A word from the Prez, the Skipper and the Coach Gators warm up strong against Falcons
1st XI & 2nd XI Season
Fixture and Previews
Junior News
In it for Life: An interview with our latest life member, Jeff Hunt
Grand Final Recaps
Season Launch Function
Merchandise Range
Upcoming social events
The road map for Mountain Gate’s Alan Bailey Shield campaign has been set with the release of the fixture
After a solid campaign last season, the Gators will be looking to further themselves across the multi-format season, which kicks off at HV Jones Reserve hosting Gembrook on 5th October, before travelling to take on last season’s runners-up in Scoresby in an early test of credentials
Other highlights of the fixture include hosting the first 2-day format of the season again Knox-Boronia Churches, a Cup-Weekend OneDayer against Olinda and the opening matches of 2025 at home in a double header against Knox City and Gembrook respectively as just some of the action to look forward to
Meanwhile, the 2nd XI will graduate to Bob Decoite Reserve grade after saluting in last year’s decider, with an away trip to Upper Ferntree Gully before unfurling the Premiership flag when hosting Belgrave at HV Jones on 12th October in a one-day format
AWORDFROMPREZ: CHOPCUNNINGHAM
Welcome Gators to Season 24/25!
Another exciting year ahead with 6 senior teams (4 mens and 2 womens) along with our Vets going for back-to-back Premierships
With our new Head Coach Shaun bringing some excitement to training, along with Foss and JD coaching our women, you cannot question our season is already looking strong.
Let's not forget about our Juniors with our Gator/Knights putting in 2 teams this year, Blasters and U12s come on down and check out our amazing juniors having heaps of fun!
We have a committee of 18 strong who have been working hard in the off season getting the club in a great position, with multiple new sponsors joining up and some old sponsors getting back on board
New uniforms, new players, new kitchen and scoreboard at Windermere - you would be crazy to not come down to the Swamp!
CAPTAINKEV
KevinAtacador
Hi Gator Family
Remember, celebrate every small win, every small achievement, every small moment that happens in every game celebrating the small achievements is better than worrying you missed the big ones, and if you aren't having fun you are doing something wrong
My door is always open and my phone is always on come catch up and join the family down the Swamp.
Chop
It is a great honour to be able to captain the club once again. Having been involved on the leadership group for the last three seasons, has been a massive privelege, one I do not take for granted.
After last season getting to the prelim round I am keen to see at how the boys will turn it around this season and have more stronger performances After another season under their belt, I believe the guys are primed and ready to go and make a massive impact in the Alan Bailey Shield.
As you get older each season, you get more excited to see the younger guys develop and find tune their craft. I am keen to see how much they evolve again, after having a big pre season as well
We hope to make the prelim once again, but really want to be able to make it to the grand final!
See you at HV!
COACH’SCORNER
ShaunNugara
Hi everyone!
My name’s Shaun, the new head coach of the Mountain Gate CC for the next two seasons, and I’m incredibly excited to be part of this journey. I’m really looking forward to working with the playing group throughout the season.
Preseason has been fantastic, with great numbers and a positive vibe across the board It’s been especially rewarding to see both the men’s and women’s players come together during our sessions As the season draws nearer, we’ll be shifting training to Tuesday and Thursday nights from 5pm Remember to write you names on the whiteboard!
I’m very grateful to the individuals at the club who have given up their time to help when needed I truly appreciate everyone who has taken time out of their weekends to attend preseason, and I look forward to seeing even more of you as we get closer to the start of the season If you’re unable to make it to training, don’t stress life happens Just make sure to reach out to let us know Communication has been fantastic so far, and I’m confident it will only get better as the season progresses
A little about me: I work as a primary school teacher, have a wonderful fiancée named Brianna, and I’m a passionate supporter of Chelsea FC and the Western Bulldogs I love listening to Rufus and Kendrick Lamar, and I enjoy spending time cooking This will be my second season at Mountain Gate, and I’m excited to help everyone bring out their best, both individually and as a team.
