The New Year greeted us with perfect 37 degree weather and an early start to our round eight T/20 clash with Knox Boronia Churches which Josh and brother Dylan Wylde of course refused to be on time for. Surprisingly losing the toss and even more surprisingly being sent in to bat was a great opportunity to post a massive score on a quick outfield.

Lachie Stuckey was given his first chance to have a hit since November and although Santa obviously didn’t come to the party with his first ever shaver he certainly must have been practicing some big hitting beach cricket as he looked ‘on’ from ball 1. Unfortunately the same couldn’t be said for fellow opening partner ‘Skooter’ Morrison as he looked to get off the mark in trademark fashion but was caught first rock! ‘Lips’ O’Connor strode to the crease and blasted a few around before leaving the field without saying a word. Lachie followed soon after for a very impressive 58 off 38 and would have to be one of the most improved cricketers at the club. ‘Evergreen’ McLean and the super smooth Josh Wylde came together with the score at 3/80 and smacked the ball out of shape in their near 100 run partnership going at over 10 runs per over! Josh fell with a couple of overs to go after a no risk 39 trying to lift the sluggish run rate leaving older brother Dyl to slap 13 off 5. ‘Last second call up to the team’ McLean was outstanding mowing his way to 51 not out of just 35 pills to give us an imposing total of 4/192 off our allotted 20 overs.

Bringing Mclean into the side especially to wicketkeep, it was no surprise that we had to hit the field without him after he was in more distress than an overworked Apple Macintosh in the 37 degree heat after his amazing power hitting. Early wickets would be the key and we were able to take regular wickets with some great fielding and consistent bowling. After not being able to hit the side of a barn at training on Thursday we somehow managed 3 direct hit run-outs early which had the Churches praying for a miracle comeback. Sean Reid entered the game after Gerard was left looking for his own pills in an unsavoury incident involving young Stuckey’s rocket arm and a lack of awareness on his own part. Sean did what he usually does and ripped the game wide open snaring 2/10 off 2 overs and he was supported by Drew Tickets who was the pick of the bowlers with fantastic pace changes and control taking 2/13 off 4 overs. We were able to dismiss the opposition for 116 and earn not only a win but what could be some handy percentage points if we want to secure a top 4 spot.

4 wins on the trot now for us and it seems the hard nose approach I have been trying to instil in this side is finally starting to come through …….. Or we are just playing better cricket…., I’ll go with the former. With a very close division we are going to be challenged coming towards the end of the season and we are going to have to continue to step it up if we want some March action this season.  

Daine