Great to see all the Men's sides get underway for 2017. Both Senior A & 2B had their first taste of the newly revamped T20 competitions and will be playing a twilight round (Round 3) of this format on Thursday evening (19th Jan) so good luck to both sides for that.

Congratulations to Darren "Dazzle" Leigh who Saturday made 133 not-out for MP Accessman 3A in a narrow 10 run loss to Marist-Harewood. It was Darren's 9th century for the club and his 2nd highest score overall.

Congratulations also to Ronald Khuu whose 2 wickets for MP LBJ 3D against Sydenham saw him take his 100th wicket for the club and contribute to a dominant 118 run win on the day and to Chris "Rosie" McCloy who also took 2 wickets Saturday for MP Accessman 3A in that narrow loss against Marist-Harewood the 2nd wicket being his 100th for the club. 

Team Lists for Thursday 19th & Sunday 22nd January ....

Team lists for the Senior A & 2B T20's on Thursday and Sunday's Chairman's Cup Final have been posted on the website and can be viewed using the below link ...

Click here to view team lists

MPCC vs NWYC, Sunday 15th January 2017 ...

On a lovely hot Sunday morning I turned up to Edgar MacIntosh Park for a game of cricket with a bunch of lads I enjoy being out on the field with. We were up against the North West Youth 1st XI. I was elected captain and I won the toss. I chose to bat first. Opening up with Hawes and Rochford with Singer at 3. Unfortunately Rochford fell for a golden duck, Singer was run out early and Hawes didn't last much longer either. Merivale were 3 for 30 early and in a bit of trouble. Duncan and Wilcock at 4 and 5 stuck around, a lot of dots, a few singles and the odd boundary saw us fight through until drinks. Merivale 82 for 3 and I didn't think that was a bad score with the early wickets and a lot of batsmen still in the shed. We decided after drinks to up the rate. We scored 9 off the 21st over but both perished in the 22nd being caught. Duncan 42, Wilcock 16 and a partnership worth 69. Carr at 6 and Gillespie at 7 both got a start but fell to short balls chipping straight to fielders. Swensson came in at 8, Bellam at 9, Dacombe at 10 and Wilson 11. Besides Wilson's huge 6 it was really only Swensson who got the rate to climb. Swensson scored a blistering 36 from 26 with 2 huge 6s. Merivale finished 174 all out. 

In reply we felt confident with the par score but knew we would have to fight to the death. Opening up with Wilson and Dacombe things didn't pan out well. Dacombe struggled to find line and length and bowled a few too many yumyums in his first over which went for 14. Wilcock replaced Dacombe and along with Wilson we kept the run rate down but failed to take early wickets. Gillespie and Bellam bowled before drinks and bowled well mostly besides numerous yumyums which let the youth boys score quick boundaries and at drinks they were 99 for 2. With a 15 minute break we had time to refresh and rethink things as they were well ahead of the game. After drinks I decided to bring on Swensson and Carr. This decision proved very vital in the result of the game. These 2 bowled in partnership extremely well and kept the run rate well under what they needed. Carr bowled his spell out while Swensson bowled 6 overs for just 26 runs. Wilcock replaced Swensson and with few overs left things started getting very tight as wickets kept falling in clumps. Wilson finished up after Carr and off the last 5 overs 48 runs were required. We bowled well but leaked a few boundary balls.

Final over of the game. NWY need 6 runs. Merivale needs 3 wickets. Wilcock was out of overs and therefore I needed to find 1 over from someone. My first thoughts were Gillespie or Swensson. We had a wee huddle chat, Carr wanted Bellam, Swensson was rearing to go, Gillespie waiting to find out. I was feeling huge pressure on who to pick as the boys walked away and left it up to me. Gillespie it was. The field was spread with just a couple fielder's in close. 

Ball 1, 2 runs! , Ball 2, dot! Ball 3, wicket! 

Things were getting intense, the batsmen trying their hardest the fielder's putting everything on the line.  

Ball 4, dot! Ball 5, 1 run! 3 required for the win, 2 required for the draw. 

Ball 6, 1 run!