The club has been incredibly welcoming to my partner and I, and I’m eager to give back while continuing to learn and grow along the way I’m excited to bring a fresh perspective to the role I plan to use my skills as a teacher to help players reach their full potential while continuing to learn and grow to become the best coach I can be
My aim is to foster a positive environment where every player, regardless of their ability, feels they belong and are both appreciated and respected at Mountain Gate CC
Més que un club
Gator on!
SeniorTrainingDetails
Available to players and supporters, a $200 up-front payment gets you Social Membership and valuable discounts throughout the season.
Members will receive a 200 Club Stubby Holder which entitles you to $1 off all drinks at the bar and discounted functions as well as entry in exclusive member only raffles
Season 24/25 discounted functions are:
-Free Entry to Season Launch Comedy Night (Save $30) -Half price entry to iPod Shuffle and Triva Night (Save $25)
Other discounts offered at discretion of the Club
PracticeMatchReport: WomensvsKnox Gardens
Cricket season took another step closer to becoming a reality for the women’s squad, who played Knox Gardens in a practice match at Knox Gardens Reserve
Little attention was paid to the scorebooks as the emphasis was on individual performances, rotating through opportunities in the middle in a match environment
Batting first and retiring pairings after 4 overs, the Gators opened with Emily Barrow (6*) and Caryss McCulloch (6*), before new recruit Miah Beardshaw (15*) paired with Mikaela Guileri (7*)
Afshan (6*) and Chop (8*) spent time in the middle, before Ash Foster (10*) and Sandy (14*) showed the importance of rotating strike through the middle overs
Amara (2) and Mel Button (6*) took their turn on the scoresheet, before the final pairing of Kahsish Patel (6) and Emily Williams (6*) saw the Gators post 3/113 from their 24 overs in the middle
The visiting Gators team looked at home with ball in hand, with plenty of promise shown of a restrictive, attacking brand of cricket for the season ahead
Mel Button opened the bowling, with a tight spell of 0/5 from 2 overs, however Humaira Afghan struck with instant impact - her pace being claiming 4/4 from 2 overs.
Emily Williams (1/12 from 2 overs) and Sandy (1/8 from 2 overs) were next into the attack, before Kahsish Patel (1/11 from 2 overs) and Ash Foster (2/8 off 2 overs) saw through to the halfway marker
After drinks, Mikaela Guileri (0/6 off 2 overs) and Miah Beardshaw (0/8 off 2 overs) kept the Falcons quiet, before Caryss McCulloch (1/8 off 2 overs) and Afshan (1/7 off 2 overs) capitalized on the efforts Emily Barrow (0/5 off 2 overs) and Chop (3/3 off 2 overs) finished off the hit-out, with the hosts having 83 runs on the board at the day’s end
The matchup provided both sides with valuable time in match simulation, ahead of their respective season start dates The Women’s 1st XI will commence in the RDCA B Grade East on Sunday 6th October, with the 2nd XI commencing a week after in the FTGDCA league
Fixtures for the season for both teams will be advised once announced
Nathan Guileri was impressed with the performance on the eve of the season
Miah Beardshaw rolls the arm over as the Gators hit form against the Falcons
SEASON24/25,EDITION1
1STXISEASONPREVIEW
The buildup to Season 2024/25 continues with the release of the 1st XI fixture
The campaign commences at home with a matchup against Gembrook - the first match of the Brookers’ 125th season - at HV Jones on 5th October, before an away day at Scoresby Reserve against the Magpies the following week in an early key matchup The first of the 2-day matches will also be at HV Jones as Knox Boronia come to town, before a reunion with Olinda in the Cup Weekend
One Dayer at HV Jones on 2nd November
A trifecta of 2-day matches will set the groove in, with a trip to Lewis Park to take on the Tigers (9-16 November), before a second meeting with Scoresby at HV (23-30 November) and a trip up the hill to Gembrook (7-14 December) will put paid to the fortunes of the season to date A Christmas OneDay fixture against the Burras at Millers Reserve will see out 2024
2025 cricket will return with a bang with back-toback One-Dayers at HV Jones in a super weekend for local cricket, with Knox City (11 January) and Gembrook (12 January) coming to the Swamp in what will be a massive 48 hours towards setting up the run home. An away 2-dayer against Olinda follows (18-25 January), before the Gators final home match for the season against Knox Boronia on 1 & 8 February.
