By Steven Utting
THE first XI played last year’s premiers at home this week. Sent in to bat, Monbulk had an early collapse and was 4/17 until new recruit Dustin Archer compiled a disciplined 32 to help his side to 87.
Gavin Wright dismissed Johnson Park’s opener and the score was 1/2 but it didn’t help Monbulk’s cause as Johnson Park went on to 5/164. Dave Wright was the pick of the bowlers with 2/21.
Johnson Park 5/164 d Monbulk 87 (D. Archer 32)
@BT Sport Sub Mail:SECOND XI
MONBULK ventured down to Johnson Park, won the toss and decided to have a bowl. Johnson Park jumped out of the blocks and was 3/64 after 12 overs but Monbulk stayed strong and bowled it out for 107. Brodie Emmett (3/1), Kieran Gray (2/13) and Craig Heppell (2/16) were the pick of the bowlers. Monbulk did it the hard way with the bat, passing Johnson Park eight wickets down.
Monbulk 8/109 (K. Gray 34) d Johnson Park 107 (B. Emmett 3/1)
@BT Sport Sub Mail:THIRD XI
AT HOME against Knoxfield Monbulk batted first after winning the toss. After losing an early wicket, Greg Hulm (29) and Steve Utting (28) combined for 55 runs. Monbulk then fell to 5/75 before Dave Williams smashed 49 (including five sixes) taking the score to 180. Knoxfield started off solidly and outclassed Monbulk’s bowling attack, easily passing the 180 needed with only three wickets down. Knoxfield 3/190 d Monbulk 180 (D. Williams 49)
@BT Sport Sub Mail:FOURTH XI
MONBULK took on St Johns-Tecoma away, which batted first and made 9/145. Monbulk’s best bowler was Liam Kelly who took 3/14. At 5/19, Monbulk was never really in the game and was bowled out for 91. Shane Powers was the best of the batsman with 38. Michael Davies (16 n.o. and 1/11) and Nathan Jilich (10) both did well in their first game of cricket.
St Johns-Tecoma 9/145 (L. Kelly 3/14) d Monbulk 91 (S. Powers 38)
@BT Sport Sub Mail:JUNIORS
MONBULK’S under-15s and two under-13s teams played their first match but the results didn’t go their way. But great cricket was played with encouraging signs for future matches.
