A round which proved difficult for selectors with some very even performances but there were a number of standout performances too! We have a number of first time nominees and a few repeat performers including 1st XI skipper Jarrod Butcher for a third straight week. Here is the team:
Josh Gregory: Opening the batting in the 1sts Boof quickly found himself on 39 runs including 7 fours before being caught. Played his role getting the team off to the perfect start being the first to fall with the score on 73.
Andrew Potts: The newly appointed 3rd XI skipper dug in for his team batting all the way to tea to give his team the chance to set a solid target. fell just short of a half century being judged leg before not for the first time.
Josh Devenuto-Wylde: Came in at number 3 and after the two openers quickly departed steadied the ship with some very patient batting. Maybe not the usual flare to his innings but was given a job to do and made a fantastic 92 to guide the team into a great position.
Jarrod Butcher: This makes it three weeks in a row for the 1st XI skipper. Got to the crease after 2 wickets in 2 balls and played with great freedom smashing 12 fours on his way to 76. In great form and no reason he can't be here again next match.
Niraj DeSilva: Strutted to the crease to join Butcher in the middle and worked well with the skipper to set up the win in the 1st XI with a century stand between the two. Was unfortunately run out shortly after raising his bat for the half century.
Lachie Stuckey: Finds himself back in the team after continuing his good start to the season. Playing up in the 2nd XI for just the second time Lachie cautiously got his innings going before the tea break before punishing the bad balls to hit a crisp 46.
Scott Christiansen: Back with a bang smashing 100 not out in the 4th XI. Probably a tad low in the order this week but had to be included as he gave the team a chance for victory setting up a solid total.
Zach Flintoff: Another opening bat makes his way into the side but it was his bowling that really shone bright on day one in the 1st XI. Bowled amazingly well steamrolling the middle to late order of Monbulk to finish with 5/66 from a marathon 25 overs.
Daine Vernon (c): The 2nd XI skipper cashed in on some great bowling before him to snare 4/34 in an even team performance. Whilst not at his best helped get the team into a commanding position before the break.
Ashley Hawkes: The Wild slinger found his grove after misfiring a tad the week before in the 2nd XI. Handed out some painful blows to the opposition batsmen with some crushing yorkers and ended up with very tidy figures of 2/23 off 18 overs.
Josh McGowan: The young gun leggy produced a spinning masterclass in the 3rd XI. In only his third senior game he claimed 4/50 off 12 overs and is now sitting on 9 wickets leading all comers in division 5. I suspect this wont be the last time we see the 'King' in the team.
12th Man Sam Bakker: Backed up a great game last week with another solid effort. Hit 30 runs to help put his team in a strong position after week one before snaring another 2 wickets. Really starting to improve and enjoying his cricket.
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