Insidethelatest edition:
A word from the Prez, the Skippers and the Coach Match Reports from Rounds 3 & 4
Junior News
Inside Scoop With Coop
Trivia Night
Merchandise Range
Upcoming social events
GATORSINTHEMIXAS COMPETITIONHEATSUP
The first month of Season 2024/25 is officially in the books, with varying fortunes across all teams at HV Jones Reserve
Whilst the 1st XI are yet to register, there can be no doubting the competitiveness of the squad with plenty on contributors to the cause Meanwhile, the 2nd XI are beginning to find their feet in new surroundings, registering a maiden win last round in their promoted season The 3rd XI - a mixture of youth and experience - sit firmly in the business end of the ladder after and undefeated start
The Women’s 1st XI equally find themselves among the leaders, with a rare loss bringing the team back to the pack Meanwhile, the Gator Knights continue their development, improving with every passing Round
In the Juniors, both Under 14s and Under 16s top their respective ladders as the Gator Knights bank early season points with healthy winning margins ahead of the busy Christmas period
Socially, club functions are in full swing after visits from The Suburban Footballer for comedy night, whilst the traditional iPod Night took on a western theme with plenty of country anthems belting out!
AWORDFROMPREZ: CHOPCUNNINGHAM
Hey Gators,
Time flies when we’re having fun!!
It’s hard to believe that we’re already a month into Season 2023/24, and already we have so many positive stories to talk about
Our 1st XI are not far off a win, whilst our 2nd XI are now on the board also. Meanwhile our 3rds, Women’s 1sts, Under 14s and Under 16s are all at the pointy end of their ladders.
The Women’s 2nd XI and the Veterans are underway now too and will undoubtedly showcase some wonderful stories over the next few months.
Our new generation of juniors kicks off in November, with the start of our Junior Blasters learning the skills that will take them into Junior Cricket in the coming years at the Swamp - exciting!
COACH’SCORNER
ShaunNugara
While results across all grades may not yet reflect the hard work and effort we've put in, there have been many positive signs throughout the season I’ve been really impressed with how the playing group has taken on new challenges and are willing to test themselves at training!
Individual efforts throughout the grades should be recognised. • Miah impressed with a solid 36*, and Humaira delivered a standout performance
Off field, our Thursday night meals have been a massive hit and I can’t thank Imagen, Caryss and Gabby enough for the help they provide in making it happen!
We had our iPod Night in October which was a great hit and a fun night dressing up, and our Trivia Night just around the corner which is always a great Club-wide event!
As always, anything you want to ask or say, you know where to find me!
Chop
with three wickets. The better Williams reached 16, while Dougy Barton marked his return in style with a well-played 57* VP Lyndon contributed with 43, showing consistency at the crease, and in the Seconds, Coops, Pamir, and Dulana all snatched three wickets each in the last round, and Davey added a valuable 45* to the team’s total
To the boys in the Ones keep your heads held high! Although we haven't yet registered a win, there are still many positives to take from the games we've played The top order has shown they can get starts, but let’s continue pushing for bigger scores There’s always room for improvement, and we must maintain our focus and determination.
A special mention to the passionate supporters who came out to support the club during the Olinda game at HV. The presence of the Gator Army made a huge difference thank you for your unwavering support! As we approach the mid-season break, let’s continue to put our best foot forward Together, as a club, we will strive to be the best cricketers and the best people we can be. Gator On!
The Firsts have recently played Knox Boronia and Olinda With both games resulting in losses, we are still searching for a win for the season The main thing that is hurting us is the fielding, dropping more than two catches a game The old saying goes, catches wins matches
However, there is plenty of upside to see. It is great to see Bobby score a few runs in the middle order against Knox Boronia, scoring 34 off 39 and Bakker is becoming a reliable bowler claiming 2/47 off 7.
Against Olinda, we fought really well - it was a great game to play, but unfortunately we were unable to get there in the end. In what felt more of a batting performance, it was great to see partnerships throughout the game. In our top five, we saw four of them scoring more than 25 runs each A great batting display from Coach Shaun scoring his maiden 50 in 1XI finishing with 54 off 71 and it was well supported by Tuppy with 32 off 44
Although we have not won a game, the boys can
CAPTAINGA
GabbyGiulieri
Hey Gator fam!
CAPTAINKEV
KevinAtacador
clearly see there is improvements and each of us know where we need to improve
In terms of the club, it was great to see Jeff and his side get their first win in Decoite Reserves beating Olinda It was a great team performance with three bowlers claiming three wickets each Our 3s are going strength to strength as they have managed to get another win which sees them currently 2nd on the ladder! Mark is doing a fantastic job leading the young kids mixed in with his vets teammates
The season is well and truly underway with plenty of cricket at the club it’s great to see ladies attend senior training on Thursday nights as well, with yummy dinners thanks to Imagen!
iPod shuffle night was also a great success again this year with some unreal outfits and plenty of dancing. Thanks Kaz for organizing!
