On a wet weekend men’s cricket took somewhat of a backseat to the annual counting of Scholars Cross. In a closely fought out count Adam Pustola reigned supreme. His excellent form during the season playing mainly in the MCA XI saw him win by just 1 vote from former 1st XI skipper Nick Williams. Pustola played all 12 matches in the MCA XI taking 27 wickets at 15.7 and his good form was rewarded with a game in the 4th XI for Round 15 where he took 1 for 28. Third position was shared by 1st XI players Scott Sanders (a previous winner in 2007/8) and Jarrod Leggett.

On field it was fruitless weekend for MUCC. Of the 6 scheduled matches 4 finished as draws as a result of the weather, while the top 2 XI’s were both defeated before the rain arrived. Fortunately the 3rd and 4th XIs managed to hang onto their top 8 spots and will be playing finals next week. The VWCA XI was not so lucky with rain wrecking their chances of progressing on from their semi final. On Sunday the MCA XI’s season ended without a ball been bowled in their fixture against Sacred Heart.

The 1st XI needed 86 runs to achieve victory on Saturday with just 3 wickets in hand. With the captain Paul Percy and coach Brett Harrop at the crease hopes were still high. The pair added 10 runs to the overnight tally before Harrop was dismissed. The last two batsmen Greg Kennedy and Tim Rankin fought on bravely but it was to no avail as Percy was left stranded 15 not out as MUCC were all out for 104.

Batting a second time Carlton were in early trouble at 3 for 16 before recovered to 3 for 103 when stumps were called. The wicket takers were Nick Williams (2 for 8 off 8 overs) and Harrop. This ended a much improved season for the 1st XI. Coming off just 2 wins last season the side improved to win 6 matches for the season and finish in 11th spot. More consistency amongst the batting lineup should see the side push for a finals position in 2010/11.

At the Uni Main the 2nd XI were in need of a miracle to secure a final’s position. Resuming at 4/93 the Blues needed 91 more runs to take the points. Uni were off the perfect start with Brendan Goonan claiming the vital early breakthrough. The next partnership was to prove decisive as 61 runs were added for the 6th wicket before Mark Stafford (3/41) took the key wicket. This meant the equation was 4 wickets needed and 32 runs still needed. Some close shouts put the pressure right on everyone involved. Stafford claimed another and Dan Hibbert quickly made it 8/156. The 9th wicket pair then scrambled a match winning partnership to sneak the Blues home in a quality contest. Hugh Van Cuylenburg finished the innings with the final wicket, finishing with 3/38.

Just 6 overs were possible in the second innings before the rain hit. It was action aplenty though as Uni finished at 4/32. This loss means the 2nd XI miss the finals in 11th position.

The 3s resumed their innings at 7/306 knowing that Carlton has to beat them to knock them out of the finals. After losing Tom Williams first ball of the day, his partner Lincoln Loi continued his excellent innings before he was dismissed for 49. The final total was an extremely competitive 325 all out.

With just 72 overs available to make 326 the Blues were going to have to bat very well. Early wickets to the promoted opening bowling pair of Andy Thomas (1/21) and Tim Wetherell (1/23) left Carlton 2/19. A solid 3rd wicket partnership developed before Tom Williams (2/27) made a double breakthrough. In fading light, which Carlton refused to take when offered, Uni keep attacking. Finally the rain and hail arrived to send players scrambling for shelter. Carlton’s inning finished 4/90. The draw was enough for MUCC to secure sixth spot on the ladder.

Further south on the Crawford the 4s batting on from 9/184. The innings lasted just one ball as James Graham was dismissed for 33. With a weakened new ball attack MUCC was unable to make the first breakthrough until Apurwa Sarve (1/11) claimed a sensational caught and bowled in the 10th over. This lead to a double breakthrough as Scholars Cross winner Adam Pustola claimed his maiden 4th XI wicket. The introduction of spin tightened the screws on the Blues innings. Skipper Mark Bhattacharyya (3/28) bowled his offspin to an amazing field that at times included 2 slips, a bat pad, a leg slip and a short cover. His persistent bowling was a constant threat and he was rewarded with his 3 scalps. As the light faded an eerie silence developed over the ground as a distant wave like noise moved closer. Amazing the umpires did not offer the light and this assisted Hamish Bull in claiming a victim in the dark with what turned out to be the final ball of the match. As usual Bull appealed for LBW, yet his team mates went up for the catch at 1st slip. The umpire agreed with his team mates and raised his finger just as the hail arrived. With no further play possible MUCC held onto 7th spot on the ladder.

On Saturday the VWCA XI headed to A.H Capp Reserve in West Preston to play against the undefeated Darebin in the semi-final. There were a few nerves amongst the playing group due to the distinct lack of finals experience, however player spirits were high. MUCC won the toss and unbelievably the captain elected to bat even with the knowledge of the slow wet out-field. Scoring was slow with the very tight Darebin bowling and MUCC was only 1/47 at the drinks break following the departure of Ledene Ellis on 17. The quick wicket of in-form batswoman Madeleine Mitchell for 4 lead to the arrival of Rachel Derham at the crease, following her couple of weeks break with injury. Katie and Rachel attempted to tick the score over a bit quicker, however, this lead to the stumping of Katie for 35, and then the later run out of Rachel for 13. With Alanna and Zoe at the crease, the skies had darkened, assisted by a factory fire in nearby Sydney Road, and they left the ground – two seconds later the hail arrived, followed by the rain and no further play was possible. The higher placed Darebin go through to the Grand Final. 

Following the rain on Saturday afternoon and further overnight rain overnight the 5th XI match was washed out without commencing. This draw helped the side finish 8th which is not last position as reported last week.

So all this means that just 2 sides have survived. Both must win this weekend to progress further into the finals. The matches are as follows:

3rd XI vs Fitzroy Doncaster at Doncaster 

4th XI vs Northcote at the Uni Main