By STEVE UTTING
THE MONBULK Cricket Club had a massive weekend both on and off the field.
It started on Friday night with two under-11 and two under-10 games as well as the hugely popular Milo program. On Saturday, our seconds, thirds and under-13s all had great wins, highlighted by Funky Defina’s 7/31 to help the twos to a big win.
Sunday saw the Monbulk Cricket Club host the Monbulk Fun Run. Thanks to everyone in our wonderful community for either running (especially all of the kids), walking, sponsoring, supporting or assisting in some way.
Monbulk MP James Merlino was on hand to present medals to the winners – Chris Rak (8km – Open), Susie Wilson (8km – Open), Josh Rak (8km – under-18), Dana Dekkers (8km – under-18), Scott Bennett (4km winner), Kiara Flavell (4km winner). Special thanks to the Monbulk Bendigo Bank for their support of this event.
Next weekend, most teams finish the year with a one-day game except, the under-13s who have a bye and the under-10s and under-11s who have already finished for their Christmas break. Next Saturday night (20 December) is also the club’s Christmas party for the whole club (Milo, juniors, seniors and families). Come and watch the first XI take on Belgrave during the afternoon followed by a 6.30pm barbecue feast and a 7.30pm visit from Santa.
Scores
First XI: Johnson Park 4/224 (C. Martin 3/41) d Monbulk 10/223 (D. Clark 59, D. McKay 39, J. Fraser 33).
Second XI: Monbulk 7/292 (M. Smart 108, J. Simmonds 104) d Johnson Park 10/95 (C. Defina 7/31, C. Broekhof 3/17).
Third XI: Monbulk 10/278 (G. Hulm 67, H. Emmett 60, D. Williams 35) d Knoxfield 10/146 (R. Howard 4/11) and 2/82.
Fourth XI: Eildon Park 1/104 d Monbulk 9/92 (M. Adams 50 not out).
Under-17: Lysterfield 4/135 d Monbulk 10/55.
Under-15: Eildon Park Wildcats 4/135 d Monbulk 7/76.
Under-13: Monbulk 5/201 (Rab Noonan 32 not out, Toby Hepworth 31 not out, Tyren Utting 30 not out) d Saint Lakers 10/77 (Campbell Dennison 5/7).
Milo Cricket at Monbulk
With more than 100 kinder to late primary school kids registered, Monbulk Cricket Clubs Milo program is again enjoying a very successful Milo In2 Cricket season.
The 12-week program success is underpinned by the five group coaches and the active involvement of parents and grandparents helping with the on-field program and evening barbecue. With the Monbulk under-10s in the middle of the ground and the green, yellow and pink Milo colours surrounding them, the Monbulk Recreational Reserve is a hive of activity each Friday evening.
“It’s all about kids being active, having fun, fostering sportsmanship and social skills. From toddlers to early teens, boys and girls, Monbulk Cricket Club feels it has a community responsibility to promote in kids both social and physical aspects of growing up,” Monbulk Cricket Club president Chris Defina said.
“The Milo program is the perfect pathway before playing Junior cricket, in which we have seven teams this season – we are very proud of our Milo and Junior program.“
