Last weekend Kilsyth Cricket Club’s top four men’s senior teams, as well as the U12-3s and U16s, commenced two-day matches, while the Women’s First XI, Fifth XI, U14 and U12-6 teams played one-day games. The highlight was Daniel Caton scoring his second century of the season, 111 not out for the Second XI against Warranwood. It was his tenth senior century for the Club, equalling the Club record for most senior centuries also held by Nigel Foden. First XI opening bowler Isuru Umesh took 5/47 against Warranwood. Other senior half-centuries were scored by Mark Unternahrer, 59 for the Third XI, and Joshua Bock, 51 retired not out for the Fifth XI. Good all-round performances in the Women’s team saw Stephanie Gibbs take 3/20 and score 34 not out, whilst her sister Serena made 41 and took 2/30. In the Under 16s, Joshua Bock took 5/20 against Koonung Heights, while Under 16 Captain Will Beard is currently 72 not out at the end of Day One and will continue batting next Saturday.
The First XI played at home on Alan Smith Oval, Pinks Reserve against Warranwood in the Wilkins Cup competition. Warranwood won the toss and elected to bat. An opening partnership of 40 came to an end after 10.5 overs when Xavier Farrell was caught by Mackenzie Scott-Thomas in the slips off the bowling of Nuwan Sampath for 31 off 35 balls (3 fours and 1 six). It was 2/76 when fellow opener, Neil Brown, was dismissed in identical fashion after scoring 32 off 59 balls (5 fours). In fact, Nuwan Sampath picked up two wickets in the 21st over with the score on 76. The third wicket to fall was caught behind by wicket keeper Will Beard. It was 4/85 and then 5/89 when opening bowler Isuru Umesh snared two wickets in the 24th over. Then, Umesh captured two more wickets, bowled and LBW, to see Warranwood slump to 6/99, then 7/105. At the tea break, the Sharks were 7/117 off 36 overs. After tea, left arm spinner Mackenzie Scott-Thomas took the eighth wicket, caught and bowled, to have Warranwood 8/136. It became 9/139 when Umesh took his fifth wicket (LBW). However, a last wicket partnership of 54 between Thomas Keyhoe and Glyn James retrieved the situation for Warranwood who were eventually all out for 193 in 52.1 overs. The last wicket to fall was that of Keyhoe, who top scored with 83 off 128 balls (7 fours), caught behind by Will Beard off the bowling of Nuwan Sampath. James finished on 26 not out off 35 balls (4 fours). For Kilsyth, Isuru Numesh captured 5/47 off 13 overs (3 maidens), Nuwan Sampath 4/44 off 10.1 overs (1 maiden), and Mackenzie Scott-Thomas 1/43 off 13 overs (1 maiden). ’Keeper Will Beard took 3 catches, as did Mackenzie Scott-Thomas.
After the tea break, Kilsyth had 27 overs to bat. However, the Redbacks lost early wickets to be 1/13 and 2/21 when Mackenzie Scott-Thomas was caught behind by Xavier Farrell for 16 off 16 balls (4 fours), with opening bowlers Jake Gilbert and Cody Marshall claiming a wicket each. The score raced to 42 off 7.4 overs when Marshall claimed the prize wicket of Andy Solomons, caught in the slips for 24 off 20 balls (6 fours). Chris Pahi and Pasan Ganegoda tried to steady the situation but with the score on 73, Ganegoda was yorked for 15 off 25 balls (3 fours) in Glyn James’ first over. Kilsyth were now 4/73 after 16 overs. When Chris Pahi was bowled by Jake Gilbert for 17 off 35 balls (2 fours), the Redbacks were in trouble at 5/75 after 16.3 overs. Lahiru Randeepa and Will Beard then played out 10 consecutive maidens, the only run being a leg bye, and at stumps Kilsyth were 5/76 off 27 overs. For Warranwood, Jake Gilbert had taken 2/44 off 12 overs (4 maidens), Cody Marshall 2/28 off 7 overs (1 maiden), and Glyn James 1/2 off 6 overs (5 maidens).
