This Season

Interesting fact: Having previously astounded the whole continent by walking South to North across Australia in 1920, Aidan De Brune used that walk as a mere warm up for his real objective. In 1921 he set off from Sydney to walk the entire perimeter of the continent. Two and a half years and ten thousand miles later, he arrived back in Sydney from the opposite direction that he had embarked.

The great antipodean adventure is over for Sam and Zach, whose sides failed to manage a top four finish that would have secured a spot in the end of season Grand Finals. Both lads fly home at the end of the month after, no doubt, sampling a little more neck oil before completing their escapade.

Zach's league season ended with a dull thud and a 5th out of eight placed finish with a narrow 214 run defeat following their 74 all out in 43 overs that must have put the spectators into a deep sleep. Zach hit one of only four fours in the entire innings, but that was all she wrote as his season ended in nine balls as Tooradin's 288 disappeared over the horizon.

Churchill's win left them in fourth place and a Grand Final Semi-Final spot against the 1st placed club, after a six wicket win at Morwell. Jordy opened the batting in pursuit of a 114 total in which Jordy didn't bowl but Ryan took 2-16 from ten overs. Jordy's 29 provided the platform for the win after batsmen 2 and 3 failed, allowing Ryan's 42 to finish the job.

Sam's 20 with the bat proved crucial in a low scoring game at Chisholm CC. Having posted just 97, Northern Suburbs bowled out the hosts for 87 to secure an unlikely ten run win. Sam wasn't called upon to bowl but compensated by completing three catches in the final game of the season which left his side in a disappointing fifth place after challenging at the top for most of the season.

In New Zealand, Caleb's three ball duck contributed to his side facing an uphill task on day two of their two day game after closing on 186-5 in pursuit of Elmwood's 305-8 in 60 overs. Fin did not make an appearance this week for reasons unknown.

Scorecards:

Zach – Here

Sam – Here

Jordy & Ryan – Here

Caleb – Here

Interesting Fact: Australia is home to the world's longest golf course. The Nullarbor Links spans a whopping 848 miles from Kalgoorlie in Western Australia to Ceduna in South Australia. The course consists of 18 holes, with each one located in a different town along the 1000+mile long Eyre Highway.

With Churchill having a day off on Saturday, Zach's Pakenham CC embarked on a two day game that will conclude next week and, after winning the toss, found themselves chasing leather as visitors Tooradin piled up 288 all out in just over 78 overs, Zach weighed in with a couple of catches, including the unfortunate Praveen Perera just two short of a century. In the first meeting in October, Tooradin had amassed 276 runs which proved to be 57 too many for Pakenham, so they will be hoping for better luck next week.

Sam's title ambitions took a tumble as Northern Suburbs went down narrowly to neighbours Eastern Suburbs who leapfrogged them in the table, the eight run victory being revenge for their defeat back in December. Sam bowled eight wicketless overs for 41, took a catch and scored just two runs on a day to forget in his side's penultimate match of the season.

As anticipated, the two day game in New Zealand between Caleb Donaldson's Heathcote CC and Finlay's Riccarton, ended in yet another defeat for Fin's unfortunate bottom placed club. Riccarton added to their 1st inning total of 121 with 147 in the second with Fin stumped for just 5 runs. Heathcote knocked off the required 64 runs for the loss of three wickets with Caleb top scoring with 25 to follow up his 84 in last week's first innings, hopefully warming up nicely for his Clifton debut at Roe Green in seven short weeks. Fin was wicketless, conceding 17 runs in his four over spell. That leaves Riccarton with just one win all season and two games to go to make some amends.

Scorecards:

Zach – Here

Sam – Here

Caleb – Here

Fin – Here

Interesting fact: The Anna Creek cattlefarm in South Australia is larger than the country of Israel.

Zach's low scoring two day game concluded with both sides batting twice and Pakenham going down to a seven-wicket defeat. Continuing at 24-1 after being bowled out for 80 last week, they fared slightly better in mustering 103, but Cardinia had little trouble knocking off the 60 needed after posting 126 last week. Zach's batting duties were over and done with last week so he was restricted to keeping for the 11 overs that the hosts needed to complete the win. 

