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Round 17 Review: Good Weekend for The Bombers

Jaspar Wilson-Keir

It was a good weekend of cricket for the Bombers with the 1sts scoring a valuable away point at Walter Galt by hanging on for a nail biting draw. The 2s and 3s both won to stay in touch with the 8 in their respective competitions whilst the 4s were unfortunately soundly beaten.


1ST XI KINGSTON HAWTHORN 2-234 DREW ECC 9-216


In their return to two-day cricket, the firsts ventured to Walter Galt Reserve for a Saturday

Sunday game against Kingston Hawthorn. Winning the toss and sending the home side in,

Captain Liam Molloy was looking to make early inroads with the red ball. It wasn’t long until

left arm quick Nick McGuane (2/60) picked up first of the day. After a solid 2nd wicket partnership of 61 skipper Liam Molloy (1-41) was next to strike claiming a wicket in only his second over of the day. Amongst a real team effort, Victorian U19 quick Muhammad Abdulrafay (2/48) looked dangerous all day, whilst seamer Lachie Busk (2/29 worked hard to restrict the Hawks to 8-203 at stumps on day one.

Opening Bowler Nick McGuane lets one fly
Opening Bowler Nick McGuane lets one fly

Resuming on Sunday morning the Hawks through some late contributions from their tail enders were able to increase the total to a competitive 9-234.



Abdulrafay (left) pictured with teammate Harry Duke had a solid weekend with the ball and the bat
Abdulrafay (left) pictured with teammate Harry Duke had a solid weekend with the ball and the bat

Hoping for a triumphant second innings, the Bombers opening partnership was cracked

open at 31 Fernando being the first to go. Looking to steady the ship, Harry Duke (30 off 71)

was solid through the middle assisted by skipper Molloy (35 off 72). Despite a fighting knock

of 63 off 62 from Noah Panaia which gave the Bombers a fighting chance of reeling in the total, a steady of stream of wickets curtailed this. When number 9 Nick McGuane was dismissed with 3 overs to play things were looking bleak however a brave 10th wicket stand between Abdul Rafay and Lachie Busk, holding on amid a barrage of bumpers and spin the Bombers were able to score a valuable point holding on for a draw.


Whilst it wasn't the result they were hoping for at the start of the day there were positive signs for the Bombers and they will take confidence into the final three games of the season.


The draw leaves the 1sts sitting 16th on the ladder after Round 17.


2ND XI ECC 4-240 DEF KINGSTON HAWTHORN 227


Coming off a tough loss last week, the seconds were looking to bounce back at Windy Hill.

Sent in to bat first, Kingston made the most of the early conditions taking the early

wicket of Nick Markovski. However, cometh the moment, cometh the man. Down from the firsts, Emerson

White showed his class with a stunning 134 off 152. In a classy knock that included thirteen

fours and four maximums, he alongside Prasanna Ketheeshwaran (48 off 67) along with contributions from off season recruit Josh Trembearth (23) and skipper Liam Tobin (24 not out) steered the

Bombers to 4-240, setting the Hawks a tough 241 to win.



Emerson White showed his class with a powerful 134 off 152 balls
Emerson White showed his class with a powerful 134 off 152 balls

On a flat wicket with a fast outfield, leading wicket taker Navdeep Rai (1/31 off 8) was the

first to strike, followed by an up and about Archit Bhatia who ended up with 3/60 off 10.

Needing only 40 off the last eight overs, the Hawks had swung momentum back their way

with a handy partnership at the back end. Needing a moment of individual brilliance, it was

Rai who executed a perfect direct hit runout with a “Deano” (the name paying homage to our fantastic fielding coach Dean Marnell) throw from midwicket. With the momentum back in the Bomber's favour but the game still in the balance,





Nav Rai's 'Deano' run out turned the game


Captain Liam Tobin turned to his spinners to pin the away side back.


*Editors Note - Whilst the writer of this report is being modest it must be said that his fantastic spell of 1-26 from 10 was instrumental in the 2s getting up. With the game on the line and the big hitting J Moraitsis of Kingston powering the Hawks to a likely win, Wilson-Keir delivered a masterclass in variation and skill, bowling the crucial 44th over for only run, seriously halting the Hawk's chase. In a high scoring game his skills and nerve were critical in the 2s getting across the line.



Jaspar Wilson-Keir (1-26) was instrumental in the 2nds big win
Jaspar Wilson-Keir (1-26) was instrumental in the 2nds big win

With fourteen needed off the last, the exceptional 16 year-old Jackson Martin held his nerve taking two

wickets in the last over to seal the game. Martin ultimately ending the game with 3/43 off 9.5.



Spin twins Jackson Martin (left) and Jaspar Wilson-Keir (right) were instrumental in the 2nd XI win
Spin twins Jackson Martin (left) and Jaspar Wilson-Keir (right) were instrumental in the 2nd XI win

After some soul searching during the week after a tough loss to Richmond the week before, it was a great win by the twos. The win leaves the 2nds in 13th position but only a game outside of the top 8 with three winnable games to finish the season.

It was all smiles for 2nds as they walked off victorious
It was all smiles for 2nds as they walked off victorious

3RD XI ECC 7-249 DEF KINGSTON HAWTHORN 186


Winning the toss and batting first, Captain Sean Phillips-Williams was clinical upon his

return. His well-made 70 off 93 complemented by Arin Mishra (40 off 22) through the

middle order, set up the back end and put the Bombers in the box seat. With some late

innings hitting from Krit Darji (35 off 19) the thirds were able to get to an above par score of

249.


Looking to get back on the winners list, opening pair Luay Miraz (1/17 off 5) and Brad Porter

(1/16 off 6) got the second innings rolling claiming both openers in quick succession. Looking in full control, leg spinner Pawaan Sharma (2/49 off 9) and seamer Paramvir Singh

(2/9 off 6) chipped in with two each, to bowl Kingston out for 186 in a dominant win.


The win leaves the 3rds sitting in 11th position on the ladder still in the hunt for a finals berth with 3 games to play


4TH XI ECC 198 DEF BY KINGSTON HAWTHORN 1-199


Returning to Cross Keys Reserve, Essendon won the toss and batted first. Finding themselves

at 7-89 after Kingston’s strong start with the ball, it was Arshit Rajput who lead the counter

attack smashing 82 from 92 balls. Assisted by youngster George Martindale (46 off 64)

coming off a strong Dowling Shield tournament, the two were able to get the Bombers to a

defendable total of 198.

Youngster George Martindale (pictured during the recent Dowling Shield Competition) hit a solid 46 runs to keep the 4ths in the game
Youngster George Martindale (pictured during the recent Dowling Shield Competition) hit a solid 46 runs to keep the 4ths in the game

Needing a lot to go right in the second innings, the away side

proved too good. Kingston Hawthorn chasing down the score only one down in a tough day

for the fourths.


The loss leaves the 4ths 18th on the ladder.


Overall it was a good weekend of cricket for the Bombers scoring points in 3 out of 4 grades. The hard work of the players and coaches starting to yield dividends.


The Bombers now look ahead to three red ball games to finish the season. The 1sts return to Windy Hill for a big clash against Camberwell Magpies next Saturday.



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