CRICKET
CRICKET LATROBE VALLEY
By LIAM DURKIN and BLAKE METCALF-HOLT
A Grade
WHILE just one round remains in Cricket Latrobe Valley A Grade, much can change in a fortnight.
The top two of Churchill (by a significant margin) and Imperials have already been locked into finals for the last few weeks, yet the last two spots remain undecided.
Rovers, Mirboo North and Latrobe (just) all remain in the race.
Rovers def Gormandale via first innings
ANY notion that cricket is a congenial game played by gentlemen was totally lost at the weekend, as a local game descended into total anarchy.
In scarcely believable scenes at Traralgon’s Duncan Cameron Reserve, the A Grade match between Gormandale and Rovers was brought to a halt after a near all-in brawl erupted.
All hell broke loose in the 43rd over of Rovers’ innings, when players from both sides became engaged in the scuffle.
With the majority of local cricket nowadays live streamed, the fight was broadcast in plain sight. Vision quickly circulated online, and was even picked up by national cricket broadcaster Fox Cricket.
The incident seemingly brewed from little more than white line fever between Gormandale fast bowler Nathan Heard and Rovers batsman Nathan Findlay.
The spelling of their given names was about the only thing the pair agreed on, and by the end of the over, Heard took the unprecedented step of headbutting Findlay after the two stood toe-to-toe.
Heard’s fifth over was his last for the game, and could well be his last for a very long time.
His frustration was evident after he had been hit for two boundaries in the space of three balls by Findlay earlier in the over, and also had an lbw appeal against him turned down.
Words were clearly exchanged after ball two of the over, after Findlay had mistimed an off drive and Heard had come down the wicket quite noticeably in his follow through.
Findlay responded by playing an agricultural shot through square leg, which clearly frustrated Heard even more, as his own response was to change his angle to left arm around the wicket, presumably with the intention of squarely aiming the next delivery at Findlay’s ribs.
It can be reasonably assumed Heard was not thinking clearly by this stage, as he returned to his mark by walking straight down the middle of the pitch (to the uninitiated, such an act is forbidden within the laws of cricket).
His fourth ball was dug in short but did not get up, with Findlay defending harmlessly. The fifth was the unsuccessful lbw appeal, followed by another short ball that Findlay pulled fine for a single.
Findlay had to step aside from Heard as he completed the run, and after touching his bat in the crease to signal his own cricket safety, quickly found his personal safety under threat.
More words were exchanged, Findlay took his helmet off, and then copped the headbutt.
Heard was called out by the umpire, walked away, and then charged at Findlay where it was then on for young and old.
Amid the commotion, Findlay was tackled to the ground by another Gormandale player, while Heard needed to be dragged back by teammates.
Rovers players were quickly on the scene, running from the boundary to remonstrate.
It must be said Rovers players did not retaliate with more fighting, while to his credit, Gormandale leader Matthew Hibbs made the ‘come here’ gesture at Heard and appeared to have some stern words to him before he was ejected from the arena.
Heard left with his playing cap on backwards, perhaps reflecting his antipathy toward the whole situation.
It must also be said not all Gormandale players were involved in the melee, with the body language of some clearly indicating they themselves could not quite believe what was happening.
Adding to what was already a bizarre situation, a shirtless Rovers playing-coach Lachlan Patterson came onto the ground to talk to the umpire and players assembled (Patterson had his shirt off because it was over 30 degrees, not to start fighting).
For all that took place, the incident lasted less than 10 minutes, while play was suspended for around 30 minutes.
The remaining Gormandale players huddled for a talk on the boundary’s edge before coming off, and took to the field with only nine players (minus Heard) on the resumption.
The game went on, and as if what had happened wasn’t already inexplicable enough, Findlay was dismissed in the first over after the break.
It mattered little, as he was presumably rocked by the previous event, and his side had already won the match on first innings.
For the record, Rovers were 8/143 after 51.5 overs in response to Gormandale, who had been bowled out for just 79 when the result was declared official.
Both clubs released statements regarding the incident the day after, although with the matter under investigation, refused to divulge with much detail.
“The Traralgon Rovers Cricket Club do not condone violence in our sport,” the home team’s statement read.
“As this incident is now under league investigation, and out of respect for the individuals involved, we will not be making any further comments on the matter.”
Gormandale Cricket Club’s statement was similarly straight bat, although it did contain some peculiarly worded phrases regarding diplomacy.
“We kindly remind the community that there are real people involved who are still processing what occurred,” it read.
“We ask for kindness as our volunteers work diligently to support everyone affected.
“As a club we want to emphasise that there is no place for such incidents in cricket. Our sport has always been and should always be a safe and inclusive environment for everyone who participates.
