This weekend we saw rain having an impact on some games. However, we were fortunate enough to see most teams play cricket without any major interruptions. The 1XI who were aiming to win by outright couldn’t quite get the required result but still took home the six points. Rain impacted St James Park, with the 2XI being called off for this week. The ECA is still in the process of deciding on how to distribute the points. The 3XI have now won three in a row, with some match-winning brilliance from some individuals. The 4XI lost in a game they’ll look back on in disbelief. The 5XI (Sunday Turf) game was abandoned and the Vets won at home to finish off an overall good weekend of cricket for the club.
T20
The first T20 of the season was played last Tuesday night at Balwyn Park against Ashburton Willows. The Saints lost the toss and were sent into the field. After an average start, the Saints were able to take some crucial wickets and slow down the run rate, keeping the opposition to 174 after 20 overs. Ranga Bradigampola was the pick of the Saints bowling, taking 2/26 from his four overs. Trent Sanguinetti showed his hitting capabilities by opening the batting, making 36 runs including two sixes. A 50-plus run partnership helped the Saints stay within sticking distance from the target before then losing key wickets at important stages throughout the run chase. Aaron Ivak made a handy 28 runs batting at number three. Unfortunately, the Saints fell 32 runs short of the required target. There were plenty of highlights throughout the game with some big sixes and incredible fielding efforts from both teams. Balwyn Saints play their next game against Mont Albert at home on the 5th of December.
First XI
With the win secured last weekend, the First XI was looking to make a bigger lead this week and aim for an outright win against Heathmont. Coming out to bat at 4/83 with Anis Bugti (9* runs) and Ranga Brandigampola (6* runs) at the crease, the Saints had a big batting collapse and only went on to make another 40 runs, finishing with 123 runs on the board. Heathmont was sent into bat again with the aim to chase down the runs and then make a lead for the Saints to chase. Madhur Ghai and John Collopy once again delivered with the ball, taking seven wickets combined. An impressive comeback from Heathmont with their opening batsmen making 69 runs helped the team make 138 runs. With Heathmont leading by 63 runs, the Saints were required to chase that down in only six overs remaining in the day. Heathmont would have to bowl the Saints out in those six overs to win by reverse outright. Going for the tonk, the Saints finished off the day at 3/36 off six overs, with them receiving the win and falling 27 runs short from the reverse outright. A terrific performance all round by the Saints which sees them in great form heading into December.
Second XI
Just 20 runs required was all the Saints needed to secure the win. However, the boys were devastated to see the St James pitch drenched and unplayable the morning of the game. With speculations surrounding the treatment and preparation of the pitch from the opposition, the ECA is undergoing an investigation. If the Saints win their appeal, they will receive the six points and ultimately the win for the game.
Third XI
Find another team in better form than the Third XI. That’s now three wins in a row, with a close victory against a competitive St Stephens Greythorn side. Batting first, Matt Stuart set the tone early by hitting a few nice boundaries to get the runs ticking. However, it was captain Aaron Jackson who showed his class reaching a half century scoring 54 from 80 balls. Many others chipped in with the bat, with the Saints finishing on 170 runs from 40 overs. In the bowling innings, David Perkins and Richard Spratt opened the bowling and started perfectly, both taking five wickets combined. Drownlow winner from last season Blair Burns who played his first game of the season after recovering from a broken finger also made an immediate impact with the ball, taking 2/19 off seven overs. Will Spratt came onto the field replacing Mat Pinwill after he suffered a hamstring injury. With the game in the balance, the Saints needed a breakthrough. The super sub had a catching chance deep on the boundary line and took one of the best catches you’ll ever see according to his teammates. An overhead running blind single-handed diving pluck was taken by Spratt to put the win firmly in the Saints’ hands.
Fourth XI
The Fourth XI had a disappointing loss in a game where they should have won. After a brilliant bowling display by the Saints keeping Edinburgh to just 89 runs, the Saints couldn’t purchase the required runs and fell 14 runs short. Shakir Siddeek and John Spindler both took three wickets each, with them being the highlight players from the game. The highest score for the Saints in the batting innings was Matt Knott with 18 runs. Everyone else on the team went out for single-digit scores which ultimately led to a disappointing loss. Hopefully, the boys can find form with the bat in the weeks to come.
Vets
An important win for the Vets, with a 4 wicket win against Toorak Prahran at Balwyn Park. This is the Vets’ first win for the season making it a much-needed win and confidence booster for the team. Bowling first, the Saints kept Toorak Prahran to 157, with Paul Fisher and Damien Argenti both claiming two wickets each. In the run chase, Argenti once again got off to a flyer, smashing a quick 26 runs before a match-winning partnership by Glen Sanguinetti (34 runs) and Serge Moussi (27 runs) helped the Saints chase down the runs with only a handful of overs remaining in the innings.
MATCH RESULTS
1XI vs Heathmont (2 DAY)
WON ON FIRST INNINGS
· M. GHAI 8/51 & 54runs
· J. COLLOPY 6/51
2XI vs Hawthorn (2 DAY)
DRAW
· D. ARGENTI 2/5 & 87 runs
· M. ZINI 4/35
3XI vs St Stephens Greythorn
WON BY 26 RUNS
· A. JACKSON 54 runs
· D. PERKINS 3/19
4XI vs Edinburgh
LOST BY 14 RUNS
· J. SPINDLER 3/8
· S. SIDDEEK 3/13
5XI vs East Doncaster
MATCH ABANDONED
VETS vs Toorak Prahran
WON BY 4 WICKETS
· G. SANGUINETTI 34 runs
· D. ARGENTI 28 runs & 2/7
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