Round 8 one-day result
Somerville Cricket Club secured a hard-fought victory against top team Old Peninsula in the Round 8 one-day fixture on their turf, winning 10/146 to 10/129.
After being belted in the Round 3 fixture against Old Peninsula, Somerville had plenty to prove, and the team answered in the best possible way in a contest where fortunes fluctuated for both sides throughout the match.
Winning the toss and electing to bat, Somerville junior and former Frankston Peninsula opening bat Nick Mann anchored the innings with a rock-solid 61. Later in the innings, club stalwart Craig Black grafted an invaluable 20* to give his bowlers a reasonable total to defend.
Old Peninsula chase
In reply, the strong Old Peninsula batting line-up looked to be in control on several occasions. However, the Somerville attack was relentless, securing key wickets when required.
One of the MPCA’s greatest ever players, captain Chris Brittain led from the front with an exemplary 5/30 and was well supported by Jack Kennedy (3/27), Craig Black (1/21) and Caleb Debnam (1/20).
Ladder update
The win secured Somerville second position on the premiership ladder heading into the Christmas break, with Old Peninsula dropping to fourth.
Other club results
Seconds: another tight win
Somerville Seconds recorded a close win against Old Peninsula, 7/164 to 8/162. Opening bat Jack Heydon smacked a dazzling 58, including five sixes, while Ross Duggan blasted an unbeaten 30* to secure the victory.
Cooper Staff, Matt Eager and Noah Alderson each claimed two wickets.
Thirds: fought hard in defeat
With club legend Russell Wilkes leading a team of emerging young players, Long Island’s 9/178 proved beyond Somerville Thirds, who fought hard in defeat.
Round 6 centurion John Ridout opened the batting with 22, while talented teenager Tilly Black compiled a mature 22 and Tom Kingston top-scored with 30.
Fourths: record-book run feast
In a run feast, a trifecta of close mates graced the Fourth XI for the first time this season and tested the record books.
Brenton Alp (90), Justin Allsopp (137) and Jedd Sutton (124, including 15 sixes) sent the scoreboard into overdrive to post 8/411.
In reply, Seaford Tigers were valiant in defeat, pushing hard to total 8/330. A combined 741 runs in a day was nothing short of incredible.
Fifths: gaining momentum
Somerville Fifths continue to gain momentum and currently sit in third position.
Restricting Balnarring to 8/141, skipper Anton Bergman dominated with figures of 4/11. Somerville then cruised to 2/150, with Doug Haskett (58)* and Gage Baker (50) both saluting with half-centuries.
Club community
The Somerville Social Rooms were filled to capacity last Saturday night as players, supporters and families came together, with Santa making his annual appearance. With so much support, fun and community spirit, the club is in great shape.