“We acknowledge that this is a sensitive issue for many involved, and out of respect for those affected we will not be making any further comments at this time.”
It is understood players from both clubs shared a drink after the match, conversing for well over an hour and showing no animosity.
Gormandale and Rovers also field a combined under 16 junior team, indicating feelings between the two clubs are strong.
Cricket Latrobe Valley officials will now have even more work to do on the eve of finals, as it appears a near certainty the matter will go straight to a tribunal.
Officially speaking, the CLV board will need to collate all information, referencing mainly the umpire’s report which is understood to be extensive.
Even so, with an incident of this severity and clear vision available, the case could become very much an open and shut affair.
While the league are not in a position to comment while the incident is under investigation, most with a love for cricket will surely feel lengthy suspensions are the only reasonable punishment for what can only be described as a blight on the game.
Speaking to a local Gippsland cricket league administrator, it was suggested a suspension for one season plus the completion of an anger management course would be appropriate for the perpetrator.
Extending further, assault charges could also be laid should police or any victims wish to go down that path.
Granted no one (including this writer) could ever admit to not making a poor decision in anger, one would hope any punishment fits the bill of ‘do the crime, do the time’.
Imperials drew with Latrobe
AFTER making 183 on Day 1, Imperials pushed as far as they could go before declaring at 7/289 against Latrobe at Catterick Crescent.
Brett Chapman continued from where he left off, finishing with 142, which was followed by Dilshan Thilakarathne (37) and Dominic Thompson (16 not out).
Latrobe’s Mark Lawrence took 3/42 and Salman Rasool 2/30 during first innings.
Needing at least a draw to stay in finals contention, the Sharks batted for 27 overs and finished at 2/90. Samuel Wilson notched 52 not out.
Churchill drew with Willow Grove
CHURCHILL lasted a little longer before giving Willow Grove a chance at Andrews Park West – finishing all out for 185.
The Cobras made a further 29 runs before field switched as the back end of the order dropped with no real mark.
Ben Edebohls took 3/26 and bowled seven maidens for Willow Grove.
Carrying over into the Wolves first innings, Edebohls took a stand against the top side in the competition, making 69 not out to secure a draw.
He found support from Luke Payton (38) and captain Josh Hammond (21), as they fell just 14 runs short of what would have been possibly the best A Grade win in the club’s history.
Ross Whelpdale took 3/51 and Steve Warr 2/30 with nine maidens.
Mirboo North drew with Traralgon West
ONWARDS and upwards for the Eagles.
Traralgon West showed they can match top four sides, making 239 against Mirboo North on their home deck.
The Eagles added a further 124 runs on Day 2, creating headaches for the Tigers throughout.
Captain Hayden Kimpton passed his ton with relative ease – adding 50 across Day 2 – followed by Sam Varsaci (24), Tim Fitch (18) and Chris Glynn (12).
Kimpton (126) sure was the star of the show, with nine shots going across the boundary and four smacked over.
Dale Banks took 3/46 and captain Ben Heath 3/34 for Mirboo North.
The Tigers were never going to be an easy beat, after all, they’re still chasing a finals berth.
Logan Anders set the tone with 64, which was followed by Zach Hollis (44).
Brad Aitken (32 not out) and Linc Chila (16 not out) did their best in their last push as the Tigers closed at 4/182 after 47 overs.
Premier A Grade
IN an unfortunate set of circumstances, virtual confirmation of the final four of Cricket Latrobe Valley Premier A ran as the second-biggest story from Round 13, while the rise of one player further in the ‘all time great’ stakes had to come third.
The penultimate round (played as one dayers after Day 1 was washed out) locked in finals-bound teams by 99.95 per cent, with Glengarry, Ex Students and Morwell set to take their campaigns into March.
Newly promoted Centrals also look certainties of doing likewise, after taking a bonus point from the weekend.
The Lions of Traralgon are seven points clear of their Moe counterparts in fourth on 36 points. Moe lost last round, despite the best efforts of Andrew Philip, and will now need to defeat the Sharks outright and rely on Toongabbie (sixth) beating Centrals in the last round.
The Rams are on 25 points, eight points clear of relegation from Raiders.
Raiders take on Morwell this Saturday, who could be going for an outright themselves to try and steal second spot and a home final from Ex Students.
The Tigers trail the Sharks by four points, and given Moe needs to set up an outright against Ex Students, there remains an outside chance Morwell can capitalise.
Glengarry (on 54 points) meanwhile will take out the minor premiership, unless disaster strikes and they lose to bottom side CATS and Ex Students does Moe outright.
CATS are destined for A Grade next season, as the most plausible points they could finish on is 19, not enough to elevate them higher than seventh.
Morwell def Moe by 6 wickets
WHAT more can one man do?