The Second XI played way against Warranwood at Quambee Reserve, Number 1 Oval. Kilsyth won the toss and enjoyed a day out with the bat finishing the day on 4/287ccc off their allotted 80 overs. As mentioned earlier, Daniel Caton played a classy innings of 111 not out off 153 balls (14 fours) and was well supported by Sanjeev Rana, 46 off 83 balls (6 fours), Jake Powell 43 off 125 balls (4 fours), and Kyan Harper 40 not out off 62 balls (5 fours). There were some excellent partnerships as follows: 54 for the first wicket between Rhys Kearney 16 (3 fours) and Sanjeev Rana; 99 for the third wicket between Jake Powell and Daniel Caton; and 94 unbroken for the fifth wicket between Daniel Caton and Kyan Harper. Warranwood had 3 individual wicket takers and there was also a run out.
The Third XI played against Croydon Ranges at Roy Baldwin Oval, Pinks Reserve. Kilsyth won the toss and elected to bat. After being 2/30 in the 7th over, a third wicket partnership of 96 between Andrew Woolhouse and Mark Unternahrer took the score to 3/126 after 38.5 overs. Woolhouse was the batsman out for a well-made 41 off 93 balls (6 fours and 2 sixes). Then two wickets fell quickly to see Kilsyth 4/134 and 5/136 when Unternahrer was bowled by Toby Warr for a top score of 59 off 103 balls (10 fours and 1 six). A handy 34 not out off 102 balls (1 four) from U16 player Tait Harper helped Kilsyth eventually be dismissed for 219 off 71.2 overs. Croydon Ranges Captain Matthew Stephen took 4/56 off 30.2 overs (10 maidens), whilst Noah Spencer-Wilburn finished with 2/35 off 13 overs (4 maidens), and Toby Warr 2/51 off 10 overs. At stumps Croydon Ranges were 1/11 off 8 overs with Matthew Burgess claiming the wicket, clean bowled.
The Fourth XI played a split innings two-day match against third placed Warrandyte at Warrandyte High School. Warrandyte won the toss and elected to bat. At the end of the first split of 36 overs, they had compiled 4/185 with Tom Ellis scoring 40 off 45 balls (7 fours and 1 six), Tim Winter 38 off 45 balls (6 fours), Sean Dixon 28 off 13 balls (1 four and 4 sixes), Noah Butcher 20* off 56 balls (2 fours), and Mark Butcher 39* off 55 balls (6 fours). Kilsyth’s wicket takers were Brodie Goodwin 2/49 off 9 overs (1 maiden), and Shaun Goodwin 1/16 off 6 overs (2 maidens), with 1 run out. In reply, Kilsyth were 5/102 off 36 overs with the top scorers being Geoff Kennedy, 32 off 83 balls (3 fours), and Greg Gommers 23 off 25 balls (3 fours and 1 six). Warrandyte’s Cooper Winter took 3/30 off 10 overs (3 maidens), Neil Ganju 1/5 off 2 overs (1 maiden), and Harry Marshall 1/22 off 8 overs (1 maiden). In the field, Scott Brimelow took 4 catches.
The Fifth XI played at home against Templeton at Elizabeth Bridge Reserve. Kilsyth won the toss and elected to bowl. However, Templeton put on a batting master class scoring 3/247cc off their 36 overs. The top scorers were James Parker, 51 retired not out off 40 balls (8 fours), Jack Bartlett 35* off 26 balls (2 fours and 1 six), and Sean Meehan 33 off 39 balls (3 fours). For Kilsyth, Louis Potter took 2 wickets and Stewart Gibb 1 wicket. In reply, Kilsyth scored 4/157cc with Joshua Bock making 51 retired not out off 68 balls (2 fours). Dan Beard, playing his first game for the season, scored 43* off 36 balls (3 fours and 2 sixes), whilst opener Pat Moilanen struck 26 from 54 balls (2 fours). Giuseppe Strati was the best of Templeton’s bowlers taking 3/14 off 7 overs,
On Sunday, the Women’s First XI played the undefeated Mountain Gate at HV Jones Reserve. Mountain Gate won the toss and elected to bat. They got off to a good start with an opening partnership of 67 in 15.1 overs between Melissa Button and Molly McCoy, who was the first wicket to fall, well caught by Serena Gibbs at long on off the bowling of Stephanie Gibbs. McCoy struck the ball well and finished with 44 off 29 balls (7 fours and 1 six). At the halfway drinks break, Mountain Gate were 1/77 off 18 overs. On the first ball of the 24th over, Serena Gibbs had Melissa Button caught by Stephanie Gibbs at point for a solid 34 off 84 balls (3 fours). From there, Kilsyth fought back to have their opponents 6/127 after 30 overs. They then rallied to finish on 6/168cc off their allotted 36 overs. Firuzza Afghan was 32 not out off 22 balls (3 fours and 1 six), and Mikaela Giulieri 10 not out off 17 balls. For Kilsyth, Stephanie Gibbs had the best bowling figures with 3/20 off 6 overs, whilst Serena Gibbs took 2/30 off 7 overs (1 maiden). In the field, Captain Ashleigh achieved a direct hit run out as well as taking a good catch.
