MATCH REPORT - 3rd XI 13 February 2010

The 3rd XI declared the innnings closed overnight with a lead of 188 on the first innings. Chris Dougherty and Luke Wentzel opened the bowling and Keilor Park were soon in trouble again. Chris took 4 for 10 off 9 overs and Luke 1 for 15.

With finals just around the corner, it was an opportunity to bowl some of the boys competing for the last spot available in the finals team. Karl Wentzel bowled without success, but Matthew Dougherty and Adam Harris both took their opportunity to take 2 wickets each to clean up the batting.

Keilor Park were dismissed for 97 to give Avondale a win by an innings and 91 runs.

With 1st and 2nd now playing each other in the last round, we have a realistic chance of finishing in the top 2 if we have a big win over Gladstone Park in the last round of the season (a one dayer) next week.

Good luck boys.

MATCH REPORT - 3rd XI 6 February 2010

Having secured the finals through the courtesy of the bye, the team wanted to prove that they were real contenders when they hosted Keilor Park at home. Wining the toss, we decided to bowl to maximise on the full quota of overs from the many junior players in our team. Travis Rodier and Mark Cunningham took the new ball and Travis continued his good form with the ball by taking two early wickets. Mark on the hand bowled without luck seeing many chances being put down off his bowling.

The team started to get down on itself and it was going to take something special to lift the team. Tommy Krajina was given the ball and his first over went for 14. A quiet chat with the captain got Tom to concentrate on his expertise of big in swingers and well disguised slower balls. What was to follow surprised everyone. When Tommy had the big hitting number 4 caught on the boundary by Tony Cutri off a skied slower ball, the flood gates opened. Tommy ended with career best 6 for 34 and his last 3 balls completed a hattrick courtesy of Adam Harris's catch at point.

We had bowled Keilor Park out for 111 inside 28 overs.

We commenced our innings after tea with Tony Cutri and Tom Russell (a last minute replacement for the injured Rocco Montesano). the pair batted well against some ordinary bowling and had soon passed Keilor Park without losing a wicket. When Tom was dismissed for 63 the pair had put on 143. Travis Rodier then joined Tony and the onslaught continued. Tony notched his century and then took another 58 runs before he was eventually dismissed for 158 to have us 2 for 284. Mark Cunningham, Samuel Cutri lost their wickets chasing some quick runs, but at stumps we were 4 for 299 with Travis Rodier on 43 and Matthew Dougherty 4.

A declaration is likely at the start of play next week.