There are two teams still alive in the penultimate week of the season, as one Student reaches a significant milestone.
For twelve seasons, Daniel Hutton has been a favourite MUCCer and In Saturday’s preliminary final, he will play his 200thmatch as a Student. As a player, his record is particularly impressive. Having thrived at the top of the order for his 199 matches to date, Diesel’s effortless and easy left-handed style has earned him 8 MUCC centuries. A Premiership player to boot, D-Bot has done it all in the Baggy Black.
More than his on-field contributions, Diesel has always been a model MUCCer. His caring and selfless nature on display right throughout his time at the Main, D has thrived since taking on the role of head coach in season 21/22.
200 is a lot of matches, and for D, it’s been proudly brought to you by Kookaburra and a whole heap of Extra Peppermint Chewing Gum. More than that, though, it’s been a whole heap of fun.
Congratulations and good luck tomorrow, Diesel!
SECOND XI
It might be his 200th, but there won’t be any valet parking for D or the Students tomorrow as they take on St Kilda at Harry Trott; preparations for the Grand Prix set to wreak havoc for those who struggle to nail a parallel park.
An unchanged side, the Second XI will surely take some confidence from their victory last week, and if they need any further inspiration, James Bett will no doubt remind them they are in a “prreeliminarry finalll!”
One man – the skipper Isaiah Borgas – will be champing at the bit to get back to the Trott. Last time, he blasted an indomitable 162 no. On that occasion, the wicket had been set on fire to help with rapid drying, imagine what he can manage sans arson! While we’re taking a trip down memory lane, D also made 112 no. that day. Look out, Saints.
Doug Warren’s Blues are currently 2-0. Exuberant at the best of times, Slug can hardly be contained at the moment. Of course, it’s a long season and if he wants to be assured of silverware, his best option is to put all his eggs in the cricketing basket. The Blues have let him down before.
Love will be in the air tomorrow, too as both Peacock and Hahnel will spend Friday afternoon/ evening at weddings. As Ted Lasso says, “if you’ve got a little love in your heart, there ain’t nothing you can’t get through.” Yes, that includes a preliminary final.
PLAYER TO WATCH: Angus Molden
He featured heavily in Rolfsy’s social media content from Thursday night and didn’t his hair look good?! Locks and bumpers flowing in equal measure, Molden threatens to break this one apart.
THIRD XI
Dominant last week, the Third XI will travel to the inner-south-east to continue their finals campaign against the True Blues.
Naturally, as the pressure mounts, Tom Savill returns. Did someone say gravitas? Having assured the selectors that he has been sending down thunderbolts in the Scotch College nets between classes and parent meetings, Sav might just need to pretend he’s bowling to a pushy parent tomorrow, and watch the wickets flow.
Om Patel has made an invaluable contribution throughout the year with both bat and ball. Recently, he has gone a step further utilising an impressive network of connections to secure a number of MUCCers a quality bat refurbishment. A ‘nice-to-have’ at this point in the year, Wizard will surely use his own re-handled blade to stabilise the Third XI batting line-up.
Speaking of stability, Hugo Bienvenu provides a great deal of it. Deadlifts and squats ensuring he will swing from a stable base, the left-hander blasted them in the nets on Thursday and will be keen to put a couple on to Orrong Road tomorrow.
Dan McNab brought work to training on Thursday, too. Though, rather than a spreadsheet or a wealth of unread emails, it was Blazer’s latest edition flannel. A walking advertisement, McNab looked the part, and could well bowl the part on Saturday; the crafty spinner a big-time player.
Sam Skinner couldn’t decide whether he wanted to bat left or right-handed during the week, either. A good problem to have, it could leave the True Blues with headaches, the Skinny Dog more than capable standing on either side of the willow.
PLAYER TO WATCH: Elliott Durrant
A haircut during the week, Elliott Durrant actually featured on Burnley Barbershop Instagram as a result! A short back and sides, Durrant looks sharp, as does his game at the minute. Pouncing on anything either side of a good length, KD could be in for a big one tomorrow. Especially if he has some Portuguese chicken tonight.