After being 1/0 after 3 overs, Serena Gibbs and Belinda Hutchings 11 (1 four), added 37 for Kilsyth’s second wicket in 8.2 overs. However, the Redbacks then lost another wicket to be 3/38 after 13 overs. Subsequently, Serena Gibbs and Tegan Unternahrer added 39 for the fourth wicket before Unternahrer was dismissed LBW for 14 off 29 balls (1 four). In the same over, Serena Gibbs, who had batted very well, was bowled by Miah Beardshaw for 41 off 63 balls (5 fours and 2 sixes), and Kilsyth were now 5/79 off 22 overs. Stephanie Gibbs and Ashleigh Katoa then shared a good partnership of 39 before Katoa was out caught off a full toss for 10 off 16 balls (2 fours), and Kilsyth were now 6/118 after 27.5 overs. However, the loss of another wicket saw the Redbacks 7/122 off 30 overs compared to Mountain Gates 6/127. From there, Kilsyth were bundled out for 132 after 33.5 overs. Stephanie Gibbs continued her good form with 34 not out off 33 balls (3 fours and 1 six). For Mountain Gate, Miah Beardshaw took 3/25 off 4 overs, Mikaela Giulieri 2/19 off 7 overs (1 maiden), Bibi Amar Khil 2/21 off 5.5 overs (1 maiden), and Humaira Afghan 1/7 off 6 overs (3 maidens).
On Saturday morning the Under 16’s commenced an away match against third placed Koonung Heights at Hislop Park, Centre Oval, Balwyn North. Kilsyth won the toss and elected to field. Koonung Heights lost regular wickets throughout the morning and in the end were all out for 111 off 28.3 overs. The standout batsman for the Heights was Mitchel Crooks, who scored 80 not out off 77 balls, including 10 fours and 3 sixes. On the other side, the outstanding bowler for Kilsyth was Joshua Bock, who snared 5/20 off 5.3 overs. The other wicket takers were opening bowler Max Wills, with 2/13 off 5 overs, Rhys Kearney 2/29 off 4 overs, and Tait Harper 1/4 off 4 overs (1 maiden). In reply, Kilsyth started well with an opening partnership of 69 in 10.4 overs between Will Beard (39*), and Rhys Kearney, who was caught and bowled by Gunvansh Yadav for 15 off 29 balls (1 four). The 100 came up in 14.3 overs with Beard on 50* and Luke Childs 13*. The second wicket fell with the score on 161 in the last over of the morning when Luke Childs was caught by Oliver Cooper, bowled Jack Treloar for 45 off 32 balls (4 fours and 3 sixes). Childs had hit 2 sixes and a four off the previous 3 balls before getting out on the third last ball of the day. At the end of the first day’s play Kilsyth were 2/162 off 19 overs with Captain Will Beard a scintillating 72 not out off 56 balls (12 fours and 2 sixes). For Koonung Heights, Gunvansh Yadav had 1/19 off 3 overs, and Jack Treloar 1/18 off 1 over.
The Under 14’s played a home match on Alan Smith Oval against Forest Hill/Eastfield. Kilsyth won the toss and elected to bat, compiling 7/90 cc of their allotted 25 overs. The main run scorers for Kilsyth were U12 players Zion Solomons, 17 retired not out off 25 balls (1 four), and Angus Bright 16 not out off 19 balls (3 fours). For the merged team, Yianni Ibrahim took 2/5 off 2 overs, Aston McCourt 1/4 off 2 overs, Max Parish 1/6 off 2 overs, and Miles Caganoff 1/8 off 3 overs. Forest Hill/ Eastfield chased down the target finishing on 1/97 off 16 overs. Max Parish 32* (4 fours), and Yianni Ibrahim 18* (1 four), both retired after 25 balls each, whilst Peter Falaras retired on 14* off 18 balls (1 four). Sahil Joshi was 11* off 14 balls (1 four). The sole wicket to fall was a runout which resulted from a throw by Ryder Pahi to Aiden Nicoll.