James Dekel was in a run scoring mood all season with 743 runs in the books
The fixture offers the 1st XI a great opportunity to build upon the successes of 2023/24, whilst providing opportunities to impress the faithful Having proven themselves over One-Day matches (winning 5 of the 8 played), the Gators will be keen to translate in 2 day matches also Whilst only winning 2 of the 5 played, the Gators did hold the second-highest percentage, indicating that strong team performances went unrewarded at times
Away days against Scoresby (15-22 February) follow, before closing out the regular season against Knox City at Lewis Park on 1st March
A key feature the Gators last season was FTGDCA Batting Award winner James Dekel. The former Premier League batsman and Club Best & Fairest Winner scored 743 runs at 67.55, including 4 half centuries and 2 centuries, with a heroic performance against Auravale in the Semi Final scoring 102 and claiming 5/57 from 22.5 overs.
It was not just Dekel who scored runs for the Gators over the season, with Shoaib Sobhan (342 runs @ 24.43, 2 half centuries) and Wayne Davidson (263 runs @ 3757, 1 half century) aptly contributing over the journey
Skipper Kevin Atacador further credentialed himself as an all rounder, with 199 runs @ 1809 in addition to 26 wickets @ 1662 - a best return against Gembrook in Round 8 of 5/15
An ominous sign too includes the logjam of wicket takers, with Brady Hunt (25 wickets @ 1884), Dekel (22 wickets @ 1486) and Josh Hardman (22 wickets @ 1659) staking a claim for honors on any given day
Kevin Atacador lead the charge with the ball with 26 wickets over the campaign
Gembrook
Home Ground: Gembrook Oval
Nickname: The Brookers
Last Season: 6th Place
0W - 13L - 0pts (0235%, -2527 NRR)
Leading Scorer:
Jeremy Everett - 308 runs @ 2053
Leading Wicket Taker:
Mitchell Candy -9wkts @ 3522
2023/24 Results:
R3 - MGCC 7/414 def GCC 164
R8 - GCC 66 def by MGCC 5/203
KnoxBoronia
Home Ground: Millers Reserve
Nickname: The Burras
Last Season: 5th Place
5W - 8L - 34pts (0933%, -0306 NRR)
Leading Scorer:
Jarrod Walker - 342 runs @ 3420
Leading Wicket Taker:
Anthony Smith - 21wkts @ 2171
2023/24 Results:
R2 - KBCC 107 def by MGCC 8/169
R7 - MGCC 4/155 def KBCC 8/154
R13 - KBCC 130 def by MGCC 4/131
KnoxCity
Home Ground: Lewis Road Reserve
Nickname: The Tigers
Last Season: 4th Place / Elim Final 5W - 8L - 38pts (0992%, -0284 NRR)
Leading Scorer:
Bart Hoggett - 474 runs @ 4309
Leading Wicket Taker: Venuka Naiduwawadu - 31wkts @ 913
2023/24 Results:
R4 - KCCC 82 def by MGCC 6/83
R10 - MGCC 5/239d def KCCC 158 & 4/33
EF - MGCC 7/149 def KCCC 145
Olinda
Home Ground: Olinda Rec Reserve
Nickname: The Bloods
Last Season: 8th Place (Bob Decoite) 2W - 12L - 12pts (0.650%, -1.083 NRR)
Leading Scorer: Natsai M’shangwe - 513 runs @ 36.64
Leading Wicket Taker:
