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.

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.

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.

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,
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.

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.

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.

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.

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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