On Friday evening, the Under 12-3 team played against East Ringwood at East Ringwood Reserve. When these two teams met in Round 2, East Ringwood one by 1 run off the last ball of the match. Kilsyth won the toss and elected to bowl. After 10 overs East were 2/36 with Ryder Pahi and Aiden Nicoll the wicket takers for Kilsyth. Then in the 13th over, with the score on 41, Ryder Pahi captured the third wicket, clean bowled. In the meantime, James Campbell had batted well to retire not out on 10 off 40 balls (1 four). After 15 overs the score was 3/46 with Kilsyth having used 11 bowlers. It was soon 4/48 after 15.5 overs when Ryder Pahi took a good catch off the bowling of Lorenzo Belousoff. After 20 overs East Ringwood were 4/62. Aiden Nicoll took the fifth wicket, caught by Zion Solomons, and at the end of the first split after 23 overs, East Ringwood were 5/71 with Lincoln White on 7*. For Kilsyth, Ryder Pahi took 2/3 off 2 overs, Aiden Nicoll 2/8 off 3 overs (1 maiden), and Lorenzo Belousoff 1/5 off 2 overs.
In their first split Kilsyth were 1/25 after 5 overs with Jed Bennell the wicket taker. At the end of the 7th over, Kilsyth lost their second wicket to be 2/31. The score advanced to 2/41 off 9 overs with Zion Solomons 20* off 24 balls (3 fours). It was 2/51 after 13 overs as Kilsyth’s Zion Solomons and Tate Lindsay were building a partnership. However, with the score on 2/64, Tate Lindsay retired not out on 11 off 40 balls (1 four). After 18 overs Kilsyth were 2/70 and Zion Solomons retired on 29* off 38 balls (4 fours). Scores were level after 19 overs with Kilsyth on 2/71. After losing a wicket in the last over, the Redbacks were 3/82 at stumps after 23 overs, leading by 11 runs at the end of the first split. Kilsyth will bat first next week.
The Under 12-6 team, second on the ladder, played at home against top placed St. Andrews on Roy Baldwin Oval. St. Andrews won the toss and elected to field. After 8.2 overs, Kilsyth were 0/36 with three batsmen retiring not out after facing 15 balls each, including Wesley Bowman who was 20* (5 fours). The first wicket fell with the score on 37 after 9.4 overs with Robert Bardini the successful bowler. Tex Wells was the second batsman out for 9 off 8 balls (1 four), and Kilsyth were 2/51 off 11.4 overs. After 15 overs the score had advanced to 2/63 with Harrison Sfiligoj retiring on 6* off 15 balls (1 four). At the end of the 18th over Kilsyth were 2/74. It was 2/79 after 20 overs with two more batsmen having retired not out. With Kilsyth only having 9 players, the first of the retired batsmen, Amarvir Singh Bhatti returned to the crease. After 23 overs Kilsyth finished on 2/88cc with Amarvir Singh Bhatti 5* off 21 balls, Jaxon Brodie 3* off 14 balls, and Extras totalling 33. The wicket takers for St. Andrews were Robert Bardini 1/11 off 3 overs, and Shreyan Rabdiya 1/15 off 5 overs.
In reply, St. Andrews were 1/22 off 8 overs with Shreyan Rabdiya 10 retired not out off 15 balls and Kilsyth using 8 bowlers. Tex Wells was the wicket taker, clean bowling the Saints opening batsman. After 11 overs St. Andrews were 1/29 with 3 batsmen having retired not out after 15 balls. After 13 overs the score had reached 1/35. At the end of the 14th over there was a runout achieved by Dylan Ekanayake with assistance from Cooper Clark and the Saints were now 2/37. It was soon 3/41 after 15.2 overs after Tex Wells also achieved a runout, assisted by Cooper Clark. Harrison Sfiligoj then claimed a wicket (clean bowled) and the Saints were now 4/47 after 16.5 overs. In the 20th over, Wesley Bowman picked up two wickets to see St. Andrews 6/51 (all out). Shreyan Rabdiya top scored with 12 off 21 balls and Kilsyth had a comfortable win. For the Redbacks, Wesley Bowman captured 2/6 off 3 overs to complete an excellent all-round game. Tex Wells took 1/3 off 2 overs (1maiden), and Harrison Sfiligoj 1/3 off 2 overs. The win lifted Kilsyth to first place on the ladder on percentage with 10 teams in the grade.