Natsai M’shangwe - 26 wkts @ 22.77
2023/24 Results: N/A
Scoresby
Home Ground: Scoresby Rec Reserve
Nickname: The Magpies
Last Season: 1st Place / Runner Up 12W - 1L - 76pts (2204%, 1330 NRR)
Leading Scorer:
Henry Cunningham - 462 runs @ 3300
Leading Wicket Taker:
John Cunningham - 29wkts @ 1372
2023/24 Results:
R1 - MGCC 9/122 def by SCC 4/123
R6 - SCC 267 def MGCC 149
R12 - MGCC 232 def by SCC 8/240
AlanBaileyShield Fixture
R1 5 Oct - vs Gembrook @ HV Jones Reserve
R2 12 Oct - vs Scoresby @ Scoresby Rec Reserve
R3 19-26 Oct - vs Knox Boronia @ HV Jones Reserve
R4 2 Nov - vs Olinda @ HV Jones Reserve
R5 9-16 Nov - vs Knox City @ Lewis Park Reserve
R6 23-30 Nov - vs Scoresby @ HV Jones Reserve
R7 7-14 Dec - vs Gembrook @ Gembrook Oval
R8 21 Dec - vs Knox Boronia @ Millers Reserve
R9 11 Jan - vs Knox City @ HV Jones Reserve
R10 12 Jan - vs Gembrook @ HV Jones Reserve
R11 18-25 Jan - vs Olinda @ Olinda Rec Reserve
R12 1-8 Feb - vs Knox Boronia @ HV Jones Reserve
R13 15-22 Feb - vs Scoresby @ Scoresby Rec Reserve
R14 1 Mar - vs Knox City @ Lewis Park Reserve
Reserve within the grade
The 8-team competition commences on 5th October, with the Gators heading to Kings Park to face Upper Ferntree Gully, before unveiling last season’s flag at HV Jones against Belgrave
Red ball cricket returns late in October as Mountain Gate travel to Knox Gardens (19th-26th), before venturing up to Olinda to start November
Round 5 sees a homecoming against South Belgrave at HV Jones Reserve, before another trip back up the hill for the fortnight - this time to Monbulk (23 & 30 November) for the last away trip of 2024
December sees the Gators close out the year with home matches against St Johns Tecoma (7 & 14 December) and a Round 8 match against the Falcons.
A return from the break sees a trip to South on 11th January, before hosting the Kings at HV in Round 10. A 2 day appointment in Belgrave follows, before the mountaineers of Olinda and Monbulk come to town in the final rounds to close off the regular season.
Van Staden provided runs at an average of uctive power to take a h a swashbuckling y a contender as a clubup a century in 41 balls, ck for 15 fours and 5 sixes
2000) proved to be a he scoresheet, whilst ra (190 runs @ 9500), s @ 4125) and skipper 67) ensure that the with runs.
er Gwynne has gone to a key part with the ball alps at an average of g against Knox City (5/7 t Grand Final a Vale claiming 4/21 off
Luke Bakker - coming off ding a personal best of a Ian van Staden also ual duties, with a owling that claimed 12 including 4/5 off 33 overs against Knox City
Whilst it will be a new environment for the 2nd XI, the elevated standing as Premiers gives hope towards continued success
Cooper Gwynne has lead by example in his first season as a Gator
Ian Van Staden makes an impact on the scorebooks and the boundary fences!