They couldn't get the ball away! Merivale win by 1 run! Absolutely amazing over by our newest NWYC recruit Sam Gillespie. A very fitting finish to a game that everyone really enjoyed.  A game which shows why we play the game. That's the perfect way to finish against these young boys who had only trained twice together as a group but put up such fight. 

For them I felt Jamal was exceptional opening the bat along with the rest of the top order while young Sam and Zach bowled great taking 6 wickets between them. 

Man of the match was awarded for each team selected by the opposing captain. I chose Sam after taking 4 for 27 and really keeping the run rate down at a vital time, However I would like to mention their Captain and wicket keeper Tom who played outstanding. Behind the sticks he was very tidy and he leads these boys by great example and expectations. 

For us Tom chose the player who won us the game. It was a clear and obvious choice. It could have been Duncan for his 42, Swensson for his 36 and crucial 6 over spell but it was James Carr who was exceptional with the ball. Bowling at a time where things were not great for Merivale, Carr bowled beautiful line and length shaping the ball away. He finished his 8 over spell with 3 for 7!! 

A special thanks to John Costello and Dave Stuthridge for umpiring the game. Always a pleasure having you there and the boys really enjoy having it more professional.  

Jason Steeman also was great today. He selected our team and put good thought into who should play. Jason also made all the food for lunch himself and wow it was amazing. The NWYC boys really enjoyed the food and hospitality Merivale put on and they couldn't thank us enough. 

Thanks to all for a great day of cricket.  

Matty Wilcock.

No Cricket on Saturday 21st January 2017 ...

Just a reminder that no adult or youth cricket will be played on Saturday 21st January due to the Blackcaps vs Bangladesh Test Match at Hagley Oval.

Chairman's Cup Final, Sunday 22nd January ...

Best of luck to Matty Wilcock and his MPCC Selection for Sunday as they take on Hornby at Denton 1 (Reserve Day on 12 February). The game starts at 12:00pm so get along and support if you can.

MPCC Junior Skills Day, Sunday 29th January 2017 ...

This is a popular event on the MPCC calendar but the organisers require people from the Senior Club to volunteer a few hours of their time to assist with the various coaching stations on the day. If you are able to lend a hand please contact Jason Steeman to let him know. Any and all help will be greatly appreciated.

MPCC Six-A-Side Tournament, Sunday 29th January 2017 ...

The MPCC Six-A-Side has now been re-scheduled for Sunday 29th January at Edgar Mac. This was a well attended and enjoyable event on the social calendar last season so get involved if you can. All those wishing to enter a team, play or captain should contact tournament organiser Joel Singer ASAP. Joel can be emailed at joelsinger60@hotmail.com or contacted via 027-3385017. Same rules apply as last season with a maximum of 1 Senior A player and at least 1 female player in each team.

NOTE: MPCC Junior Skills Day is being run the morning of Sunday 29th at Edgar Mac and is due to finish at 12:00pm. Six-A-Side is scheduled to start at 12:30pm.

Match Reports from Saturday 14th January ...

MP Bishop Brothers Sen.A vs Sydenham Prems @ Burnside 2 (T20)(Loss)

On Saturday MP Sen. A had 2 T20 games against Premier sides Sydenham and OBC at Burnside Park. This is a new competition for us and a new challenge as we were up against some strong opposition!

The first game was against Sydenham where Scooter lost the toss and we were put in to bat. The familiar pairing of Rory Hawes and Ben Mayo opened up. The two put up a 34 run partnership before Mayo 16 (32) went out caught at slip in the 8^th over. Scooter then left soon after for 0 keeping the score at 35/2 after 9. Dimond came in and smashed 17 off 5 and went out on his 6^th delivery. This left Hawes at the crease to bat with the middle to lower order. Hawes went run out for 30 (33) by Chris Harris in the 15^th over and the rest failed to compile much more, MP all out for 87.

MP bowlers started sharply with 2 wickets from the first 2 balls of the innings, Sydenham 0/2 off 0.2. Their 3 and 4 came in and consolidated well, ending the spell of Nathan Columbus who struck the 2 wickets in his first over. They then continued on, keeping the strike rotating and with a little bash at the end came in at 91/2 in the 13^th over.

Click here to view a photo album from this game.

