1^st XI

As I ponder how to best express here in a few paragraphs the game on Saturday it is difficult to be really positive on the game itself. From the first over to the last there were only a few highlights for our boys.

The lads knew what was on the line and the opportunity they had to create a bit of history. The build up, in my opinion, was great. Enthusiastic, prepared, etc. The boys looked ready.

It’s not to be…. A long winter lies ahead for those playing on next year to think about it and get themselves ready for another tilt.

This playing group is too good to settle for 5^th.

Rather than talk about the game I would like to talk about some milestones and personal achievements:

·        Jarrod Butcher  501 runs – 2^nd in league batting

·        Shan Small – 478 runs – 4^th in league batting

·        Adam Wild – 26 wickets – Equal 3^rd in the league

·        Zach Flintoff – 20 wickets, massive improvement and country week selection.

Well done to everyone who contributed throughout the year.

2nd XI

Coming back from a disappointing loss against Belgrave, to instill some confidence coming into finals it was important for the lads to hit some form.

Rhys won the toss and took no hesitation in batting. He and Morro opened up and in typical Marget style got straight on the front foot. Brett (17) was first to go with the score on 34 and Rhys continued to up the run rate. Rhys reached his 50 but has been the case this year departed soon after for a well crafted 55. Jez followed soon after with 3 and that brought Dave Hay to the crease. Peter as he is more commonly known as has been somewhat of an enigma this year and has played a revolving role throughout the order. He seems primed for a big finals campaign and batted solidly for 30. The bottom order batted well and Sime Grasser chimed in with a well made 31*. In the end the boys put together a solid 195 and on a big Monbulk that should have been enough.

Opening bowlers Gras and Reidy applied early pressure and despite not taking wickets restricted the opening batsmen. The run rate was accelerated in the middle overs and it was game on in the last few overs with Monbulk almost pulling off a big upset. In the end they fell 5 runs short. Best of the bowlers were RI Marget 1/18 (5) Thommo 1/31 off (5) and Daine Vernon who allowed only 15 runs off his 8 overs and took a wicket.

The 2’s travel to Upper Gully this week to book themselves into a grand final. Please ensure you get down during the week to get around the lads. Even if its just for a beer on Thursday your support will be invaluable and appreciated.

Good luck to Rhys and the lads..

3rds

Craving a win after what has been a tough year the 3’s Jase lost the toss and Belgrave batted. After failing to find an early breakthrough Jase threw the ball to young Jack Deveson who turned the game on its head. He removed the top 3 batsman and the score went from 0/42 to 3/92. The tight bowling continued and in the end the young Falcons restricted Belgrave to 144 from their 40 overs.

Jase asked for a solid opening partnership from Corne and Andrew Potts and they didn’t disappoint. The boys batted through the innigs to record a stunning 10 wicket win and easily their most convincing win of the season.

A quick well done to Jason this year has put in so much hard work across the year and I think you for the efforts you have put in with a very young side. You have helped cultivate this club and bring on the next wave of senior cricketers.

4ths

By Greg Bakker

 Going into the last round of the season against the Rowville 3rds team, we knew we were going to be in for a tough game. They have a strong batting line up having lost only 74 wickets for the season and, to round 12, having their first 3 batsmen score 580, 250 and 375 runs respectively for the season. Sitting 2nd on the ladder and having lost the previous week, they would be looking to redeem themselves and prepare for finals. From our perspective, we gained the reigning Division 7 premiership captain Jimmy Tanner making a welcome return from retirement and a few last minute team changes with Chris and Matty Lambrick coming in. We were ready for the challenge.

Despite beating Rowville earlier in the season defending a total of 122, upon winning the toss, I elected to bowl first. This decision was based on our bowling strength with Matty Lambrick not expected to arrive until around tea and believing we would be better off with his batting experience in the middle order.

Knowing that Rowville's batsmen liked to play their shots, we had to bowl well and to a plan. Jeff enticed a loose shot wide of off from the batsman who had scored 580 to have him well caught (eventually) by Chris in gully for 10, his lowest score of the season. The Rowville captain at no. 3, the 2nd highest scorer this season,then departed for 9 with the score 2/28. A great start! Andy came on and, supported by a great outfield catch by Liam, we had reduced them to 4/51 off 12 overs - game on!!