Belgrave
Home Ground: Belgrave Rec Res
Nickname: The Magpies
Last Season: 3rd Place / Semi Finals
7W - 6L - 45pts (0911%, 0140 NRR)
Leading Scorer:
Simon Hill - 310 runs @ 4429
Leading Wicket Taker:
Simon Feeney - 24wkts @ 2254
KnoxGardens
Home Ground: Knox Gardens Reserve
Nickname: The Falcons
Last Season: 8th Place (Norm Reeves Shield Reserve)
0W - 13L - 3pts (0.539%, -1.241 NRR)
Leading Scorer:
Sean Reid - 338 runs @ 48.29
Leading Wicket Taker:
Josh Cram - 14wkts @ 23.29
Monbulk
Home Ground: Monbulk Rec Reserve
Nickname: The Hawks
Last Season: 1st Place / Runners Up 11W - 1L - 76pts (2361%, 0972 NRR)
Leading Scorer:
Brad Trinnick - 569 runs @ 51.73
Leading Wicket Taker: Jake Santini - 27wkts @ 11.74
Olinda
Home Ground: Olinda Rec Reserve
Nickname: The Bloods
Last Season: 6th Place
3W - 8L - 1NR - 27pts (0.517%, -0.955 NRR)
Leading Scorer:
Brad Bates - 272 runs @ 2720
Leading Wicket Taker:
Callum Raisbeck - 9 wkts @ 1278
SouthBelgrave
Home Ground: Belgrave South Rec Reserve
Nickname: South
Last Season: 7th Place
2W - 9L - 1NR - 21pts (0691%, -0579 NRR)
Leading Scorer:
Nathan Kouris - 225 runs @ 3750
Leading Wicket Taker: Cameron Smith - 13wkts @ 1692
StJohnsTecoma
Home Ground: Talaskia Reserve
Nickname: The Saints
Last Season: 5th Place
5W - 7L - 36pts (0842%, -0121 NRR)
Leading Scorer:
Dean Palandri - 444 runs @ 55.50
Leading Wicket Taker:
Bailey Elder - 16wkts @ 17.81
UpperFerntreeGully
Home Ground: Kings Park
Nickname: The Kings
Last Season: 4th Place / Semi Finals
6W - 6L - 1NR - 42pts (1009%, -0083 NRR)
Leading Scorer:
Jack Corrigan - 322 runs @ 46.00
Leading Wicket Taker:
Nicholas Mackay - 18wkts @ 11.44
R1 5 Oct - vs Upper FTG @ Kings Park
R2 12 Oct - vs Belgrave @ HV Jones Reserve
R3 19-26 Oct - vs Knox Gardens @ Knox Gardens Reserve
R4 2 Nov - vs Olinda @ Olinda Rec Reserve
R5 9-16 Nov - vs South Belgrave @ HV Jones Reserve
R6 23-30 Nov - vs Monbulk @ Monbulk Rec Reserve
R7 7-14 Dec - vs St Johns Tecoma @ HV Jones Reserve
R8 21 Dec - vs Knox Gardens @ HV Jones Reserve
R9 11 Jan - vs South Belgrave @ Belgrave Sth Rec Reserve
R10 18-25 Jan - vs Upper FTG @ HV Jones Reserve
R11 1-8 Feb - vs Belgrave @ Belgrave Rec Reserve
R12 15-22 Feb - vs Olinda @ HV Jones Reserve
R13 1 Mar - vs Monbulk @ HV Jones Reserve
Mountain Gate Cricket Club endorses the new Victorian Cricket Integrity Policies and procedures as follows:
1 2024 Member Protection Policy; and 2 2024 Complaints and Resolution Policy together with re-endorsing Australian Cricket’s Child Safeguarding Framework policies: 3 Commitment Statement; 4 Looking after our Kids Code of Behaviour; and 5 Policy for Safeguarding Children and Young People
INITFORLIFE: JEFFHUNT
As the song goes: I don’t like cricket – I love it…
Growing up as a kid, a left-handed larrikin by the name of Jeff Hunt would adore the likes of fellow Aussie lefties Alan Boarder and Wayne Philips who saw their fortunes ebb and flow across the mid-1980s cricketing revolution of Test Matches and World Series Cricket, and would count down the days for the West Indies teams to return to our shores and exhibit the firebrand bowling displays headed up by Malcolm Marshall that continue to be heralded as the best ever seen in cricket’s illustrious history.
But yet the kid didn’t grow up wanting to be the next Border or Philips or Marshall – whilst idolizing the above, he did not want to be a replica but instead wanted to find his own style of playing and enjoying cricket. Joining Heatherdale Cricket Club as a kid, Jeff played all his junior career and a few early senior seasons with the Box Hill Reporter District club before friends persuaded a move across at the start of the new Millenium
“Heatherdale was a fair club however given how big it got at the time, it didn’t really suit me and where I wanted to be playing. I had just moved into the area and was looking for somewhere to play, so David Cuffe got in my ear and said to come down to his club at Windermere and see how things were and if it sparked things again.”
