MONBULK Cricket Club’s first XI took on Mountain Gate in the battle for the Decoite Shield at the Monbulk Recreation Reserve.
Mountain Gate won the toss and batted first on a miserable day. Two wickets each to Dave McKay and Chris Martin had Mountain Gate struggling at 4/45 from 25 overs before rain washed out the rest of the first day’s play.
Monbulk started day two where they left off, with Chris Martin bowling an amazing line and length and picking up regular wickets. This was backed up in the field by Billy Hicken who took five catches in the gully region, three of which were absolute screamers. Mountain Gate were bowled out for 77, with Chris Martin ending up with the unbelievable figures of 25 overs, 17 maidens, seven wickets for 14 runs.
In reply, there were some early nervous times for Monbulk losing two early wickets, before Blake Walter and skipper Shane Cosstick steadied the ship with a 48-run partnership.
Monbulk finished on 3/80 to win their 13th match in a row, including the grand final. Fittingly, Blake Walter finishing on 42 not out to top off a great season by himself and the team. Chris Martin won the Ken Utting medal for his match winning performance.
The MCC junior presentation night will be held this Friday 22 March, 6pm at the Logcabin. The senior presentation night is on Friday 12 April.
