MUCC Match Reports – Round 6
First XI: MUCC 9/196cc (Hutton 52 McNeil 33) defeated by Geel 5/197
On a gorgeous morning for cricket in Geelong, the First XI were looking to put some distance between themselves and those teams pushing for the top 8.
Winning the toss and electing to bat, Uni were one down early on, before a steady partnership of 52 between Hutton and Young regained some stability. Daniel Hutton batted nicely for a composed 55, but the fall of wickets was too regular, as 5 batsmen scored over 20, with contributions from McNeil (33), Rogers (26) and Martignago (22), but none were able to convert a start into a big score. As such, Uni finished with 9/196 from their 50 overs.
With the ball, Uni were off to the perfect start, as Wes Agar picked up the prized wicket of Tim Ludeman in the first over, thanks to a superb catch from Ben Rolfs at point. Mark Stafford managed the second wicket in the second over, thanks to a leading edge which was also taken nicely by Rolfs, running back with the flight. Unfortunately, that was where the joy ended for MUCC, as Geelong put on 174 for the next wicket, despite some good bowling, putting the game out of reach, and ultimately passing the score in the 40th over, winning with a bonus point.
Uni will be looking to make amends as we head into the T20 rounds, with four matches in two weekends.
Full match scorecard here.
Second XI: MUCC 7/221 (Yaksender 112 Emms 60) defeated Geel 8/220cc (McLaughlan 3/42)
The seconds played at home to Geelong in round six of the Premier season.
On a very batsmen-friendly wicket at the University Main Oval, Geelong won the toss and chose to bat. A superb, combined effort from all the bowlers restricted Geelong to 8/220 from their 50 overs with John McLaughlan (3/42) and Umair Butt (2/41) the multiple wicket-takers.
University entered the break full of confidence but were in trouble straight away as Moroney struck in the first over for Geelong. A terrific partnership of 134 between Harrison Emms (60) and Andrej Yaksender (112) then put the team right on the front foot with a bonus point in sight. Some tight bowling from Geelong meant that a bonus point was no longer possible and the score was passed in the penultimate over with 3 wickets in hand. Andrej Yaksender the star performer again with a chanceless 112, his second century of the season. The win to Geelong means that the seconds stay at 2nd on the table and are confident leading in the 20/20s this coming weekend.
Full match scorecard here.
Third XI: MUCC 6/195cc (McKenna 47, Polkinghorne 46) defeated by Geel 7/199 (Stevenson 3/18)
The 3rd XI side had an away game to Geelong over the weekend, which was played at Kardinia Park West.
After winning the toss and electing to bat, MUCC posted a healthy target of 6/198 with Fergus McKenna who looked solid opening the batting making a solid 47 before being run out unluckily. Tom Polkinghorne with 46 also helped MUCC reach their total of just under 200 off their 45 overs.
The defence of this total seemed a likelihood when Jacob Stevenson took 3 wickets in his third over to have the Geelong side 3/14, before batsmen Ogle and Wareham batted very well to help Geelong past the total 7, but fantastic death bowling from Aaron Boyle (9 overs 2 maidens for 39) and Ben Roughsedge (7 overs for 46) kept MUCC in the hunt till the last runs. A loss, but a very well fought match.
Full match scorecard here.
Fourth XI: MUCC 146 all out (Epstein 75) defeated by Geel 4/147
A beautiful day for cricket welcomed the boys to Princes Park in hopes of taming the Cats.
The skipper won the toss and elected to bat; a tough day with the bat saw Uni bowled out for 146. Elijah Kleanhous and Jackson Hall where valiant against some tough bowling early on before Raf Epstein put together a brilliant inning of 75 to give Uni something to defend.
An early wicket to Swan and a magnificent catch by Epstein behind the stumps gave the boys a great start, but it was to be short-lived. Some strong batting through the middle overs saw Geelong comfortably take the win, only losing four wickets in their chase.
Plenty of lessons to be taken from this game for the Uni boys as they go into the T20s next weekend.
Full match scorecard here.
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