With a confident shout for caught behind down the leg side off the opening batsman turned down, we continued to push hard for our 5th wicket with Chris threatening at one end and Nixon's quality off spin tying them down at the other.

As has happened several times throughout the season, the opposition toughed it out and put on a partnership as we continued to push hard regardless. Chris took a sharp (1 grab) catch in close off Nixon to break the 62 run partnership and, as usually happens, 1 wicket brought 2 which then brought 3 as the score went from 4/113 to 7/118.

Jimmie came on to support Nixon and snared a wicket to another great outfield catch by Liam. 

On the very last ball of his 8th and final over, Nixon captured the last Rowville wicket with another catch to that man in the outfield (Liam) for the first 4s "Michelle" of the season. Nixon had the impressive figures of 5/38 to leapfrog several others and become the top wicket taker this season. A great effort by Nix who has taken 13 wickets in his first 8 games of senior cricket.

It was a great effort by the entire team restricting Rowville to 159 with Liam (3) in the outfield, Josh (3) behind the stumps and Chris (2) in close supporting the bowlers with some great catching that even the Rowville team were impressed with! 

Chasing 160 off 40 overs was going to be difficult on a large ground against a vastly different and more experienced bowling attack to the one we faced in round 2. Looking through MyCricket, the opening bowling attack had played 1s and 2s in previous seasons with the 3rd bowler, the only junior in the Rowville team, having represented Outer East at the State u14s carnival - an impressive left arm quick (smaller version of our own Zach Flintoff!) I can now relate to what other teams must have encountered last season against our 4s team!!

Going out to bat, we knew Rowville felt that they were being challenged, having scored 159 the previous round and losing. Good teams lift when challenged. Chris succumbed to the 5th ball of the innings and then Matty Lambrick, unfortunately hurting his back turning for a 2nd run, was run out leaving us 3/11 off 7 with our 2 most experienced batsmen back in the shed. From there we lost wickets regularly to be all out for 88. In a good sign for the club, the young guns stood up under considerable pressure with Josh (22), Nixon (16), Alex (15) and Adam (9) resisting the strong bowling attack. As Adam walked from the ground, the Rowville opening bowler ran up to congratulate him on his defiant and, as always, composed innings. A simple gesture but a much deserved show of respect. I also have to point out that Andy made his highest score for the season with 6no, almost doubling his average!

Based on what I've seen this season, particularly playing FTG (1st) and Rowville (2nd) in the past 3 rounds, I believe Rowville are the team to beat.

So, a disappointing end that effectively summed up our season. A strong and varied bowling attack ably supported by a solid fielding effort but can be vulnerable with the bat.

I'm proud of what we have achieved this season as a team with competitive performances in all games and individual firsts - bags of 3 wickets each for Jarad Ing and Andy Gregor; a maiden ton for Chris; Jeff killing it before heading to the 3s for a 5-fer; Nixon's 5-fer; Sam, Adam and Brent scoring their first senior 50s.......the list goes on!

In terms of junior player development, we have introduced kids to senior cricket that will form the backbone of the 1s and 2s in years to come. Players such as Adam Wylde, Nixon Adcock, Hayden Morrison, Brent Bredin and Jackson Marget all played their 1st senior games in the 4s. Josh Curnow and Nibby Jongen continued to thrive after their groundings last season. The future is looking good at KGCC!!

I'd like to thank Russell Adcock for his continuing support during the season with scoring especially but also in kitting up for some game time when needed (particularly the 2 slips catches off my bowling!!) Make sure you have a solid preseason Russ - once a keeper, always a keeper!

Thanks to the club for the opportunity to captain this team. I've enjoyed it immensely. Thanks to Simon, Jez, Bails and Flick for all their support and assistance during the season.

Congratulations to Pottsy, a most worthy and deserving Marget Medal winner. I have really enjoyed being involved in the club this season as it is a club full of good people that are welcoming, friendly and just a great bunch to hang out with. Pottsy - you are one of the best of the best!!

Finally, good luck to the 2s in the finals. You've already done the club proud, now just go out and do what you do best and enjoy yourselves!

Greg.

A big thank you to Greg who has carried himself and his side so well this year.  It has been great working with you mate.