Webb fires -Xavs hold nerve against MHOSBCC

It was wet and gloomy as the 1 st XI arrived at the Plunkett for the first game at home for the season.

The boys were motivated to start the campaign strong at the home after a close loss to Old Scotch

the week before.

Captain Kane Pirera was able to win the toss and sent the boys in. The deck was dry and hard thanks

to the work of the boys the day before putting the big covers on. However, much to the delight of

the seam bowlers, there was a beautiful grassy layer on the deck that would prove challenging for

both sides batsmen through the day. Nick England and Ainga Athiththan were tasked by their

captain of seeing the new ball through in conditions that resembled a tough Edgbaston deck. The

inform Nick England succumbed early to a leg side glance.

However, Angus Webb rose to the occasion at number three. What ensured was one of the

toughest and grittiest partnerships witnessed at OXCC. Both Webby and Ainga battled a difficult

deck with plenty of demons. They both chipped away and built a strong foundation for our innings.

Ainga managed a strong 38 off 68 deliveries with some impressive footwork to combat the hooping

kookaburra. Webby showed again his class and guts up the order hitting an impressive 68 off 104

deliveries.

The middle order worked hard to add as many runs as they could. However, the deck continued to

reek havoc and was favourable to the bowling team. Bailey Whelan showed some impressive skills

hitting an impressive 20 of 13 deliveries including a textbook ramp shot. Overall we managed to put

154 on the board, whilst a smaller score for the Plunkett it was entirely defendable in the difficult

conditions.

Whelan and Webb were given the new Kookaburra. The boys hit good line and length, however they

were targeted by an aggressive opener who looked to send the ball over their heads. They both kept

their composure and bowled an impressive 10 overs. Captain Pierra made the early decision to

switch to spin and take some pace off the ball from one end. Ainga’s spin bowling was a masterclass

and slowed down the opposition putting the pressure back onto them. Ash Carey continued his

impressive form after being brought into the team last week, he bowled an impressive 4 th stump line

and managed to get the ball to talk and pop. Carey ended with 3 wickets and was the pick of the

seam bowlers. The boys worked hard in the field to defend the small total. A late spell from Asdagi

proved swung the game into favour - an impressive 2/14 off 4 overs from him all but ended MH’s

chances. It was the old veteran Angus Sheedy that managed to seal the game with some impressive

death bowling of 2/13 off 5. Overall Melbourne High were bowled out for 120.

IT was a great performance from the boys in some tough conditions. We look forward to carrying the

momentum into the December period. It another home game next week against Old Trinity were we

look to continue our great form.