In a fluctuating and riveting contest on Saturday, Somerville Cricket Club edged out Mornington Cricket Club 182 to 171.
Batting first, Somerville lost skipper Kiefer Peries for just 4, but productive innings from Jack Barbour (43), English import Isaac Harrison (43), Brad McDonald (27), and a resolute 27 from Matt Eager gave the Eagles a competitive total to defend.
In reply, Mornington found themselves in deep trouble at 7/90 against a penetrating Somerville attack. However, a 73-run partnership between Ryan Smith (61) and Matt Foon (31) put them back in contention for a win.
Eighteen-year-old Caleb Debnam snared a match-winning 3/38 to take his season tally to 20 wickets, while wily club legend and Life Member Craig Black finished with 2/18, and spinner Jacob Evans contributed 2/44.
For Mornington, former Australian and Victorian leg-spinner Bryce McGain tied the Somerville batsmen in knots, finishing with dazzling figures of 5/24.
Somerville currently occupies fifth position on the MPCA Peninsula Division ladder, equal on points with rivals Mornington and Mt Eliza in what is proving to be an extremely close and even competition.
In further good news for Somerville Cricket Club, two young stars recently competed in VMCU representative teams. Sixteen-year-old Tom Ridout was a member of the victorious MPCA team and, in a qualifying game, smacked a glorious 58 off 34 balls, including five sixes.
Emerging star Tilly Black showed her talent with classy innings of 39* and 57*.
Somerville CC is also hosting a premiership reunion for the 1974-75 1st and 2nd XI, 2004-05 5th XI, and 2014-15 teams on 8 February. The event will be hosted by former Australian star and Somerville premiership player Shaun Graf.
In addition, the fiercely contested Phil Graf-Doug Neal Cup will be played between Somerville and Mt Eliza Cricket Clubs.
Past players, supporters, and sponsors are invited to attend what promises to be a massive day for the club and the wider community.