MP Bishop Brothers Sen.A vs OBC Prems @ Burnside 4 (T20)(Loss)

Game 2 was against OBC in the afternoon where OBC batted first. Once again the opening spells of Columbus and McLellan in tandem worked well, with them claiming both openers within the first 4 overs. Michael Beattie then struck in his first over leaving OBC 48/3 in the 7^th over. From there, their middle order battled through and built handy partnerships, with some significant hitting near the end of the innings. OBC ended with 150 from their 20 overs. Pick of the bowlers Robin James with 0/20 from his 4.

MP opened the chase with 24 for the 1^st wicket before Hawes snicked off for 5. Dimond came in at 3 and chopped it on first ball, 24/2. Mayo then went shortly after for 16 (20), 33/3. Scooter and RJ then consolidated for a while until RJ was out caught for 12 (14) and Scooter 19 (18) in the 9^th and 12^th over respectively. From there a lower order collapse stopped us from getting close, although an improvement from the previous game, as we were all out for 95.

Overall it was a great challenge to face these strong sides but I think that we came out of it understanding where we can improve our qualities to be able to compete with these types of sides in future. The batting proved to be the shortfall and the major difference between the teams. I thought that we held our own well in the fielding department especially, saving many runs and really showing what we can do.

Onto Thursday for another T20 against Burnside West!

Cheers, Ben Mayo.

Click here to view a photo album from this game.

MP Cason Kerbing 2B vs OBC @ Elmwood 1 (T20)(Loss)

We began our T20 campaign against OBC 2C on their home ground. We won the toss and elected to bowl and we got off to a great start when Jason Swensson scored a direct hit runout in the first over. However, the aggression of OBC’s skipper, Paul Knight, saw Ryan Hawkins and Jacob Wilson come off after a couple of overs each. OBC were on 51 in the sixth over before Jason took a great diving catch to give Dave Monger a wicket. Craig Dacombe bowled well but had a couple picked off, and OBC continued to score freely, reaching 91 in the 9th over before Choppa cleaned up the stumps of the no. 4. From then on, he and Tribhuvan Sharma did a decent job of restricting the run rate, particularly after Knight was trapped by Jason (2-35 off 4) LBW for 77. Sharma drew some poor shot choices as he racked up a stumping courtesy of Ash Reddy and catches to James Eder and Dakesy as he bowled four overs, 3-23. Rhino came back for two more overs, going for only six runs in the 17th and 19th overs as he finished 0-20, while Dave (2-25 off 3) picked up a wicket in the last over, but was frustrated by a few overthrows. OBC thus finished 161/8 off their twenty – a decent fightback from where we’d been after 10 overs.

          We began our batting innings with Abhaya Paudel and Pankaj Bhagat, and they scored steadily but not explosively through the power play, before Abi was run out for 12 in the sixth over. PK followed for 8 the next over after a good catch, and Ash came and went for 2, leaving us 3-37 in the eighth over. James and Kyle Sloane added 27 for the next wicket before Kyle was caught on the boundary for 1, and then Rhino joined James and smacked 19 off 14 balls before falling to a good caught and bowled. 88-5 in the 15th over became 95-7 in the 16th, as James was bowled for 33 off 32, and Choppa was given LBW for 4. The innings looked to be over, but Jacob strode out to whack a quick 29 off 14 before being bowled in the final over. Sharma (1) was run-out by Dave (7 off 3) with one more ball to spare, with our total ending up 136 off 19.5. The batsmen who chanced their arm a bit had some success but we left ourselves a bit much to do. The OBC skipper was the difference, and we regretted an early drop in the slips which might have led to a very different match.

MP Cason Kerbing 2B vs Sydenham @ Elmwood 4 (T20)(Loss)

For our second game, we took on Sydenham 2C. Dave won the toss and bowled again, and this time we got off to a much better start on a swinging, tacky wicket as Rhino and Jacob both opened up with maidens.  When one of the openers took to Jacob in his second over, Dave replaced him, and picked up consecutive bowled and LBW wickets at the end of his first over to leave Sydenham 2-27 after the first six overs. Dave (3-17 off 3) picked up his third courtesy of a catch by Sharma at mid-off, while Rhino bowled his four overs straight through, ending up 1-13 after picking up a bowled wicket. Jason replaced him, and also bowled four straight, taking 1-24 and missing out on a second wicket because of a no-ball. Sharma replaced Dave and took a wicket off a first-ball full-toss that was caught by Jacob in the deep, and went on to 1-17 off 3 overs. Jacob (0-29 off 4) returned at the other end to finish things off, while Kyle bowled the last two at the other end, ending up with a disciplined 0-11 off twelve deliveries. Sydenham’s lower middle order put up a bit of resistance with no. 7 ending 20* and no. 8 31*, but they limped to 117/6 off twenty.

