The round 9 top of the table clash saw the 1st XI make the hike across Bulleen road to visit old Carey, with drizzle falling many were skeptical that we'd get under way on time, but within minutes the clouds cleared and the sun broke through. Captain Bortolotto won the toss and reluctantly chose to bat. The new opening pair welcomed back Kaz from some time in the 2nds and veteran Julian Black to the top of the order, unfortunately early wickets saw Marcellin 2 down at drinks, Dominic rolled to the crease and combined well with Kaz getting us through a tough period before Kaz fell with the score on 84, Dom batted well for his 69 crunching boundaries to all areas of the ground before he picked out the fielder on the square leg boundary, Graeme White and Borts steadied the ship for a period before a mix up between the two saw Graeme run out just as he looked to up the run rate. Borts was next to go for a well made 49 but after getting the Eagles up over 200, Neil did best to bat with the lower order making a quick 31 but the loss of regular wickets saw us all out for 237, 30-40 runs short of the ideal target. Everyone however felt confident that if we bowled well we could defend the total.

Week 2

After a solid week on the track the boys rocked up ready to get stuck into the opposition and get the points.

Pete Mirabella took the new ball and bowled tightly with good pace, constantly pushing the openers back in there crease. John Dinneen took the first over from the other end and looked to get the ball swinging early, without luck he took himself off and let Nick Burt have a crack, Burty bowled sensationally and took 2 big wickets from his 17 over spell which included 7 maidens. Carey's captain batted well and for his 78 and looked to be cruising before holing out to an ok catch on the boundary from Graeme off the bowling of Blacky, he left with the score 148 and Marcellin were back in the box seat. Whitey bowled his 22 in two spells and after going for a few early really tightened up and claimed 5 wickets for 76, some sloppy fielding towards the end saw it get closer than we would have liked but in the end Chubba and Whitey steered us home and Carey were all out for 216 in the 78th over.

That win secures top spot and will give the boys a lot of confidence when we meet East Malvern Toronga at home next week.