Victorian Premier League Cricket
Saturday 7 March
The Firsts match looked like heading right down to the wire for much of the day. In reply to Melbourne's 294, Hawthorn-Monash Uni began well, with Elias Karageorgiou (50), Steven Spoljaric (46) and Roger Sillence (59) taking the Hawks to 4/162 just after tea. But the experienced Melbourne bowlers taking vital wickets, saw the Hawks lose 6/37 to fall in a heap. This placed the Firsts just outside of the eight, drawing a line through any finals chances.
The Seconds match proved just as thrilling, with the Hawks putting up a good run chase. A courageous 75 from Joshua Henry, batting 8th helped the Hawks to 262 at the end of the day, falling short of the massive 401 set by Melbourne.
Batting second also, the Hawthorn-Monash Uni Thirds had another massive total to overcome. The Hawks got closer and closer to Melbourne’s total of 363, as helped by Divyan Rajkumar’s 76, which included ten fours. At the end of the day the Hawks could just not get there, falling short all out for 192 runs.
The Fourth’s match went to a quick second innings, where Melbourne again dominated play, with conditions a bit better Melbourne’s batsmen finished their first innings with a 32 run lead. The Hawks second innings did go according to plan, all out for 108 with top scorer David Jowett not out for 21 runs. The Melbourne openers cleaned up the day getting the required runs and winning the match outright.
Well done to all players for a great seasons work and brilliant match play all round.
Saturday 28 February
The final round of this seasons Victorian Premier League pitted Hawthorn-Monash Uni against rivals Melbourne for an action packed days play from all teams.
With Melbourne one point behind Hawthorn-Monash this was always going to be a competitive match. The Melbourne batsmen lurked dangerously all day, and Hawthorn-Monash sensed that Melbourne had a point to prove. The bowling figures were shared around with Sillence, Bird and Dart all picking up two wickets, and Spoljaric with three. Melbourne were all out for 294, setting a competitive total for Hawthorn-Monash to chase down.
It was a different story in the Seconds match, Hawthorn-Monash Uni sent Melbourne in to bat however this proved to be a mistake. Both Melbourne openers scored centuries and were batting for four hours, when they fell in quick succession within a minute of each other. Unfortunately these were the only wickets that fell all day, with Melbourne eventually posting a total of 401 and declaring. Hawthorn-Monash were no wicket for 27 at the end of the days play.
With Melbourne batting first again in the Thirds match, it was again a daunting total set for Hawthorn-Monash Uni. At the end of the days play Melbourne was seven wickets down for 363 with no declaration in sight, it will be an uphill battle for Hawthorn-Monash next weekend.
The Fourths were sent in to bat by Melbourne on a crumbling wicket at Albert Park, balls were flying everywhere with only two Hawthorn-Monash Uni batsmen making a start. Porker, 28 not out and Jowett, 42 combined to help Hawthorn-Monash to a total of 101 after 40 overs. Melbourne did not find the conditions any easier, limping to 5/95 at the end of the days play.
With the last weekend of play scheduled next weekend, it will be an exciting finish to cap of a great season for the Hawthorn-Monash Uni Cricket Club.
Saturday 21 February
The deciding days play for the penultimate round of the Victorian Premier League cricket season 2008/09 was fiercely fought out by Hawthorn-Monash Uni and Ringwood.
After the firsts poor start to their innings last week, things did not improve much for them this weekend, a hat-trick in the second hour of play did not bode well for Hawthorn-Monash. All out for 107 the firsts were sent in to bat again this time making 165 for the loss of five wickets at the end of the match, not enough to take the match away from Ringwood.
A full two innings were played out in the seconds match, with Ringwood winning both the first innings and the match taking the bonus points in the process. A gallant 63 not out from James Hoppe in the second innings was one of the few highlights from the Hawthorn-Monash Uni seconds.
With Ringwood batting second and although running over the top of Hawthorn-Monash in the thirds match, there were still a few highlights. Josh Hillyer, after bowling Ringwood opener HW Shakespeare out 5 runs short of a double century backed up with the bat in the second innings making an unbeaten 39 runs, helping Tom Boxwell to an also unbeaten 77 of only 49 balls.
The fourths match was equally interesting, already in a good position after day one Hawthorn-Monash prevented most Ringwood batsmen from making a start. Greame Hole continued his good form with the ball taking five wickets for 52 runs ably assisted by Jak Jowett with two wickets for 27. However Ringwood just got home after 73 overs scoring 262 runs for the loss of eight wickets.
With both the thirds and fourths matches in dispute, we will wait to hear the final result of these matches.
The final match for this season will start next weekend, Saturday 28 February.