The move worked, with Jeff enjoying the vibe of the club over the years making many a friend, with the alure of the club and its people capturing the passion to remain in the brown and gold Jeff worked through to play within the 2nd XI, who saw the Semi Finals a few times across the early 2000’s without progressing, however it was in 2007/8 that he played in his first Grand Final for the Gators in the 4th XI, facing Knoxfield at Benedikt Park But just 7 days earlier Jeff was at the forefront of one of the most bizarre matches ever seen in Mountain Gate’s history.
“Earlier in the season, Upper Gully had rolled us for just 13 in the first round. We fought back over the season and ended up in 4th place, which meant facing them in the Semi Finals They had a few trophy-hunters in that team, so we knew it would be a task however we gave it a shot.
“Whilst we did better than the first time, we got dismissed for 63 on the first day We had a crack at them before tea, with Blairy taking 2 wickets and me the other one to have them 3/12. After the break, we came back and were on fire! Blairy took another wicket and left the rest to me to take 7/20 The last wicket was a rather questionable waist-high ball which was caught on the fence, but the arm stayed down. We rolled them for 59, and their captain conceded the match on Day 1 – think the exact words were: We don’t deserve to play in a Grand Final if we can’t chase down 60. The rest of the team were furious and wanted to go again – we ended up delaying the Tavern Cup match on the main oval things got so crazy But a win was a win - Geez did we celebrate that one ”
That 2007/8 season provided many of Jeff’s favourite moments on the field, including a bizarre pick for his most memorable batting partnership from over the years..
“We were playing against Aura Vale at Windermere and were 9 for 130-ish with me on about 10 at the time. Out to the crease walks Richy Millott, so I knew we didn’t have long and that 130 wasn’t going to be enough! But he was like a Lego set blocking everything and held up an end beautifully They were so hellbent on getting him out that I was able to start to score freely and before long had raced past 50
“We were out there for a good 20 overs before Richy went out for next to nothing, but by then I was 78 not out and with extras we had put on just under 100 runs for the 10th wicket The following week, Chris Burridge goes and takes 6-fa and we won by 20 runs, which wouldn’t have happened if we hadn’t have put on the partnership Always love being part of a lower order match-winning partnership!”
Greater memories were to come, with Jeff’s son Brady commencing his journey through cricket at HV Jones Jeff Coordinated the Milo Cricket program with Stephen Burridge to give Brady the start on his own junior career, later on enjoying playing alongside eachother over the seasons in the 3rd XI before Brady continued his ascent to higher grades
“Playing alongside and captaining Brady would be one of the greatest pleasures of my cricketing journey to date. He has a great future along with a couple of the other young ones that have come through the grades with him who now represent the club in the 1st XI It’s an amazing journey they’re on and I’m grateful to have been part of their journeys.”
Playing together as a group has shown Jeff the uniqueness of clubmates, which brings about many a laugh and a good time alongside amazing teammates on those long days in the field
“I guess everyone is quirky in their own way but the ones that I played a lot of senior cricket alongside and even got to win a Vets grand final with a couple of them were the likes of the two Burridge boys [Steve and Mark], Booga, Tucks, Chris Harris, Goughy just to name a few. Vet’s is great fun to play – it’s a lot more laid back but yet still competitive, although we tend to sledge eachother more than the opposition
“The quirkiest teammate over the years would no doubt have to be Booga - anyone who bowls all day from the same end in 40 degree heat in a jumper has quirks! But that’s what has made these teams so fun to play with – everyone is themselves and enjoying their cricket and enjoying playing cricket with eachother, which brings that out in your cricket also ”
Over the years, Jeff’s leadership within the club has overseen the pathways of nearly a hundred players through their own cricketing journeys –whether that being juniors dabbling in senior cricket for the first time, to players progressing through towards 1st XI stardom, or even under his stewardship towards a club premiership, which occurred in the 2nd XI in Season 2023/24.