Jordy and Ryan suffered defeat as well as they were a longway off matching the ex-students' 286-8 posted last week. In the end they fell127 runs short with Jordy only managing five runs, though Ryan chipped in with57. 

Sam's Northern Suburbs completed their two-day win over leaders Tenambit-Morpeth, following up their 295 all out last week by bowling out their hosts for 190. Sam didn't bowl on the day, but got valuable experience of the two-day format as his 2nd grade side continue to challenge for the title.  

In Canterbury down in New Zealand, the two day head-to-head between Fin and Caleb appears to be going Caleb's way as he scored 84 in 110balls with ten fours and a six in a total of 205-8 in reply to Riccarton's 121in which Fin scored 12 not out. Fin took 1-56 in Heathcote's innings and his side finished on 23-1 in their second innings, still 61 runs behind.

Scorecards:

Zach – Here

Sam – Here

Jordy & Ryan – Here

Caleb – Here

Fin - Here

Interesting fact: Over 80% of the continent's plants, mammals, reptiles, and frogs can only be found in Australia.

Zach's Pakenham CC and Jordan's Churchill CC embarked on two-day games at the weekend that will conclude next Saturday, and both set themselves a stiff challenge to stay in the game. Pakenham have the greatest mountain to climb as they will resume at 28-1 in their second innings having been bowled out for just 80 in 34 tortuous overs with four batsmen, sadly including Zach, registering ducks. Cardinia Bulls, sitting 2nd in the table, then reached 126-2before declaring and asking Pakenham to bat again. They reached a steady 28-1at the close with Zach suffering an unlikely two dismissals on the same day. 

Churchill's dilemma was somewhat different as they spent all day in the field chasing leather as the Ex-Students team piled up 286. Neither Jordy or Ryan were put to the sword as both returned decent figures in the circumstances with Ryan bowling eight wicketless overs for just thirteen runs and Jordy picking up the wicket of the Students’ centurion for 134 in stats of1-36 off 11 overs. Neither of the two lads went to the crease as their teammates then crumbled to 5-2 in reply. 

Sam continued his valuable experience in North West Suburbs2nd grade team, and his first outing in a two-day game. He contributed a decent 13 runs to a stunning 295 all out against top of the table Tenambit Morpeth Cricket Club, which means that the 'Burbs, who sit in 2nd spot, have the title in their sights in what should be a thriller next week. 

Over in Kiwiland, Caleb and Finlay continue to battle away in the Christchurch Metro Cricket Association with Caleb's Heathcote in 5th and Finlay's Riccarton sadly still rock bottom and needing snookers to overcome a 27-pointgap with the side above them. It was a familiar tale for Fin as they went down to a 148-run defeat after their visitors piled up 302-7 with the Cliftoner taking 1-47. He then contributed 14 to his sides 154 all out. Heathcote's 188-9wasn't enough to deter opponents Sydenham who secured a four wicket win inside37 overs. Caleb opened the batting scoring 18 including two boundaries. There are just three weeks left of the regular season and Finlay and Caleb go head-to-head next week. In an earlier T20 game, unsurprisingly going the way of Heathcote, Caleb scored 49 in 41 balls and Fin took 1-43 and scored three with the bat, whereas in the first league game, Caleb scored six and Fin took 1-32 as Riccarton went down by 56 runs. 

Scorecards:

Zach – Here

Sam – Here

Jordy & Ryan – Here

Fin – Here

Caleb – Here

Interesting Fact: For all you fellow trainspotters out there, The Nullarbor Plain section of the Indian Pacific Railway between Sydney and Perth, has the world's longest completely straight length of railway track, covering approximately 297 miles without the slightest hint of a curve. 