          That could still have been a tricky score and had been about par in the first game on that deck, but Ash and Abi soon took to the bowling. After the first over went for only 1, we were at 43 by the end of the power play, with Ash leading the charge. The game was pretty much up when the eighth over went for 29 runs, including 5 no balls, 8 wides and two sixes onto the road by Ash. By the time Ash fell, we were at 82-1, thanks substantially to his 46 off 29 balls, including 4 fours and 3 sixes. James continued the assault, blasting 4 fours in a 9-ball 19*, while Abi finished the match off in the thirteenth over with two fours as he ended 28* off 32. An excellent all-round team performance, therefore, with disciplined bowling, aggressive fielding and powerful batting giving Sydenham few opportunities. We'll likely need to win our remaining three fixtures to make the semis of the T20 competition, so must maintain those standards for the rest of the rounds.

          Dave M

MP Accessman 3A vs Marist-Harewood @ Edgar Mac 2 (Loss)

3A took on Marist Harewood on a glorious summers day - some would say it was hot!

We restricted MH to 247 from their 40 overs which was a lot better than what it was looking likely at drinks. MH were very positive from the outset and didn't allow our bowlers to settle. Each bowler had patches of excellence but there were far to many boundary balls. Josh Dyer bowled well picking up a wicket and slowing the run rate. Chris McCloy picked up 2 and also made the 100 club with his 2nd wicket. Bish Malik fielded well and effected a runout, almost 2. The bowling of Wilcock, Brazzale or McBride couldn't prevent the runs flowing... Though all tried their best.

A quick turnaround and we were batting. Harrington and Leigh, a senior reunion of sorts, managed to hold off therir openers for a good time, however runs were hard to come by... Harrington fell first and Malik joined Leigh. Leigh was getting into some rhythm and starting to hit boundaries. At drinks Leigh was on 61. Malik had to leave at 6pm and was out about 5.40 for a good knock. McBride also had to leave early so was promoted and didn't waste anytime hitting a 6 first ball faced and proceeded to race to 40 off not many which gave us a glimmer of hope. Gill and Leigh had a brief partnership, Gill runout giving Leigh the strike!! McCloy broke his run of ducks before getting out and Nemo - Josh Dyer tried in vain. Needing 12 off the final 2 deliveries and Leigh on strike we were hopefull however a dot ball sealed our fate... Darren Leigh was the standout carrying his bat to remain unbeaten in a chanceless innings of 133. A delight to watch....

Timba.

MP Little Brown Jug 3D vs Sydenham @ Centennial 1 (Win)

This week we came up against our long-time rivals the Sydenham Cardinals at Centennial Park. The pitch was very uneven looking so upon winning the toss we decided to bat first. After offering a couple of early chances Rochie and Andy went about their thing looking very positive and as usual got us off to a good start with another 50+ run partnership. Unfortunately, after looking to push on Rochie was caught at point for 24(28) and Bussa was bounced out 3 ball later for 0. This brought Jono and Andy together who went about the job of rebuilding the innings and guided the team safely to drinks on 70-2. After drinks things slowed down a little as Sydenham bought on “Phil In” who was a very good bowler and both batters struggled to get him away. Andy bought up his 50 in the 29th over and was looking to push on until he was caught behind 56(85) a couple of balls after the introduction of their leg spin bowler. Nick was out a couple of overs later 0(5) trying to hit over the top, this brought Captain Singer to the crease. Having not batted much this season and only real highlight being clearing a house at St James, Joel took his time to get in before picking apart the part time bowler hitting him over the aquatic centre and belting a few 4s to boost up our run rate. Before being dismissed bowled around his legs by the spinner 22(24) in the last over. A 4 off the last ball was enough for Jono to bring up his half century 53(88) and Tom finished on 1(2) to give us 169-5 off our 40.

