With high fire danger ratings forecast for the weekend, cricketers across the Ringwood and District Cricket Association were left to cool their heels as competitions ground to a halt in the name of player safety. For the junior cricketers, it was a somewhat hollow end to the home and away season. However, it’s not the end of the road for many of Mt Evelyn Cricket Club’s youngest cricketers as they now prepare for finals.
For the Mt Evelyn U16-4 team, it was the end of a season of near misses. Playing undermanned for the majority of the season there were plenty of positives, but when push came to shove, the lack of numbers would cost them the opportunity to chalk up a few more wins. One pleasing aspect for coach Joseph Chamberlin would be the spread of contributors across the season. Billie Laird (306 runs) and Chase Missen (221 runs) were stars with the bat with many others posting personal bests across the season. With the ball, Laird (13 wickets) and Jake Rigg (10 wickets) would lead a balanced bowling attack with wickets shared most weeks. With many of these players playing, and succeeding, in the senior ranks this season, the future looks bright.
The Mt Evelyn/Lilydale U16-2 combined team have clinched a finals berth squeaking into the top four. They have combined well to post some wins against strong opposition and will enter the finals chock full of confidence that they can give the finals a big shake. The Lilydale boys have been the stars with the bat led by Angus Smith (304 runs) and Darcy English (291 runs), whilst it has been the Mt Evelyn lads who have shone with the ball as Austin Leonard and Caleb Doyle have both snagged 16 wickets for the season. The highlight for the season would have to be Doyle’s 6/22 vs Heatherdale. The team will have a stern test in the Semi-Finals as they look set to oppose a formidable Mooroolbark outfit.
The Mt Evelyn U14-5 team have slowly built across the season as they have discovered their best balance with bat and ball. The young team have progressively felt more comfortable stepping up against their older opponents. Ezra Joyce has been a run machine this season and has amassed 226 runs for the U14-5 team, with Harry Dunstone a handy contributor with 159 runs of his own. Dunstone has been a standout with the ball as he has taken a team high 16 wickets, whilst Toby Kenins has chipped in with 12 crucial wickets. With an 8-6 record, they have clinched a top-two position, and with that, the advantage of a double chance. The Mounters will take on a strong Yarra Junction outfit in the Qualifying Final with the winner booking their place in the Grand Final. This game promises to be a cracker as both teams have had some tense battles over recent years.
Once again, Mt Evelyn was proud to fill two U12 teams, and they have both built amazing teams as the season has progressed. In an even more impressive feat, both teams will feature in finals.
The Mt Evelyn U12-2 team are a talent-laden bunch with some serious cricketing skills. Ezra ‘Run Machine’ Joyce has notched up 280 runs at a Bradmanesque average of 93.33 whilst Harry Dunstone has captured an amazing 20 wickets at the unbelievable average of 3.75, including a hatrick on the way to 7/5 in the first game of the season vs South Croydon. Pocket rocket Hudson Hall has been a huge addition to the club with 169 runs, and the improvement of both Jacdan Mikaelian and Amos Flavel with the ball has been remarkable. The team have to finish up their final game against Heatherdale next week, but a semi-final date against Warrandyte looks on the cards.
In a remarkable turn of form, the Mt Evelyn U12-7 side went from winless until the final game before the Christmas break, to secure a finals berth on the back of four wins over their final five games of the season. When all looked lost, captain Toby Kenins inspired the team with his positive leadership, and the matter of 175 runs and 11 wickets to his name helped the cause. With a momentus swing in form, the team have a renewed confidence to take on a dominant Wandin outfit and will be keen to crash the Bulldogs party.
Rounding out the junior action for the Mounters has been the Mini Bash and Cricket Blast programs led by Paul Flavel and Luke Shepherd respectively. These gentleman have created a supportive, fun and safe environment for our youngest cricketers to fall in love with the great game of cricket. The improvement in skills from the participants in these programs have been amazing.
If you have some keen cricketers who have missed the boat this season, but are keen to have a hit when summer rolls around next season, then be sure to reach out to Junior Co-ordinator, Daniel Meades at mtevelyncricketclub@gmail.com, to keep abreast of all the off-season developments.
