 52.

Excellent fielding and quite a bit of decent bowling counted for little with our batting unable to get going. Thanks to all those who helped us out. POD was Cam with most wickets, 2nd top score and a very well-judged catch.

Dave M

MP Bushnell Builders Panthers vs Hornby @ Denton 1 (Win)

The Panthers had a resounding victory this week against an understrength Hornby team. Hornby won the toss and decided to have a bat. We got our first wicket in the very first over after the openers went for a suicidal run, the two Andy's combining to effect the run-out. Max bowled one of the most miserly spells of bowling ever, incurring just 4 runs (including only 1 run off the bat) in his 8-over spell while taking two wickets. Andy A, Roger and Steve all also picked up a brace of wickets each, while Flats came on at the end to clean up the final wicket. The Panthers bowled Hornby out for just 79 runs. A fantastic effort in the field all round and included 8 catches and zero drops!

Andy R and Dean opened the batting and chased the target down with ease in just the 15th over. Andy R managed to sneak in a 50 (ending up on 51*) before we passed their score, with Dean ending up on 28*. A comprehensive victory all around for the Panthers, bring on top-of-the-table St Albans next week!

Andy A

MP Div 7 vs Fitz Wanderers @ Edgar Mac 2 (Win)

Finally, Merivale Papanui has come back to Edgar MacIntosh #2. The home team took on a bunch of Jabroni's known as the Fitz Wanderers. The most electifying captain in cricket entertainment, Bellsy won the toss, and inserted their candy asses in to field.

The peoples champ, Nana, laid the Smackdown on the Wanderers attack, putting on a 50 run opening stand with Alan, and scoring 50 of his own. Alan, Tim, Henry, Pav, Bellsy & Muthu all decided to just bring it, while Ethan, Blake, and Frosty scored... It doesn't matter what they scored.

The great one, Sanath, then stepped up and sent their first three roody poo candy asses to back to the pavillion. Frosty & Pav put some boots to asses in the middle, Bellsy served up some poontang pies, while Henry knew his role, taking an electrifying 4/15 (6), as the millions... and millions of Merivale Pap fans rejoiced. MP scored 191/9, while Fitz Wanderers scored 98/10... If you smell what Merivale Papanui are cooking. Peace out ma homies, Word!

Frosty

MP BBS Timbers Masters vs Heathcote at Hillsborough (Loss)

Although I did offer to pass the duty of report writing after our game this week, I do find myself drawn into making commentary on this game of two halves...

MPCC did the travel thing to Hillsborough Domain to take on the Tunne Rats of Heathcote. The threat of persistent drizzle later on in the afternoon with the a bit of weather dropping in other parts of the city at that stage, it was always going to be an important toss to win. Up to the plate was Ranjith deputizing for a missing in action P.K. Unfortunately R.R. didn't have the knack and made an incorrect call resulting in us being field bound on what looked to be a hard and bouncy pitch. Pickle and Cartmell to open proceedings started with a maiden a piece, Garry and Muir assessing the true nature of the deck, managed not to nick off early and then being able to settle in to a groove. One thing was sure, break the infield the boundary was sure to come. Some early good work from our lads was started to be unraveled as small gaps were being found and some mobility issues were being exploited. Cartmell being the first to breakthrough trapping Muir (13) in front at the end of the seventh with 42 on the board. A couple of over later Mendis was introduced from the city end and put the breaks on immediately conceding a miserly 3 runs off 4 overs then Frankie had a go from the Hills which bought about the dismissal of Garry in his second a well conceived "plan" coming together as Garry (46) smashed a long hop to short mid on, Matt Grenfell chesting it up for the simple cup the look of disbelief on John's face was bemusing, Rats 66/2. With Law and Rippon at the crease we were hoping for a respite but that was not to be, Heathcote going into the drinks break 92 on the board for no further loss of wicket. Pickle came back to finish a spell and partnered with Grenfell bowling loopy legbreaks which were weathered well by the batters and it wasn't until the introduction of Millar that something positive occurred for us. Law under edging to be caught by Ranjith whom also tried to whip off the bails for a stumping to seemingly confuse matters as to the mode of dismissal. Either way it was a well compiled 50 for Jason as part of a 91 run partnership. Rippon bought up his own half century the over later then the one after that was stumped by Ranjith after running down the pitch to Millar and missing the line of the ball, gone for 51. McEwan does what Scott does, had bashed 10 off the first two balls he faced was lucky not to be stumped as the ball eluded the keeper and only glove disturbing the woodwork. He and Nathu advanced the score from 178/4 to 206/5 McEwan holing out to Hume streaking in from the boundary to take a "comfortable" catch, Scott departing for a quickfire 29, Mendis finally being rewarded in his last over to finish with 8/1/24/1. Patel (12) nudged a few boundary fours before trying to crunch Cartmell down the ground only to find an unmoving Mendis with the interesting catching technique, but safe enough as it stuck, 220/6 in the 37th. Howard scored 6 before Hume got him LBW with left Smith and Nathu to finish off the innings at 240 off the regulation 40. Two for Cartmell and two for Millar with the others shared around meant there wasn't a single person big score but a team contribution in partnerships that set up the mammoth score.

How things change between innings, Ranjith and Rakesh opening for us took 9 off the the first McClimont over, faced out a maiden from Patel, Verma broke a bat, got through two more overs to advance the score to 23 (almost up with the rate), before the hiccups started to appear. Verma lofting a drive straight to Ralph at cover going for 6, then disaster as Hume (0) fell in the same over nicking off Cam to Law who parried to a diving Garry at slip. Little bits of luck not being reciprocated... Ranjith and Bell put together a small partnership that got the opening combination only to stumble when McEwan came on Ranjith not being able to evade Smith at deep Mid On falling for 19, the score at 44. Cartmell and Bell next to test the field, were looking good, confidently putting away the odd bad ball and ticking over the score, the potential for run out being the only negative for that pair. A moment of madness when Ralph lobbing up his grenades saw not one but two catches going to Muir at square leg as first Bell (25) then Millar (0) picked him out exquisitely to fair rock our boat at 66/5. Pickle (2) came and went, planting a return catch back to Bungard and practically walking off in disgust before the catch had been taken, 75/6. Stu Cogle, making a return, showed what should have been done as he displayed a level head and played within himself. Cartmell got caught on the boundary for 29 Bungard getting himself 4 courtesy of the catching ability of John Garry, MPCC now really reeling at 87/7. A bit of a shooting gallery as Howard came in and threatened to deny Ralph a Michelle with the wickets of Mendis (0) and Cogle (9), 93/9, then Bungard strikes with the last ball of his sixth to clean up Grenfell (0), Frankie stranded (0*), MPCC wiped out for 93. Bungard 6/2/20/5, Howard 3/1/6/2 and McClimont 6/0/29/2.

So a whimpering effort in a game that had much potential means this will be consigned to the MPCC rubbish heap and walked away from with an eye to next week and a improved effort. Still didn't stop a gathering of teams under temporary rain cloud environment which passed quickly, the fine systems being ticked off and beverages being consumed to the background of trash talk and general conversation.

Cheers, as always, Pickle

MP Bombay Tandoor T20 vs Halswell @ Warren Park (Win)

No report.

Article added: Wednesday 28 February 2024