2’s rue missed opportunity against Melb High

OXCC 121 def by MHSOBCC 151

The magoos once again ventured over the Westgate to Melbourne’s western suburbs for their round 2 matchup vs Melbourne High with many different faces from round 1. With a team secured late on Saturday night, the average age of the team had increased twofold from the season opener. Fielding a team of only 10 players, the Xavs were pleasantly surprised by the chivalry of Melbourne High to also only field 10.

Skipper Pat Nunan won the toss and elected to bowl in lovely conditions. It was the father – son duo of Pat (3/25 from 6.3) and club president Carl Nunan (3/29 from 8) who opened the bowling and wickets were falling from the start. The vibe was infectious in the field with some fantastic fielding efforts backing up great bowling. Coming from his nephews bucks party the night before, Rob MacIsaac took an all time catch in the covers. Running backwards under a high ball, he pirouetted like a ballerina to take an incredible catch before falling and almost knocking himself out. Miraculously he held onto the ball, and it was hard to distinguish whether his head was sore from his catching efforts or the previous evenings refreshments. Debutant Ash Carey (1/21 from 4) joined in the wicket party as did Will Vergano (2/40 from 7). At one stage the magoos had Melb High 7/72 in the 17th over, however couldn’t put them away and were set a decent total of 152 to win.

Regular opener Andrew Seal was joined by ring-in Duncan Littler to face the new rock however Seal didn’t last long departing for 1. Duncan was joined by birthday boy Jack Stratford (4) who looked very comfortable batting at 3 before he too departed. With wickets falling around him Duncan was batting superbly, on his was to an innings high 34. He was joined at the crease by Skipper P. Nunan who put together a crisp 19 before departing on an ominous LBW call. The Magoos were 4/76 from 18 and on the right track however needed someone to stand up and bat them to victory, however none were able to. Chief MacIsaac (19) batted well in the tail however it was not enough as the magoos were bowled out for 121 in the 33rd over.

Another disappointing loss, in a game that very well could have been a victory.