It was another inauspicious day for the Oz and Kiwi Poms at the weekend. We left Pakenham and Churchill in the middle of two-day games last week, with Pakenham posting 129 and Devon Meadows on 24-1 and Churchill chasing Moe CC's 234-6. Pakenham made a fight of their poor total but finally succumbed with the visitors bowled out for 136 with Zach picking up 2 catches behind the stumps and no time left in the game for a second innings. Churchill recovered from 53-5 to overcome their opponents final total of 247 in a thrilling one wicket victory, but Jordy managed just four with the bat and was wicketless. Ryan Ayers fared slightly better with six runs and two wickets contribution to an excellent win. Sam found himself promoted to Northern Suburbs 2nd grade XI and had to be satisfied with a red ink 1no off his one ball faced, batting at 9 in an imposing 'Burbs total of 264-7 that was 84 too many for their opponents.Sam got the chance to turn his arm over and took 1-23 as the second-string cemented 2nd spot in the table.

Down the road in New Zealand, things weren't any better for new recruit Caleb Donaldson who managed just three in Heathcote CC's 66-run defeat. Similarly, once again, Riccarton CC went down to a heavy defeat, cementing bottom spot in the table. Fin scored nine with the bat but didn't capture any wickets,  but all Clifton eyes will be focused on the match taking place on February 20th when Caleb and Finlay face off head-to-head in a two-day game. 

200 miles or so to the south of Riccarton, lies Carisbrook CC where Clifton's 1900 professional Harold Watson played, having emigrated to New Zealand in the days when such things were virtually unheard of. He made a life for himself out there and even has his own Wiki page - HaroldWatson (New Zealand Cricketer)

Meanwhile, Zach was selected to play in the Melbourne area's prestigious Country Week competition. First staged in 1922, Melbourne Country Week has long been considered the pinnacle for regionally based Victorian cricketers, with some of the game’s finest players participating over the years. His side went down to a 60 run defeat on Tuesday, with Zach grabbing a catch and six with the bat. 

Scorecards:

Zach – Here

Sam – Here

Jordy & Ryan – Here

Caleb - Here

Interesting Fact:  If you were tovisit all Australia's beaches at the rate of one per day, it would take over 29years to have a paddle on them all.

It was a day to forget for the Poms down under as Churchilland Pakenham embarked on two-day games and Sam was unable to contribute eithera run or a wicket in Northern Suburbs win that lifted them to third place inthe table. In the two-day games, Pakenham batted first and could only manage adisappointing 129 with Zach contributing six of those runs and the visitorswill start on 24-1 when they resume next week. When Churchill resume, they'llbe chasing Moe CC's 234-6. Neither Jordy or Ryan were amongst the wickets,although Ryan's 0-33 off 17 overs at less than two per over was creditable.

A couple of thousand miles to the South East on New Zealand's south island, new signing Caleb Donaldson was in action for his Heathcote CC side, against East Shirley. Much like the Oz players' weekend experiences, Caleb only contributed three runs in a 47 run defeat. Meanwhile Finlay returned decent enough figures of 3-36 in Riccarton's somewhat embarrassing 274 run defeat to table toppers Elmwood that left Finlay's side rock bottom of the league.

Scorecards:

Zach – Here

Sam – Here

Jordy – Here

HOT STUFF (Interesting Fact): The Casey Cardinia Cricket Association, the league that Zach plays in, cancelled their entireSaturday programme due to a fifty-degree heatwave.

A few miles further East, despite the best efforts of both Jordan and Ryan, Churchill went down to a disappointing defeat against Glengarry that may just have killed off their championship ambitions. Battingfirst and with Jordy once again opening the batting, he received no support until Ryan joined him at 46-3 with Jordy already well into the 30s. They took the score to 76 before Jordy went lbw for 43 including three 4s and a six. Ryan batted on before he too became an lbw victim for 36 and the score stuttered onto a poor 146 all out. It never looked enough as every Glengarry batsman bar one, reached double figures and despite Jordan producing a sterling bowling effort with figures of 10-4-21-3, Churchill went down to a six-wicket defeat with six overs to spare.

Sam's contribution to his side's Saturday win, was negligible as the 'burbs cemented third spot with a 22-run win over local rivals Western Suburbs. Batting first they racked up 187-5 in the allotted 40 overs with Sam only managing three with the bat. The visitors were then bowled out for 165 with Sam one of seven bowlers used in what I suspect were sweltering conditions. His 1-3 in four overs helped secure the win as all butone of the bowlers captured at least one scalp.