Coming out to field we knew they had a couple of very key wickets in their top order but seeing how difficult it was to bat there was every confidence of defending our solid score. We opened up with Sanjay and Tom, both bowled very well. Sanjay was unlucky with a couple of early slip catches dropped and a half chance dropped down leg by the keeper, he bowled his 8 on the trot picking up a LBW and a caught behind to finish on 2-26. Tom at the other end was beating the bat often but not finding the edge. He ended getting their best batter out chopped on then a couple of balls later snicked off the opener to first slip, he finished on respectable figures of 2-20 off his 8. Following on from this great spell was Zac (2-3 off 2) who while not always being on target was deadly when he was. He cleaned up the tail and mixed in with a few run outs finished them off for 51 to have a good win. Was good to get back to winning ways after a disappointing end to last year.

Coming into the game club icon and legend Ronald Khuu had 98 wickets and having set the 100 wickets as a goal at the beginning of the season, this was a big game for him. First over was quiet until he decided to chuck one of his famous variations in the thigh high full toss which was skied to deep square leg well taken by Sanjay. Next ball would be far more satisfying for Ronnie as it hit a crack in the surface to pop up at the new batter who edged to slip to bring up his 100th for the club before being man-handled in the huddle. Ronnie unfortunately only got to bowl 3 overs this week due to other people getting wickets but he still had time to bamboozle their tail with all of his tricks such as his teesra, flipper and carom ball which all the batsmen struggle to read finishing on 2-0. Congratulations on the milestone having come a long way from that wicket on your first ball for the club to becoming the 3D premier spin bowler, except maybe for Singers left arm darts?

Jono.

MP 4B Rebels vs LPW Orcas @ Centennial 3 (Win)

No report submitted.

MP Accessman 4B vs St Albans @ Somerfield 1 (Win)

No report submitted.

MP Bishop Brothers Presidents vs ECS Blue @ Nunweek 1 (Loss)

Miracle upon miracle, Richie won a toss (or more accurately the opposing captain lost it), and for the first time this season we were able to dictate what we wanted to do. Actually not really… with a good chunk of our side needing to be places later that afternoon, there really was only one option: into bat went ESB. Badger opened the bowling with Pickle and the pair stunted a potentially early breakaway with a maiden and wicket a piece (courtesy of Humey and Spicey both taking a great catch each) in their opening spells.  Easts reduced to 20 for 2 after 10 overs. We gave second drop Sudath an early life in part thanks to a particularly boggy area outside off stick tripping Muzz as he was effecting the skied catch. This proved costly as he went on to score 31 in relatively quick time. Once we finally held onto one of his chances (Hume “bouncing” him out, Muzz redeemed), another wicket followed quickly when Pickle took a one hander at midwicket off the bowling of Winz.  Rose was partially successful at hitting out before he too became a victim of Humey and the increasingly unpredictable pitch. Three balls later and the Hume Dog had a third, trapping Vinod in front. Several partnerships ensued (24, 30 and 20), each being broken just as they were becoming dangerous, Paul snagging a couple and Winzy knocking over his second. Pickle was brought back for the 38^th and curtailed proceedings, yorking Alan Needs for an industrious 31. 146 total to chase on a normal Nunweek Park was well within capacity, but this pitch was playing more than its fair share of tricks.  Figures of note for MP: Hume 8/0/28/3, Pickle 6.5/1/15/2, Winz 7/0/38/2, Paul 8/0/42/2 and Badger 8/2/20/1. ESB Sudath 31, A. Needs 31, B. Rose 26, B. Arun 21 and Ajit 17.