“I love being a captain and being there for all the guys that have come through over the last few years. Hopefully I’ve helped them get to achieve some of their goals or improve their skills in the direction that they want to go forward with Obviously to captain that fantastic 2nd XI side to the premiership last season was an absolute highlight in my career and look forward to what we can do this season now we are up a grade ”
“I love being a captain and being there for all the guys that have come through over the last few years Hopefully I’ve helped them get to achieve some of their goals or improve their skills in the direction that they want to go forward with. Obviously to captain that fantastic 2nd XI side to the premiership last season was an absolute highlight in my career and look forward to what we can do this season now we are up a grade ”
A career covering so many people and memories whilst continuing to give back – be it as a junior coach, a mentor, a key support for our 1st and 2nd XI, a captain, a clubman, a teammate – proved to be the proof beyond all doubt that a higher honour needed to be bestowed: Life Membership. With the Presentation Night last April, such an honour was awarded to Jeff recognising all that he has done and continues to do
“It’s an absolute honour to be on the Life Member board now with some of the absolute legends of the club and I feel totally humbled by it. I think I said to Kev on the night that I don’t feel like I deserve or belong on there with all these names, however everyone tells me otherwise which again is humbling that me going about things is helping to contribute to so many people. I am extremely proud to be a Life Member at the Gators and I look forward to
“I have played cricket here for over half my life and have seen many great players and people come through as well as many there now, so I want to see success for all these people
“Cricket clubs are a lot different now to what they were back in the early 2000’s when I first joined the Gators, but I think the future is looking good We are far more inclusive club nowadays with the inclusion of women’s sides and girls playing within our junior grades. Overall with the age demographic of our 1st XI and some promising young players coming through, things are looking good for the future and I can’t wait to be here to watch it all.”
Time to update the wardrobe? Want to wear the most fashionable designs this season? We’ve got you covered
Mountain Gate Cricket Club have teamed up with Sporting Fine Art to offer the most complete range of Gators apparel
Whether rolling the arm over on a Thursday, scoring One Day half centuries in one day matches or centuries in two day matches, look the part whilst you represent!
And it’s simple to order: Visit the Club Portal, select your items, pay and it’s on its way
FAIRYTALEFINISHASGATORSDEFYODDS,LAKERS
An inspiring run over the season was rewarded as the 2nd XI claimed the Alan Bailey Shield Reserve Premiership against Aura Vale.
Across the season, the Lakers held a 3-1 advantage in the head-to-head, with the Gators 4-run win in a makeup match separating a whitewash against the minor premiers But the form book is redundant on Grand Final Day, with all to play for and 140 overs to conclude the summer of cricket
Batting first, the Gators were looking for a strong start however 2 overs in, David Tulloch was returned to the pavilion as the scoreboard read 1/6 Chris Tuplin linked in with Doug Barton to keep the scoreboard moving before the latter was adjudged LBW for 8 - the score 2/36 in the 15th over
Tuplin and Shaun Nugara joined at the crease and together set about posting a competitive target Tuplin was caught short of a well deserved half century, his innings concluding in the 23rd over on 45 having hit 5 fours and 2 sixes
After a short stay for Ian Van Staden, it was Pamir Hussaini who partnered with Nugara in a crucial 57run partnership before Hussaini departed for 41 just after the break Nugara carried on, joined by Ryan
Stapleton (0), Justin Wise (14) and Jeff Hunt (10*) to push the score to 7/227 at the end of the first day of play Nugara was the pillar of the middleorder, notching up an unbeaten half century that included 7 fours on his way to 67 not out
With ball in hand, the response was swift from the Gators as Luke Bakker struck in the first over before the Lakers settled into a partnership However in a key moment, a runout chance was taken, the score 2/44
Cooper Gwynne and Ryan Stapleton broke through for the next wickets in quick succession, and when Ian Van Staden shattered the stumps at 5/79, the fortunes were in the Gators’ favor in bringing home a second Premiership in 3 seasons
The Gators kept toiling at the task before Pamir Hussaini broke through twice in 4 overs at 7/101, before Gwynne struck twice in the 51st over to put the results beyond doubt Gwynne wrapped up the Premiership midway through the 55th over, claiming 4/21 as Aura Vale were dismissed for 121 and celebrations began in earnest
AGENOBARRIERASGATORSDEFEATSOUTHFORFLAG
Mountain Gate’s unlocked the Fountain of Youth in the Veteran’s grades, as the Gators took out honors against the table-topping South Belgrave in the Tom Jackson Shield
It was a two-horse race all season as South took the minor premiership, albeit the Gators with a far superior net run rate showing that the decider was going to be an instant classic
Batting first, the visiting Gators started well with Doug Barton and Lyndon Rowlands getting starts before being dismissed at 2/64 after 14 overs
Whirlwind appearances from Dave Tulloch (42 from 24 balls) and Mark Lieversz (43 from 43 balls) before retiring not out stamped authority on puting a sizable total on the board. With the back of Rob Gough (11 off 12), the score stood at 3/136 with 14 overs still to play.
