UPDATE: Heavy rains early Saturday morning wreaked havoc on local cricket, forcing a delay that left many players sidelined. Only a select few were able to take to the field as conditions deteriorated, with soggy outfields and slippery pitches rendering most matches unplayable.
Among the few matches that went ahead, the Mt Evelyn First XI faced off against Warranwood in what could be a decisive game for both teams amidst the relegation battle. With only three teams facing demotion to the Stuart Newey Plate at season’s end, every run counts. Both teams entered the clash with just one win, desperate for a turnaround after recent narrow defeats.
As the match unfolded at Quambee Reserve, Warranwood captain Jake Gilbert won the toss and opted to bowl first, capitalizing on the murky conditions that promised assistance for fast bowlers. Gilbert quickly proved his decision was astute, tearing through the Mt Evelyn batting lineup.
“We knew we had to start strong and put them under pressure,” Gilbert stated post-match.
Mt Evelyn’s innings began precariously, losing Adam Smith on the second ball of the match, quickly followed by Luke Jones and Alex Brisbane-Flynn, reducing the score to a dismal 3/9 within just 30 minutes. The atmosphere was tense as the team faced the haunting memories of their last visit to Warranwood, where they collapsed for just 54 runs.
Despite the early setbacks, a partnership between Jake Blackwell and captain Campbell Mole provided a glimmer of hope. The duo managed to stabilize the innings with a 53-run partnership before the break. However, tea proved disruptive, as Blackwell fell early upon the resumption, followed swiftly by Mole, leaving the score at 7/75 and the Mounters reeling.
The collapse continued, with Gilbert claiming his fifth wicket shortly after, pushing the visitors into dire straits at 8/76. In a desperate bid, the lower order of Cal Dooley, Caleb Hrabe, and Bohdie Jones fought valiantly to push the total beyond 125 runs, a target that appeared painfully insufficient.
“It’s disappointing to end up with so few runs, but we have to keep fighting,” stated Dooley after the match.
As the innings concluded, the Mounts faced a formidable challenge to restrict Warranwood. Despite debutant Malinga De Silva‘s tidy bowling, the Warranwood openers navigated the innings without alarm, finishing the day at 0/36.
With the match still in progress, Mt Evelyn faces an uphill battle, needing a miracle to alter the trajectory of their season. The stakes couldn’t be higher, and all eyes will be on the pitch tomorrow as the fight against relegation intensifies.
Fans and players alike are urged to support their teams as crucial matches loom ahead. The road to redemption for Mt Evelyn has just begun, and every moment counts.
