1st XI
After dishing out a good old-fashioned shellacking to the
Kings last weekend, the 1st XI sit second on the ladder and will be
brimming with confidence as they pull on the whites to take on Knoxfield at
Carrington Park. Josh Gregory showed some serious ticker last week, pushing
through suspected cardiac arrest on his way to an undefeated 56. After
undergoing triple bypass surgery during the week to get himself right, Boof
will be keen to continue his good form against the Knights. Mitchell, the
younger Gregory and self-proclaimed weapon, also had a day out against the
Kings, notching a blistering 62* which featured a number of signature maximums
that sent the white Kookaburra soaring. The unavailability of sandwich
connoisseur Navinder Singh has forced the selectors’ hand, with spearhead Adam
Wild returning to the team. The club legend will no doubt be itching for a
promotion up the batting order after a clutch performance with the willow in
the 2s, serving up a hard to swallow loss to Rowville with a lusty blow in the final
over of the game. A big test for the boys in the first two-day game of the
year.
2nd XI
The 2s have extended their winning streak to 3 after a
nail-biting affair against Rowville last weekend and are now situated inside
the top 4 of Decoite Shield. Back at home, the boys face a massive test against
the semiaquatic rodents from Lakesfield Reserve who sit atop the Decoite table.
Drew Withers will again lead the team into battle following a successful
captaincy debut last week, the big quick is likely to draw plenty of attention
from the fans following his on-screen debut on Thursday night. The media star is
expected to engage in an extended meet and greet session before the game, so
early arrival is recommended to ensure sure you don’t miss out. The eternal
Travis Mulder returns after enjoying countless Bintangs on the beaches of Bali,
while the passionate Josh Curnow has worked his way back into the side following
an impressive run of form in the 3s. All eyes will be on the hamstrung Carlton
O’Connor as questions regarding his match-fitness refuse to go away, however the
off-field genius is expected to play and make an impact. Good luck to the 2s in
this important clash.
3rd XI
Andrew Potts’ men are flying with a pristine 4-0 record to
start the year and will have their sights set on a fifth straight win as they
venture to Dobson Park, temporary home of the Knox Boronia Churches. A clinical
9 wicket victory in last weekends’ T20 against Rowville leaves the 3s with a
percentage in excess of 3.5, a great indicator of their dominance to date.
Despite a wardrobe malfunction which left him without the correct playing
shirt, the gentle giant Ash Thompson produced a devastating knock of 52 from
only 22 deliveries which demoralised the opposition pie-chuckers and carried
the vistors to an easy win. The menacing Anthony Jongen made light work of the
Rowville batting lineup, his extra pace proved too much for the Hawks to handle
as he produced impressive figures of 4/14. His efforts were well-supported by
Rhys Marget Medalist Nixon Adcock, who claimed 2/13, his tidiness was outdone
only by Russ on the books. Let’s hope the 3s can continue their great form
against the Churches.
4th XI
Returning from a break last week, the 4s will be determined
to bounce-back from a tight loss suffered in round 3 and take the points
against Upper Gully. The experienced combo of Deepak Puri and Scott
Christiansen will be looking to lead the way with the bat and punish the
leather to the rope, while Capitan Crook will be hoping to continue his hot
streak with both bat and ball after having a taste of Division 4 action last
week. Craft-beer enthusiast Andrew Gregor will also take to the field for the 4th
XI and is expected to terrorise the opposition with treacherous pace and
hooping outswing. Good luck to the 4s in securing victory and a top 4 position.
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