Magoos Bag Bonus Point in First Hitout of the Season
After two weeks of washouts and months of COVID, the Old Xaverians 2nd XI were itching to get out and have a run around Glen Huntley oval for the first match of the 2021/22 season. A few new faces joined the ranks, and a stronger 1s side allowed for a flow-down effect giving the 2s a similarly strong outfit. Caulfield captain won the toss and chose to bat on a good batting wicket, and lucky he did, because they had a mere three players at the ground at 12:30pm.
The first 10 balls were nothing short of bizarre. Harry “Morto” Morton (0/28 off 3) felt the effect of the newly “free hit” and “leg-side wide” rules, which can be blamed on a string of rained out training sessions leaving him slightly unprepared. In saying that, every human at Glen Huntley oval was unprepared for the proceedings that took place on the first ball of the second over. After the batsman clipped on down for what could’ve been an easy single to fine leg, Morto steamed off at full pace in the other direction, chasing a swooping sparrow instead of the red rock that trickled to the rope. Players and umpires alike agreed that it was the funniest thing they had ever seen on a cricket field. Alas, I digress. Callum Abrahams (3/27 off 6) proved to all why he was the Magoos leading wicket taker last year, taking the first three wickets of the match and ensuring the Caulfield run rate did not get away from us. Two bowled, one caught behind – evidence that bowling straight at the stumps is hard to face and should be replicated. Ed MacIsaac (1/31 off 6) debuted nicely, removing the Caulfield captain and dangerman who was getting on top of us. At drinks it was 4/103, but with Caulfield only presenting 9 players, the Magoos knew they had a change. Enter Alex Eden-Lachowicz (3/19 off 7). Lash simply dominated the remaining batsmen, bowling perfect line-and-length offspin and earning wickets through dot ball pressure leading to rash shots. Tom Worsnop (1/13 off 5) tied down the other end, earning a wicket for his troubles as the Magoos rolled Caulfield for 118.
The batting innings was simply a pleasure to watch for the Old Xavs. Despite Andrew Seal (4) and Anishka Fernandopulle (5) falling early, there was no real danger of a loss in sight. The 92 run partnership between Nick Harries (59*) and debutant Jesse Livermore (34*) was poetry in motion. Balls were flying everywhere, and apart from a half chance dropped catch and a few close calls with the running between wickets, these two men carried the Magoos to their first bonus point win in 2 and a half years. What a way to start the season! With a few handy players to come back into the side, this season is shaping up to be a good one, and the Magoos set their sights on Northcote next week, likely to be a much more competitive outfit. Lets go Xavs!
