After a strong performance at Shark Park last Saturday, the 1^st XI claimed their first 6 points of the season in stirring fashion, with contributions across the board. Foul-mouthed recruit Pete Dunlop would undoubtedly have been pleased with his efforts last weekend notching a crisp half-century in his debut for the Falcons, a knock which likely contained countless obscenities. He was ably supported by a number of cameos from his teammates including a dominant 44 from Jarrod Butcher. Looking to this week, the boys venture to Wally Tew Reserve to face off against Ferntree Gully, with just one change to the side. ‘The Sandwich King’, Navinder Singh has been added to the line-up after indicating no signs of rust in the kitchen following an extensive layoff, producing a clinical performance in the kitchen which I had the pleasure of witnessing first-hand last Saturday morning. Wrestling enthusiast Scott McInerney will be hoping to replicate his superb 4/16 which put the Sharks down for the count and is already eyeing off the Blues top order to continue the flow of wickets. A win here will place the boys firmly inside the top 4 early in the year.

The 2^nd XI will attempt to avoid the death roll of the Mountain Gate Crocodilians as both teams search for their first win of the season at Knox Gardens Reserve. Skipper Daine Vernon has wielded the axe at the selection table after a respectable loss in round one and has apparently mistaken our home venue for a sub-continental dustbowl, electing to deploy a spin-heavy bowling attack as he welcomes his slightly inappropriate man/boy crush Josh McGowan into the side after taking an impressive 3/35 in the opening round, at the expense of his namesake, Josh Curnow. The ‘Prince of Poowong’ alias Carlton O’Connor will be looking to get amongst the runs and cement his spot in the 2s line-up after a hard-hitting 49* last week, his inclusion coming at the expense of Dosmanstagram Morrison in what some may describe as an unsavoury axing. Ageing like a fine wine, the timeless Fox Mulder is a certainty to perplex the opposition with his arsenal of disciplined deliveries which rarely stray from the salmon. A great opportunity here for the 2s to notch their first win in DeCoite and make amends for last week’s defeat.

The 3^rd XI will be the envy of the club this week, anticipating a tea-time spread for the ages at H.V. Jones Reserve as they take on Mountain Gate in their round two clash. The 3s will once again be led by Josh Wylde, a man with an unblemished track record as skipper after a resounding win in his leadership debut last week. Looking to maintain this record, Josh will be instructing his team to channel their inner Steve Irwin in order to wrestle these sizeable aquatic reptiles into submission, which resulted in some unconventional drills being implemented at training this week in preparation. The dynamic opening duo of Rhys Marget and Jay Wagner will be looking to replicate their fast start last week after making 63 and 62 respectively, while young Dosmanstagram will be intent on sending a strong message to the selectors in the form of a big score. Turning our attention to the bowlers, the youthful exuberance of emerging paceman Bailey ‘B-Dog’ Deckert is sure to present a challenge to the Mountain Gate top order, while his partner in crime Nibby will be aspiring to tear through the Gators with his rapid pace in what is guaranteed to be a dangerous and entertaining spell. A huge chance for the 3s to advance to 2-0 this week and perch themselves atop the Division 4 ladder.

Following a comprehensive victory to get the season underway, the 4^th XI will be keen to improve their record to 2-0 as they take on Monbulk on the magnificent surface of the bottom oval. Captain Crook led by example last week, contributing a crucial 52* before claiming an economical 3/7 from just 5 overs. Sam Bakker and Jason Buljubasic also contributed impressive half-centuries in what proved to be a fruitful day for the 4s batsmen. Rumours are circulating that the return of the imposing South African Ashley Thompson could be on the cards, an inclusion which will likely leave spectators and players alike ducking for cover, as his ability to dispatch lacklustre deliveries out of the playing arena is second to none in local cricket. The illusive Deepak Puri will also be looking to return to his productive best after missing out last week. Good luck to these gentlemen against Monbulk on Saturday. 

Gez