Saturday 14 February
Valentines provided a mixed bag of fortune for the Hawthorn Monash Cricket Club. Highs and lows were seen across the board in a magnificent display of cricket by all teams and sides.
The firsts were sent in to field by Ringwood and got of to a good start, getting rid of the openers effectively, however it was the 119 by T Stray at first drop that put Hawthorn Monash behind the eight ball. Despite ducks picked up by Simon Dart and Roger Sillence, Ringwood went on to make 337 runs for the loss of seven wickets before they decided to declare close to the end of the day and see what Hawthorn Monash could do in reply. At one wicket for two runs the answer was not much in a limited time, however next weekend is a new days play and one the Hawthorn Monash batsmen will be eager to prove a point.
Ringwood winning the toss also in the seconds match, decided to send Hawthorn Monash in to bat on a dry wicket. It seemed Ringwood made the right decision, bowling Hawthorn Monash out for just 61 runs in 42 overs. Another 45 overs were bowled to Ringwood, when they declared after making 177 runs for the loss of six wickets. Hawthorn Monash’s second innings currently stands at 1/13.
The thirds match went much more in Hawthorn Monash’s favour. Ringwood did not face a ball all day, after 80 overs Hawthorn Monash stood tall at nine wickets for 260 runs with the help of a half century from Rahoul Pankhania.
Of all matches played on the weekend by far the most successful for Hawthorn Monash was the fourths match. Despite being bowled out for 257 runs after 70 overs, Ringwood lost three wickets for six runs, with Graeme Hole taking all of those wickets for five runs. Wicketkeeper Matthew Poustie helped Hawthorn Monash to their total with an impressive 84 runs including 16 fours and one six.
The concluding day will be played on Saturday 21 February.
Saturday 7 February
The Hawthorn-Monash University cricket team fought through the hottest day in Melbourne’s history in the concluding days play of round 13 against Northcote.
After setting up a good total on the first day, the firsts were able to control play and bowl Northcote out 13 runs short of the required total to claim victory. Steven Spoljaric shone yet again taking four wickets for 36 runs, destroying the lower order, while Roger Sillence took care of the top order with three wickets for 37 runs.
The seconds match proved less successful, with Hawthorn-Monash University batting second on the Bill Lawry Oval in Northcote, they struggled to contain the home side’s run chase. Best of the bowlers was Trent Atkinson with two wickets for 35 runs.
After setting up an impressive total on the first day’s play the thirds struggled much like the seconds in containing the Northcote run chase, in the end getting the total required with three wickets in hand.
Due the extreme heat the fourths game was abandoned which results in a draw, and no points being awarded to either side.
Next week marks the start of the penultimate round of cricket for the current Victorian Premier League season, with Hawthorn-Monash University taking on top of the table Ringwood in what should be a thrilling match.
Saturday 31 January
After a week long heat wave, spare a thought for the Hawthorn-Monash University Cricket teams who played out a full day of cricket on the Saturday in the heat against Northcote.
For the firsts, openers Elias Karageorgiou and Darren Dewar made good runs before captain Simon Dart took the crease for four hours, making a tough 81 runs including nine fours. In a solid batting performance from the rest of the team, Hawthorn-Monash University finished the days play all out for 293 runs.
After winning the toss and electing to bat, the Hawthorn-Monash University seconds made a promising start with the top order all making good runs. However the Northcote bowling attack got the better of the Hawthorn-Monash University middle and lower order falling to none other than Greg Matthews. At the end of the days play Northcote had already made 162 in response, losing only 5 wickets.
The thirds match provided highlights, in the form of a great batting performance from Quyen Pham, although tragically run out seven runs short of making a century. Backed up by the rest of the team, Hawthorn-Monash University made 215 runs. At the end of the days play Hawthorn-Monash University, already had Northcote one wicket down for ten runs.
The fourths match was equally exciting, with half centuries from opener Josh Hillyer and keeper Matthew Poustie helping Hawthorn-Monash University amass a total of 265 runs. In response Northcote were one wicket down for 17 runs.
The concluding days play will take place Saturday 7 February.
Saturday 24 January
The conclusion to Round 12 of the Victorian Premier Cricket League took place over the long weekend, allowing the payers some much-deserved rest after some thrilling matches were played.
Playing for the firsts, Steven Spoljaric continued his good form, taking four Geelong wickets for 80, then going on to make 135 runs in an inspired run chase. Unfortunately Monash fell short of the intimidating total set by Geelong by 61 runs.
The seconds were run down by Geelong, losing six wickets in the process. The individual brilliance of Joshua Henry, recently promoted from the thirds, provided some highlights taking a wicket without giving any runs to the opposition.