We're now in a position to add a fifth down under player to Ozwatch as newly signed overseas player Caleb Donaldson enters our zone. The admins in New Zealand are a bit more laid back about posting match results and at present neither Caleb nor Finlay's results have been posted. Watch this space.

Scorecards:

Sam – Here

Jordy - Here

INTERESTING FACT: Australia was the first country in the world to introduce the mandatory wearing of seat belts.

Pakenham missed the opportunity to put pressure on the top clubs in the table for the run in to the season, with a very disappointing six run defeat to bottom placed club, Officer, presenting them with only their second win of the season. After piling up 309 in the reverse fixture, Zach's team could only muster 180 with Zach contributing just eight, including a six, as they failed to chase down the home side's 186-6. A stumping chance removed the Officer opener, but that was 'all she wrote' for the rest of the first innings and then Pakenham were all out with an over to spare, after an England style collapse saw the last six batsmen contributing just 11 runs.

The top four all went head to head in Churchill's division and Jordy's side were winners along with Morwell who went top. The Churchill team had to be content with remaining fourth but are well placed to mount a late charge on the top. After bowling out the Tralagon Imperials for just 100, they made short work of knocking off the runs, despite losing the first four with only 37 on the board. After capturing a wicket apiece, Jordy and Ryan donned the pads with Jordy finding himself in the unusual position of opening bat. He was out for 15 on 36-1, but that quickly became 37-4 as the jitters set in. No further wickets fell however as Churchill cemented 4th spot, nine points behind the leaders.

Sam's Northern Suburbs failed to launch their own championship challenge as they went down to a 21 run defeat against table toppers Bowthorne. At 115-7, the home side were in a bit of bother, but a late rally took the score to 175 all out off the final ball of their 40 overs. The 'Burbs produced a positive response and at 116-2 looked favourites with Sam contributing 21 in a 2nd wicket stand of 48. However the tail fell away as they huffed and puffed their way to 154-7 and 4th spot just six points behind the leaders.

Interesting fact: The astronomical size of Australia couldn't have been better exemplified than by what Australians woke up to on Christmas Day. If you lived in Tasmania, you would have experienced the rare sight of a white Christmas as snow fell to compliment temperatures of -1.4 degrees, but 2,500 miles up the road in Perth, they were melting in a world wide high Christmas Day temperature of 42.1 degrees.

Jordy and Zach got back to cricket action with Sam having to wait a week to resume. Pakenham's recent revival continued as they cemented 3rd= place on the ladder with a 39 run win over Upper Beaconsfield which was their fourth successive victory. Batting first, Zach again opened the batting,posting 12 in a partnership of 23 before falling LBW. His teammates went on to make 175 all out off 39.4 overs in this, the latest one day game. The visitors were then restricted to 136 with Zach contributing a catch and a stumping which took his season's total to 12 victims.

Churchill failed to put pressure on the top sides with defeat against table toppers Ex Students. A win would have seen Ryan Ayres' side go top, but, despite an unbeaten 105 from the skipper who came to the crease at 13-4, his team went down to a devastating one wicket defeat after the Students' last pair knocked off the 13 runs required. Batting first in a one day game, Churchill posted a competitive 194-9, but the visitors responded positively as 138 was posted before the 2nd wicket fell. The middle order stuttered their way towards the target as wickets fell at regular intervals and achieved their win with three overs to spare. Jordy was still suffering from Christmas Pud syndrome as he wasn't able to contribute with the ball and scored only six with the bat.

A recent addition has been made to our 'down under' feature with the discovery that Finlay Testa is playing for Riccarton CC in New Zealand. Incredibly, he 'bumped into' a group of our intrepid holidaymakers whilst walking down the street in Christchurch!  His experiences so far have been a bit mixed with with adopted team finding themselves rock bottom with one win all season. Last weekend was no different as, despite scoring 229 in their 50 overs, they went down to a two wicket defeat with two overs to spare. Fin scored five with the bat but didn't pick up any wickets to add to his 32 in all formats so far.

Scorecards:

Zach – Here

Jordy - Here