Rain ruined MUCCs chances of gaining valuable points on the weekend. With Saturday Sunday fixtures in the 4 premier grades it was disappointing that in each grade one of the 2 days was washed out leaving all matches drawn. The VWCA XI match was completely rained out, while an under strength MCA XI will have its work cut out next week trying to avoid outright defeat.

The 1st XI headed down to Geelong for a Saturday/Sunday clash with a strong Cats lineup.

There was no play on Saturday due to heavy overnight rain, which also delayed the start of the game on Sunday and meant that both sides had to play positive cricket in order to try and achieve a result. Geelong were sent in to bat and took to the MUCC bowlers from ball one, with Aaron Finch in particular striking the ball crisply on his way to a century. Most MUCC bowlers were taken to, with Greg Kennedy and Scott Sanders the only wicket takers in Geelong’s 3 for 210 declared. Dennis Denuto would have been disappointed with MUCC’s fielding performance, as there was little ‘vibe’ displayed by most players.

Set a very achievable 211 off 44 overs, MUCC set about the chase with a solid opening partnership between Jarrod Leggett (58) and Brett Murphy (33) and MUCC needed about 6 an over for the last 20 overs of the run chase. Antony Keely (30) regained some touch, and with Scott Sanders at the crease the total looked like it would be mowed down by the 1s. Unfortunately two quick wickets saw the run rate creep above a run a ball and despite the efforts of the middle order, we fell 8 runs short and the match resulted in a draw.

Despite the lack of points, there were some very positive signs with the bat and the 1st XI can look forward to hopefully getting the chocolates in the two final games pre-Christmas which will see it head into 2010 with 5 wins and 5 losses.

The 2nd XI were at home to the Cats on the weekend. After losing the toss MUCC bowled 83 overs on Saturday. The highlight of the day was the 5 wicket haul to Michael Nalesnyik who managed 5 for 79 from 32 overs. He was well supported by fellow offie Dan Hibbert who took 2 wickets. The other wicket takers were Steve Carlile and Mark Simpson. In the field the highlights were two of the most unlikely catches ever been held by Carlile. When stumps were called early due to rain Geelong were 9 for 247 with MUCC requiring a good batting performance to get the points. No play was possible on Sunday due to the flooded nature of the outfield.

Venturing down the highway to Kardinia Park West on Saturday the 3s were lucky enough to win the toss and insert the Cats. A late start and an early finish due to the weather meant that just 41 overs were bowled. Opening bowlers Andy Thomas and Tom Williams picked up one wicket apiece while Lachie Richards ended with the figures of 2 for 25. When stumps were called the Geelong were 4 for 151. Overnight rain left the ground unplayable on Sunday ruining what was brewing to be a great game of cricket.

The 4th XI lost the toss at the Crawford and were sent into bat by Geelong in good bowling conditions. Steady bowling by the Cats meant that partnerships were regularly broken. Of the top order only Dan Hanrahan made any contribution with 30. Things were looking precarious at 7 for 60 and some solid resistance from the lower order was required to take the total pass 100. Skipper Mark Bhattacharyya (16) combined with Hamish Bull to add 31 for the 8th wicket. After a delay due to rain Bull was joined by Josh Van Cuylenburg. Together they added another vital 28 runs. In fading light Laban Ditchburn was the last man to go with the total on 130. Bull remained 36 not out. Stumps were called shortly after as more rain arrived.

Having reached 130 and with further rain forecast overnight MUCC were confident they had enough to defend. It was not to be however, with the rain proving the winner. On Sunday the Craw was awash with water and a substantial part of the pitch soaked. The umpires initially delayed their decision but another heavy downpour on the scheduled started time meant the match ended in a draw.

It was an extremely disappointing day for the MCA XI on Saturday. With vital players unavailable it was always going to be a challenge. Again skipper Jesse Draeger did a fantastic job bringing the team together. Unfortunately the team was rolled for just 24 (only 9 batted) in the first innings. In the field the team battled hard to take 5 wickets having Sacred Heart 5 for 88 when they declared. Nick Snowdon took his first wicket on debut while Adam Pustola continued his fine run with the ball taking 3 wickets. Batting a second time MUCC were marginally improved reaching 5 for 31 at stumps, still a deficient of 33 runs. Hopefully the lower order can show some fight next week and push the match into a fourth innings.

Next week it is battle of the Universities as Melbourne University takes on Hawthorn Monash Uni in Premier Cricket. MUCC will be hoping for solid wins through the grades against a rebuilding HMU. The VWCA XI have a home fixture at the McAlister Oval on Sunday against Coburg, while the MCA XI will finish their match against Sacred Heart.