Again, it was not good news for the Hawthorn-Monash Uni thirds after an intimidating total was set by Geelong, Monash could only manage to get 215 runs on the board, falling about 100 short of the total required.
Finally the fourths match brought some good news to the Hawthorn-Monash Cricket Club. The runs required were made, leaving Divyan Rajkumar on 110 not out, after an impressive 4 wicket haul last weekend.
The next round will take place this Saturday 31 January against Northcote.
Saturday 17 January
Round 12 of the Victorian Premier Cricket League saw the firsts travelling yet again, after last weeks Country Round in Leongatha. Fine weather permitted the full days play in all matches over the weekend.
After winning the toss, Hawthorn-Monash Uni sent Geelong in to bat, in an evenly matched day of play Geelong finished at 8 wickets for 287 runs. Good bowling figures were shared around in a great all round performance by the firsts.
The seconds match proved nothing if more decisive. At the end of days play, Hawthorn-Monash Uni were all out for 239 after electing to bat, with Geelong making 19 quick runs for the loss of one wicket at the end of the day.
It was not good news for Hawthorn-Monash Uni in the thirds match, with Geelong declaring after they were 5 for 318 at the end of the day, allowing Monash to bat for seven overs, making 17 runs.
After 80 overs in the fourths match, Geelong were still batting on their last wicket at 9 for 244. A notable mention to Divyan Rajkumar with 4 wickets for 81 runs, and Harry Mitchelmore taking 2 wickets for 19 runs.
Sunday 21 December
In a return of the one-day format Hawthorn-Monash Cricket Club has returned to fine form again with wins against North Melbourne over the weekend.
The Firsts rocketed to 4th spot on the ladder with a win by 3 wickets and 79 runs. A century by Steven Spoljaric and an unbeaten 68 by Simon Dart helped set up a total of 229, which was too much for North Melbourne to chase, making only 150 runs and losing seven wickets in the process.
The Seconds did not have luck on their side this week, losing the toss, and unlucky not to have taken more wickets when North Melbourne batted first. The batsmen could only forge a total of 113, all out after 42.3 overs in reply to North Melbourne’s 8 for 185.
In a story similar to the Firsts, the Hawthorn-Monash Thirds batted first and set a good total. However the bowlers had to work a little harder to secure the match, with impressive bowling from Brendan Goss (3/25), Trent Atkinson (2/29) and Brett Holst (2/34).
The Fourths unfortunately went down to North Melbourne, chasing a target of 186, they looked close all the way only to fall short by six runs at stumps. With both sides evenly matched it was a great battle and a nail biter all the way to the end.
With three weeks off now, the next game will be another one-dayer, to be played the weekend of January 10 2009.
Saturday 13 December
Melbourne’s most torrential rain all year kept all sides off the field this weekend, the result of which was drawn games all round. All reports indicate an enjoyable weekend off was had, and players are keen to start play next week.
Hawthorn-Monash will play North Melbourne from Saturday 20 December.
Saturday 6 December
Round nine saw Hawthorn-Monash up against one of the dark horses of the competition, in Dandenong.
The firsts were sent out to field first by Dandenong and stayed out there all day, with expensive bowling for not many wickets. At the end of days play Dandenong scored a daunting 4/347.
The seconds match was a similar affair, with Dandenong again winning the toss and batting out the day, the finished on 378 runs for 7 wickets. Hawthorn-Monash’s best for the day was Harrison Nurse with 2 wickets for 17 off only three overs.
Batting out the day also, Dandenong dominated the first days play of the thirds match also, although posting only 244 runs for 7 wickets, a slightly more achievable run chase for Hawthorn-Monash next week.
No prizes for guessing the format of the fourths match, although the Hawthorn-Monash bowlers stepped up to bowl out Dandenong for 254. At the end of the day Hawthorn-Monash were 1/1 after 2 overs.
The round will conclude next week on Saturday 13 December.
Sunday 30 November
The first innings of round eight saw all four Hawthorn-Monash sides play well in hard matches against St Kilda over the weekend.
The firsts sent St Kilda in to bat first, and proceeded to bowl them all out for 148, Lukas Hoogenboom took for wickets for 50 runs. Good batting from Roger Sillence (76 off 82) and keeper Ben Cookson (56 off 95) helped Hawthorn Monash to a respectable 251. At the end of the days play St Kilda were one wicket down for 28 runs in their second innings failing to make the total and declaring Hawthorn Monash the victors.
Ben Law took five wickets in the first innings for the seconds, but unfortunately they just eclipsed our first innings total of 140. Quick batting by St Kilda for a second innings total of 214 for 5 wickets proved too good for us to chase, and St Kilda took the match.
