Abdul Haseeb, MUCC’s favourite Canadian, will make his First XI debut this weekend. ‘Bruce’ the opening quick who arrived at MUCC last year, has played in every grade, working his way up from the 5th XI, and impressed at every stage. Having claimed seven wickets so far this season, and already with some Super Slam experience under his belt, Haseeb is well poised to take on Geelong. The Club is thrilled for Abdul, and wish him all the best as he wears cap number 968 for the Students!
In other news, another MUCCer passes a milestone and the coach gets married, as the Students prepare to take on Geelong in a Saturday/ Sunday of red-ball cricket in the top two grades, and a white-ball one day match for the 3’s and 4’s.
FIRST XI
With the inclusion of debutant, Abdul Haseeb, and with the added humour and all-round cricketing abilities of James Bett, the First XI will be champing at the bit to get on the field against Geelong this weekend, after their thrilling victory in round 5. Currently tenth on the ladder, last year’s runners up will be sure to test the Students, as Uni looks to entrench themselves in the top four.
Keep an eye out for Andrej Yaksender this weekend. The Polish mastermind was denied the chance to churn out runs last week as rain intervened, but he will surely get back to doing ‘Yak things’ should the rain stay away this weekend.
Best of luck to the First XI, and once again to Abdul Haseeb on being selected to make his debut.
TEAM:
A Yaksender, JR Bett, A Haseeb, +JG Martignago, *F McKenna, L Scammell, AP Young, M Stafford, B Rolfs, AJ Gregory, HS Emms
SECOND XI
Travelling down the highway to Kardinia Park, the Second XI will be playing in the shadows of footballing royalty. Speaking of royalty, Isaiah Borgas returns this weekend, and will play his 50th match for MUCC. Having crossed from Adelaide in 2016/17, Borgas has become a staple at Uni, and we congratulate him on a fine first 50 games at the Club. The Second XI also welcomes back James Horn, after impressive form in the Thirds.
This weekend appears to be a big one for the Hatzoglou family. With brothers Max and Peter both in the 2nd XI, the Geelong Grammar boys will feel almost at home this week, and coming off a hundred last week, Max is in fine form, while older brother Peter has been dominating in the Super Slam.
A victory this weekend would add a layer of security to the Second XI’s place in the top four in the run into Christmas.
TEAM:
*MG Simpson, I Borgas, JE Horn, A Mawien, P Hatzoglou, B Roughsedge, +N Croes, M Hatzoglou, C Dooley, L Melican, Y Iqbal
THIRD XI
Boasting an extremely strong side for their one-day match against Geelong, the Third XI, and the Club as a whole, welcome back John McLaughlan for his first match of the season. Having suffered a foot injury just prior to round one, the off-spinner is a valuable inclusion to any side, and the Third XI are lucky to have him this weekend.
Stevenson, coming off 6 wickets last weekend, will be keen to continue his good form, as he continues to thrive balancing his medical studies in Wangaratta, whilst performing particularly well for MUCC.
It is Daniel Hutton to keep an eye on this Saturday in the Third XI. The stylish all-rounder adds valuable experience and talent to the team, and will surely be a contributor with both bat and ball against Geelong.
Currently sixth on the ladder, a win this week would help the Third XI in staking a claim at the top four.
TEAM:
H Bienvenu, J Kooran, J McLaughlan, *TE Savill, S Skinner, DB Hutton, JG Zanoni, J Stevenson, E Durrant, J Kennedy, K Hatton, NW Ritchie
FOURTH XI
Still searching for their first win of the season, the Fourth XI will travel to Kardinia to take on the ninth place Geelong in a one day match this Saturday. With the inclusions of 5th XI skipper Adam Pustola, and James Browning for his first Premier match of the season, the Fourth XI will be keen to come back to Melbourne with the points.
Om Patel is our player to watch this week. The young left-armer has already demonstrated his skill set, having claimed 8 wickets so far this season, and he could break the game open for the Students with the new ball.
TEAM:
*L Ditchburn, A Pustola, O Patel, T Stockley, H Alexander, R Epstein, +J Heanly, N Panjwani, J Stone, J Browning, N Rao
Last but not least, it is with great pride and excitement that we announce coach and MUCC favourite, Antony Keely tied the knot with long-term partner, Jemma, on Monday. The happy couple are currently enjoying some time away in Byron Bay. Congratulations to both of them!
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