March 20

 

University Hotel Second XI  -  Grand Final v Richmond City

Richmond City 168 (Julian Sakowski 5/40, James Vear 2/24)
MOCCC 4/170 (Daniel Cimoli 106*, Ron Murray 26)

MOCCC University Hotel 2^nd XI in fantastic Grand Final win by 6 wickets

After losing lat year’s Grand Final, the MOCCC 2^nd XI erased the memories of this with a convincing victory in the 2009/10 Grand Final against Richmond City, winning comfortably by 6 wickets.

Opening batsman Daniel Cimoli, in a man-of-the-match performance, was dominant scoring 106no. Despite giving a number of chances, Cimoli broke the hearts of the Richmond City bowlers with a combination of excellent concentration and power hitting. He not only carried his bat, but also scored 62% of the MOCCC runs.

Chasing Richmond City’s mid-range target of 168, the MOCCC lads were greeted with an excellent batting deck. Cimoli and Tim Rush opened the batting and looked comfortable together until Rushy was tempted outside off stump, and tickled one to keeper Egan, 1/10. Paul Dinneen followed next ball, after receiving a brute of a yorker first cod, and was bowled, 2/10.

Cimoli was then joined by the in-form Daniel Fallshaw. Both looked in excellent form, and Fallshaw got to 18 before skying one into the covers, and was caught, 3/57.  At this stage, Cimoli was motoring along and was on 32, seemingly in charge of the bowling.

Then came the match-winning partnership of 88 runs, with Ron Murray joining Cimoli at the crease. Both batsmen were intent on doing well, and gave the Richmond City bowlers nothing. Murray showed excellent concentration and support of Cimoli who was motoring. The partnership was broken when Murray was adjudged LBW for 26 to spinner Martin, 4/145. At this stage, Cimoli had raced to 87.

When Stuey Kemp came to the wicket to join Cimoli, the damage was done. The main interest was to see whether Cimoli could make his maiden ton. This he did in style, and ended up unbeaten on 106.  Kemp ended up 4no.

This win culminated an excellent year for the 2^nd XI, and thanks to all those who represented the team during 2009/10.

Thanks to Dan Day for performing the 12^th man duties with a smile, and to all the supporters who came out to support us over the two days.

We are now promoted to C Turf for next season, where I am confident that we have the cattle to contest another finals series. Enjoy the off-season, and let’s get together in the nets during the winter months.