The batting attack proved to be effective against St Kilda in the thirds match for Hawthorn Monash, with a 50 from Joshua Henry. Unfortunately Hawthorn Monash could not bowl the St Kilda batsmen all out and the match was drawn.
Finally the fourths game proved inconclusive, with another draw being played out. Once again the St Kilda batsmen played defensively enough to not be bowled out and Hawthorn Monash could not get enough runs on the board.
Saturday 21 November
The final days play was washed out and all games were abandoned, resulting in a draw for all sides with no points being awarded.
Round 8 will see Hawthorn-Monash take on St Kilda, one of the form sides of the competition.
Saturday 15 November
It was a mostly sunny afternoon for the opening days play of round 7, where Hawthorn-Monash took on Carlton.
Carlton elected to bat first in the Firsts match played at Monash University. Steven Spoljaric proved his promotion to the firsts was worthwhile taking 5 wickets for the day, and Simon Dart backing him up with 2 wickets, leaving Carlton at 7/264 at the end of the days play.
The seconds match was a similar story, with Carlton winning the toss and electing to bat first. Hawthorn-Monash bowled Carlton out for 385 at the end of the day and were 0/0 after one over.
Carlton batted first in the thirds match also, although a six wicket haul from Paul Veltri held Carlton to 263 after 85 overs at the end of the days play.
Finally the fourths were in control of the match at the end of the day after a spectacular fielding performance across the board. Carlton were all out for 124 and Hawthorn-Monash 2/103 at the end of day one.
The final days play will take place on Saturday 22 November.
Saturday 8 November
The deciding days play for Hawthorn-Monash University turned out to be thrilling finishes for most sides.
Although the firsts got off to a shaky start last week on day one, they managed to turn the match around and bat out the day on the final days play. After uncertain starts from the openers, an unbeaten century from Steven Spoljaric was the highlight in the respectable loss.
Good batting helped the seconds up to what seemed like a good total on the seconds day play that gave Monash hope of winning a match that seemed beyond their grasp. Great bowling in the final innings from Simon Black (5/16) and Cameron Doherty (2/27) held Frankston to 44 runs but unfortunately this was enough for Frankston to crawl home and claim the match outright at the end of the days play.
The thirds batted out the day to claim victory comfortably. Bowling highlights from Fraser Wilson (3/41) and Graeme Hole (3/25) assisted in setting up an easy run chase.
Finally the fourths lost in what was another thrilling match for the round. A good total of 189 was set, however Frankston just got home with one wicket to spare. Good and consistent playing all round from Monash in what was a very narrow and disappointing loss.
Saturday 1 November
Round 6 of the Victorian Premier League Cricket saw Monash Hawthorn take on Frankston Peninsula in the return to the two day format.
In what was a scrappy game, the firsts did not get off to a good start after
being sent in to bat by Frankston. All out for 126 after 47.2 overs was all they could manage. In reply, Frankston were 5/112 at stumps. Roger Sillence helped contain the Frankston attack with 2 wickets for 24 runs.
The seconds game told the same story with Frankston again sending Monash in to bat. Strong bowling from Frankston held Monash to all out for 107. Frankston made a good start and were 4/117 at stumps.
In the thirds, Frankston elected to bat and posted a respectable total of 144, despite great bowling from Graeme Hole after 13 overs, 4 maidens and 3 wickets for 25. Monash were at 1/19 after 16 overs at stumps.
Finally the Monash Hawthorn fourths batted out all day to post a total of 8 for 173, giving Frankston little hope for their innings.
We are eagerly awaiting the next innings to be played next week.
Saturday 25 October
On a hot and muggy day, the Hawthorn-Monash cricket teams had a mostly successful day on the field.
Round 5 saw the firsts, seconds and fourths all have wins, however the thirds had a narrow 2 wicket loss to Fitzroy Doncaster.
The fourths defeated Fitzroy Doncaster by 2 wickets in a close tussle. Run out for 99, Divyan Rajkumar set up the innings. Good bowling from Michael Gregory with 3 for 43 held off Fitzroy.
The thirds put on a brave 6/161 after 45 overs, with good runs made by openers D Hipwell (33) and B Law (29). However this was not enough to stop the run scoring of Fitzroy Doncaster.
The seconds match was another thriller with Fitzroy getting off to a flyer and posting 285 runs to beat. A stunning 140 not out by Gaurav Kapoor gave Monash the edge in a good chase.
The Hawthorn Monash firsts set up a commanding lead in what looked like a one sided match. A not out for 56 by captain Simon Dart along with 3 wickets for 32 and 3 catches was a great all round performance for the day.
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