From the Somerville Swooper
In a must-win Round 5 fixture against the Mornington Peninsula Cricket Association, Somerville backed up its win in the previous round against Mt Eliza with a hard-fought but convincing victory over top team Mornington.
Batting first, Somerville was precariously placed at 6/119 before the last four batsmen rallied to stretch the total to a competitive 229. Skipper Kiefer Peries, Luke Rowe, and Jack Barbour all got starts before Craig Black changed the momentum with a typically aggressive 44. He was well supported by Ryan McNamara and Matt Eager, who played their roles to perfection. For Mornington, Cameron Moon and Shane Hockey bowled a consistent line and were rewarded with three wickets apiece.
In reply, Mornington got off to the start they were looking for, with Shane Hockey and Charlie Parker looking impressive. However, a relentless Somerville attack, supported by excellent fielding, saw Somerville stamp its authority, with wickets falling at regular intervals. Mornington ended up with a deficit of 68 runs.
18-year-old opening bowler Caleb Debnam continued his great form to record figures of 3/29, and he was superbly supported by Luke Rowe (1/27), Ryan McNamara (1/28), Matt Eager (2/18), Craig Black (2/17), and Jacob Evans (1/32).
In other positive news for Somerville, the 2nd team recorded a crushing win against a strong Mornington outfit, tallying 246 and then skittling the opposition for 112. President Adrian Ridout crunched 75, and emerging 18-year-old Noah Alderson dazzled with 6/34.
In the 3rds, Somerville set Carrum Downs 325 to chase and they almost achieved the unlikely, finishing with 9/303. Ex-club coach Andrew West dominated with a massive 168 to make it three consecutive centuries, and club coach Jason Nagel slapped a brisk 90. Their partnership tested the record books, ending on 233.
In Round 6, Somerville takes on Seaford at home, with a Bald Eagles and Sponsors Coterie function being held on November 30th.
In other developments at Somerville Cricket Club, the women’s competition continues to go from strength to strength. In a first for the MPCA, last Sunday’s fixture against Balnarring was scheduled to be the first live broadcast on Peninsula radio station 98.7 RPP FM. Unfortunately, rain prevented play from getting underway, much to the disappointment of the players and the massive crowd in attendance. Somerville senior stars Kasey Black and Julie Fearns, along with CEO (Chief Entertainment Officer) Carlin Kohn, are predicting that such exposure will ensure continued growth amongst the junior girls and senior women’s teams.
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