Marcellin 3rd XI played against Heathmont – currently sitting in 2nd position on the ladder and it was a game we desperately needed to win to keep finals chances alive. We are very grateful to be playing on Marcellin No.2 oval and thank Leon and his staff for accommodating us this week.

We won the toss and elected to bat first on what looked like a good flat wicket. Being a One Day game it was decide to promote Dave “Bulldog” Serong to the openers spot along with The Pres – Daniel Cimoli. The early plan was to be around 30 runs after 10 overs and no wickets down. Unfortunately things did not work out as planned with both openers being dismissed early. Serong (1) - 1/8 off 5 overs, Cimoli (6) - 2/8 off 6 overs. Will Hiser (0) came in at Number 3 with high hopes to continue his great battingform in the 3’s however was soon out caught behind – leaving us 3/8 off just 7 overs.

Paul Dinnen and Mick Lowry somewhat steadied the ship – with Mick playing his usual cow corner shots and Paul cutting almost everything. Mick tried his luck at driving a full ball and was out caught for 24. 4/59 off 18 overs. Michael Mirabella came to the crease and at drinks we were 4/73 - respectable considering our start and on target for 170ish.

Paul and Mira batted well and had the run rate steadily moving along at 5 an over until Paul (49) was caught behind 5/111 - 27 overs. A succession of wickets soon followed - Mira (24) caught, Emmett (1) bowled and Trev (0) Run Out leaving us at 8/113 off 31 overs.

Matt Coloe and Paul Chappell sensibly batted out the reaming 9 overs taking us to a very defendable score of 8/152. Chaps posted his highest score for the Club (22*) which included 3 great boundaries and Matt Coloe (15*) proved once again the importance of valuing your wicket – having gone out only once this year in 6 innings.

With 152 on the board it was decided to hold back on the usual opening bowlers and give Chaps (8 Overs 2 – 34) and Matt Coloe (4 Overs 2 – 9) the opportunity to open for the first time this season. Matt taking 2 wickets in his first two overs and Chaps taking one in his first over got us off to a great start and the score was 3-3 off 3. The game took a funny turn when Emmett O’Donnell (Keeper) and Matt Coloe (Backward Sqaure) collided in the 10th over when both were running for a skied catch. Not sure who called what but luckily the catch was taken giving Chaps his second wicket for the day. Unfortunately Emmett had to leave the field with a leg injury - hopefully not too bad and he will play next week. Thanks to Neil Minto who sub fielded for the remainder of the innings. Will Hiser jumped at the chance to take the gloves and keep for the rest of the game.

Michael Mira was next introduced into the attack and bowled his usual tight line and length (7 Overs 3 – 12). At drinks Heathmont were 6/72 - on par run wise with our total at the same point. The ever reliable Ron “The Ship” Murray bowled the game out having instant success with his first ball and finished the day with good figures- 7 Overs 3 - 29.

Marcellin won the game in the 29th Over with Heathmont all out for 105. A good result and some very tight bowling and excellent fielding. Good catches taken by Emmett (2), Hiser, Mira, Lowry, Coloe and Minto.

The ladder is extremely tight at the top with 3 games to go before finals. We sit in 6th Position on the ladder 1 point behind 2nd meaning every game is crucial if we want to be playing in March.

Next week’s game against Mulgrave is a 2 day game at McCutcheon.