On a beautiful sunny day, Somerville kicked off the 2025–26 MPCA season with a convincing and resounding win against Long Island at The Nest.
Electing to bat first, Somerville opened with last season’s skipper Kiefer Peries and Frankston Heat run machine and returning Somerville junior Nick Mann. Both batsmen showed their class and put on a partnership of 108, with Peries scoring 58 runs and Mann carrying his bat to remain 68 not out.
Enter one of the greatest cricketers to grace the MPCA — newly appointed captain Chris Brittain — who added a brisk 18 runs to help set a more than competitive total of 5/191.
With the social rooms at capacity, Long Island began its innings looking confident at the crease until Country Week opener Aiden McKenna was dismissed for 19 by Matt Eager. Momentum soon shifted as left-arm spinner Jacob Evans (3/15) and club legend Craig Black (3/27) applied the pressure. Wickets fell regularly, with Long Island unable to keep pace, finishing their innings on 140.
Round 2: Somerville v Mt Eliza (away)
2’s – Long Island 7/192 defeated Somerville 158
Top scorers: Noah Alderson 38, Brad Staff 21, Cooper Staff 17
Best bowling: Charlie Dixon 3/21, Cooper Staff 2/27, Harrison Triffett 1/12
Round 2: Somerville v Mt Eliza (Jones Rd)
3’s – Somerville 9/150 lost to Delacombe Park 6/153
Top scorers: John Ridout 25, David Bertuola 58, Dave Simminds 26, Charlie Young 17
Best bowling: Charlie Young 2/31, Cooper Wilkes 2/34
Round 2: Somerville v Tyabb (away)
4’s – Carrum Downs 133 lost to Somerville 5/270
Top scorers: Dave Becher 37, Jarrod Hodgins 45, Andrew Patterson 84, Matt Page 46, Josh Collie 31*
Best bowling: Josh Collie 3/29
Round 2: Somerville v Red Hill (Barber Reserve)
Women’s – Last season’s runner-up Somerville 3/68 defeated Crib Point 8/67
Top scorers: Marlee Black 12, Tilly Black 24, Lara Brittain 14*
Best bowling: Kaitlyn Van Loo 4/2