Richard Lieversz (10 off 10 balls) and Bert Pearce (23 off 26 balls) helped build late-innings momentum peppering the boundaries, before Ramkumar Ganesaraja (13 not out off 16 balls) and Mark Argus (22 not out off 15 balls) saw through to the end of the 36th over, concluding the Gator innings at 5/228- the highest total scored for the season
With the ball in hand, an early Rob Gough breakthrough claimed the first scalp at 1/7 in the 3rd over, however South regrouped to form a key partnership in the top order that was broken by Mark Argus hitting the stumps to be 2/60
Leather-on-stumps turned into the order of the afternoon as Argus claimed his second, before Mark Lieversz joined the party at the 15th over with the scorecard reading 4/72
Argus and Gough came back into the attack and back into the wicket-takers list, before Dave Tulloch whipped the bails off an Aldred David delivery to see the score 7/149at the 30th over and with a climbing run rate required
A few tense overs continued as the South lower order worked hard to create a solution, however when Ramkumar Ganesaraja found the edge to Dave Tulloch, celebrations rang out as the Gators Premiership chase came to a convincing end.
Mark Argus was the pick of the bowled, claiming 3/28 from his 6 overs working in tandem with Rob Gough (2/18 off 6 overs), whilst single wickets each for Ramkumar Ganesaraja (1/23 from 5 overs), Mark Lieversz (1/31 from 4 overs) and Aldred David (1/24 from 5 overs)
SEASONLAUNCH5OCTOBER
The season may be changing from footy to cricket, however that hasn’t stopped Tom Seigert from launching the 2024/25 Season.
Better known as The Suburban Footballer, Seigert’s award winning comedy has featured all over the country, with over 10 million views on Youtube launching into sold-out performances over the Melbourne International Comedy Festival
So good is his performances, the Match Review Panel graded them as Intentional and HighImpact contact to people’s urge to laugh, offering a 3 hour suspension from reality!
Tickets for this special night can be pre-purchased for $30 ($50 on the door on the night), or for our Club 200 members - it’s Free!
($50 on door)
SEASON24/25,EDITION1
JUNIORS
Season 2024/25 is shaping up to be another quality year for our Junior program as it continues to grow the next generation of Gators talent
Out of the senior squad, 72% of current players have played some form of junior cricket at Mountain Gate, demonstrating the importance of the junior pathway
Nathan Guileri continues to oversee introducing Gators cricket to the community in his role as Junior Coordinator, including delivering cricket education programs at Mountain Gate Primary School in conjunction with Cricket Victoria.
The Gators will field merged Under 12s, Under 14s and Under 16s teams this season, with the latter two squads forming the Gator/Knights who made through to the Grand Final last season.
The Fast 9s program is back again, providing introduction to the team-based model of organised cricket in a non-competitive environment that is focused on developing cricket skills in match scenarios
It’s never too late to get involved in cricket at HV Jones Reserve, with the entry-level Blasters program to kick off in November Introducing kids to cricket through a number of skill-based development activities, it is the perfect start to representing their BBL heroes!
To register, or for more information, please contact Nathan on 0406 949 232 to start your Gator cricket journey for Season 2024/25!