With his side’s finals spot on the line, and with no other player barely able to hit off the square, Moe’s Andrew Philip solidified his reputation as a true Bradman of the Bush even further.
Statistically at least, Philip’s latest effort was among his most astonishing.
As a team, the Lions scored 171 across 50 overs at Ted Summerton Reserve against Morwell.
Philip scored 112 of them.
What’s more, he was not out, and came in when the score had barely moved during the second over.
Unusual statistics did not stop at Philip, as three Morwell players all made 48.
Those knocks from Mark Cukier, Blair Clymo and Jordan Campbell (who remained unbeaten) were arguably what decided the game, and Morwell was able to get the runs only four down inside 40 overs.
Laytten Smith picked up a couple of wickets for Moe, while Cukier (2/25) and Fayzaz Homyoon (2/40) did likewise for the Tigers.
Philip’s century came with an abundance of storylines, and equally evocative metaphors.
It was his 26th ton for the Lions at first grade level. Alan Rankin is generally regarded as the greatest batsmen in Gippsland cricket history and he scored 27 for Trafalgar Cricket Club.
That the innings which led to Philip’s latest ton started after the departure of Moe opening bat Rob Phoenix added further poignancy, for it is Phoenix often credited with helping a young Philip become the player he is today.
When Phoenix was captain of Mirboo North and playing against Philip, he would often jokingly lament what he had created.
And on a day when the spirit of cricket was brought into disrepute elsewhere, it was perhaps most pertinent Philip was brought into public consciousness for his on field excellence.
Those who have played with and against him will attest to his willingness to quickly depart the scene once dismissed, even if to the detriment of himself or the team.
Furthermore, he could never be accused of hogging the strike, avoiding more difficult bowlers or playing to preserve his own average. It is doubtful he has ever called for a nightwatchman either.
Is it any wonder he has scored more than 10,000 runs and received the upmost admiration from teammates and opponents alike.
Centrals def CATS by 55 runs
CENTRALS were rewarded for a strong bowling performance, taking a bonus point with them back from Traralgon South.
The Lions put up 185 batting first, before dismissing their opponents for 130.
The bonus point came in a timely fashion, 18 balls before such an incentive would have elapsed.
Lachlan Speairs continued to show good signs with the stick, making 47, while opener Jaxon Murdoch (39) and captain Tye Hourigan (37) also chipped in.
Tinashe Panyangara proved difficult to get away, taking 2/11 off 10 overs, forcing Centrals to score elsewhere. Paul McGill nabbed 2/43.
CATS were on track at 2/81, yet as has been the case for most of the season, one broken partnership led to a steady loss of wickets.
Jamie Cochrane did a mighty job as skipper, making 53 off 67 balls, yet things quickly disintegrated when he was dismissed.
Tyron Gamage needed no invitation once he saw an opening in the lower order, and he added three wickets to the two top order scalps to finish with a five wicket haul.
Cameron Whitehead (2/23) and Jake Littleton (2/28) also helped the Lions to victory.
Ex Students def Glengarry by 9 runs
WARNING shot fired.
Ex Students knocked off Glengarry in a thriller at Terry Hunter Oval.
Batting first, the Sharks made 183, led by Michael Stockdale and Jackson McMahon, who both made half-century’s.
Wickets were shared in the Magpies camp, as all five bowlers got on the board.
Cam Graham was the leading light (3/26), followed by Nat Freitag (2/36) and Al Jenkin (2/43).
Much like Philip in the Moe game, Freitag couldn’t do much more for Glengarry, making 95 out of a total of 174.
Freitag threatened to take the Magpies to victory, yet his dismissal left the visitors precariously placed at 7/161.
The Sharks then circled, and bowled enough dots to see Glengarry fall nine runs short.
Somewhat fittingly, McMahon and Stockdale combined to take Freitag’s wicket, with the former taking the catch and the latter taking eventual figures of 4/28.
Michael’s brother Lee Stockdale took 2/31.
Hamish Busk helped the Glengarry total with 31.
Toongabbie def Raiders by 4 wickets
TOONGABBIE likely saved themselves from relegation by defeating Raiders.
Chasing 172 at Roger Reis Oval, the Rams got there six down.
A number of starts curtailed Raiders’ innings, as five players made double figures.
Darryn Stares made 37 and Rob Webber 30 in the visitor’s near 50 over innings.
Gayashan Munasinghe stood tall with the ball, taking 3/32, along with Sean Ryan (2/18) and Amal Athulathmudali (2/36).
Munasinghe then played arguably his best knock since coming to the Rams at the start of the season, making 70, partnering with Toongabbie captain Tim Dunn (63).
Burkeley Macfarlane (3/6) and Ben Rivers (3/32) enjoyed good moments with the ball.