 Winz and Muzz as a new opening combination, unfortunately failed.  Pickle/Winz second wicket combo = fail and Hume/Winz third wicket partnership also failed, all within the first five overs. Spicer and Hume knuckled down and were starting to get some momentum when Jason blew out a calf and had to be assisted from the field.  This seemed to disrupt the train of thought and any semblance of timing, balls were flying everywhere and we were reduced to 102 for nine, only Mark getting away relatively unscathed and a score of 41 to his name before he to top edged back to the bowler.  Being right in the proverbial “poo”, Spicey plucked up the courage to rejoin the battle and, with assisted running (provided by Pickle), combined with Skudz (of all people) to just about take the game away from an increasingly fretful East Shirley side. A Herculean effort from the effectively one legged Spicer and “Speed Demon” Skudz took our score through to 139 with a couple of balls to face, when it all came to a screaming halt. A very relieved opening bowler finally getting one straight and through Skudz defences, although, to be fair, John was wanting (and needing), to put it to or over the boundary “Death or Glory” style so defence not being on his mind.  Now, while we went down that day, I, for one, am extremely proud of the way we conducted ourselves. A never say die attitude displayed by the “extreme” tail under adverse conditions to just about seize victory from the jaws of defeat against a joint top side that hadn’t been bowled out before this round.  Three candidates for Man of the Match in my eyes this week all of which are deserving:  Statistically speaking, Mark Hume with three wickets, two catches and 41 runs, Jason Spicer for courage under fire (28 not out and a catch) and John Skudder for playing out of his skin at the end for 13.

  Better luck next round, cheers Steve.

MP Identity Signs Presidents vs Sydenham Hospital @ Edgar Mac 1 (Win)

Identity Signs Presidents played Sydenham Hospital on the hallowed turf of Edgar Mac 1 on Saturday. I lost the toss and we were put into bat. Lost Ice (5) and Knoxy (1) early. At 23/2 things weren’t looking so great. We then had a great partnership of 112 between the newly promoted opener Grunta and Nana. Nana departed for a fine 53 and we were then 135/3 in the 25^th over. Gunta was next, nicking one to the keeper for a superb 75. Ants 13, Donut 5, and Bellsy 11 joined the others in the pavilion. 208/7 off 35. I joined the big hitting Wagga and we put on 64 in the last 5 overs. Dale was in sublime hitting form getting 70no off 38 balls with 5 sixes, 4 fours. I supported him at the other end with 23no. Their opening bowler who after 6 overs had 2-28 ended up with 2-64 off his 8. Wagga took a liking to him, poor bugger. Anyway we ended up at 272/7. A pretty handy score.

Out into the field we went. I opened with Tonka and Towny, who both bowled their 8 through with Tonka 0-27 and Towny 1-31. Bellsy bowled straight through as well bowling a mixture of swing and spin getting 1-21. I got 2-3 off my 4 and at 24 overs the game was effectively won with Hospital 70/4. I then mixed up the bowling with Ice 3-11-0, Ants 2-6-0, Donut 3-8-1 and Knoxy 4-31-2 (with 19 coming off his first). They ended up on 144/7 after 40. The score could possibly have been a bit less but the umpires gave some confusing not out answers to lbw appeals by both Towny and Bellsy. As it is these things happen and the lads got on with the job very well. A good days cricket had by both teams and many of the Hospital boys joined us for a quiet one in the clubrooms afterwards.

Cheers, Fish.

MP Featherstones Dairy Women Div.1 (Resume Saturday 28th Jan.)

MPCC Draw for Thursday 19th January 2017 (Twilight Round) ...

• MP Bishop Brothers Sen.A vs BWU Premiers @ Edgar Mac 1 (T20 - 5:30pm)
• MP Cason Kerbing 2B vs BWU @ Burnside 1 (T20 - 5:30pm)

MPCC Subs for 2016/17 ...

• Mens Subs for Season 2016/17 … Men’s full subs to remain at $240 for a season if fully paid by 12 November, 2016 or if an AP has been established by 12 November, 2016. The club's bank account number is 03 0866 0269318 000, use your name and mention "subs" in the reference. Otherwise the subscription to be increased to $280 for late payment. ($120 for students and team captains, or $160 for late payment).
• Womens Subs for Season 2016/17 … Women’s full subs to remain at $130 for a season ($65 for students) if fully paid by 12 November, 2016 or if an AP has been established by 12 November, 2016. The club's bank account number is 03 0866 0269318 000, use your name and mention "subs" in the reference. Late payment would incur a further $40.

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 contributions or queries send us an email to mpcricket@xtra.co.nz