Our ladies 1XI are currently 3-1 with a convincing win against Yarra Junction and a tough loss last week against Warranwood. Miah once again starred in both games, making 36* and taking 3/8 against Yarra Junction. Humaira and Bibi have both been excellent with the new ball, as well as Miki, who continues to challenge batters with her change of pace and flight. Super positive signs for our ladies!
As a club, we have worked hard to improve each grade and it shows how much the club has improved overall
Gator Knights are currently 0-2. Em williams led the front last week with the bat and Anita doing a great job with the gloves. There have been plenty of wicket takers throughout the team over the first two games which is awesome to see.
Our ladies are working hard and we are looking forward to see them continue to develop as the season progresses! it was also great to see the last Afghan sister debut for the club last week, with all 4 sisters now playing a game for the Gators
Special shout out to Chopstar- our bronze medalist, who had a blast in Adelaide playing for Victoria in the masters comp, we are all super proud of you!!
Thank you to everyone for your constant supportGator on!
Gabby xx
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
BURRASHAVELASTLAUGH, BLOODSHOLDOFFGATORS
Rounds 3 and 4 of Allan Bailey Shield are in the books, and whilst neither result went the Gators way, several displays hold Mountain Gate in close proximity.
The first fixtured 2-day match against Knox Boronia became a one-day affair after mother nature intervened in week 1. Winning the toss, the Gators sent the visitors in and broke through early with the score 1/1 in the 2nd over.
However the Burras answered the call and went on the attack, with an 81-run 2nd wicket partnership, a 64-run 3rd wicket partnership and an 80-run 4th wicket partnership to have the score at 4/226 in the 35th over as the Gator bowlers had their work cut out making inroads James Dekel was pick of the attack with 2/33 from 8 overs, with Luke Bakker (2/47 from 7 overs) in support as the Burras posted 6/275 at the end of their 40 overs
ponse, the hosts were well held in the to score runs as freely, with a steady m of wickets seeing the chase falter at 4/40 16th over
Sobhan (28) lead from the top of the card, Taylor Jones lead the way on the heet with a middle-order 34 as the Gators bundled out by the Burras for 145
d 4 saw another stay of the 1st XI at HV this time facing Olinda in the Cup end One Day fixture The Visitors won the nd elected to bat first, with Brady Hunt rom 7 overs) breaking through early to he score 1/5 in the 3rd over of the day.
ver the Bloods built back, with the next g putting on 151-runs as the Gator bowlers continued to search for answers. Ben Ogley (1/34 from 5 overs) broke through in the 33rd over, immediately followed up by Luke Bakker (1/41 from 8 overs) as the visitors reached 3/206 at the innings break.
Despite an early wicket, the Gators batting card featured a number of starts which kept the hosts well in contention Wayne Davidson (30), James Dekel (27) and Chris Tuplin (32) all contributed at the pointy end, however it was Shaun Nugara who lead the way with the willow, notching up 54 including 5 fours and a six
With the score at 5/148 in the 34th over, the task was tall but not insurmountable with a lower order asking the question of the Bloods lineup Despite best efforts, a flurry of wickets put paid to the chase, falling for a respectable 193
The results from the past 2 rounds leaves the Gators sitting in 5th place, well within reach of all teams after 4 rounds of play
Round 5 sees the Gators have the fortnight off, due to a fixtured bye as a result of Knox City withdrawing from Allan Bailey Shield The implications are that the Gators will receive the maximum points awarded for the round Pending results, the Gators may find themselves having climbed to 4th place without taking to the field.
The Gator 1st XI will next be on field on Saturday 23rd November, hosting Scoresby at HV Jones in the Round 6 two-day match.
Shaun Nugara was all-out attack in a narrow loss to Olinda, recording a 1st XI half century in the process
Alan Bailey
AWAYDAY
BREAKTHROUGHASGATOR 2NDSONTHEBOARD
Mountain Gate is on the board in De Coite Shield Reserve after spending Rounds 3 and 4 away against Knox Gardens and Olinda respectively.
Round 3 action saw the Gators off to Knox Gardens Reserve to face the Falcons Winning the toss and electing to bat first, the visitors were under early pressure with Tim Wise (11), Dave Tulloch (4) and Ian Van Staden (1) all back in the shed by the 5th over
The Gators fought back, with Shaun Nugara partnering up with Justin Wise to place the focus on the runs column before Wise was dismissed for 43 from 58 balls, which included 6 boundaries
Nugara departed in the 25th over as the 6th wicket, his stay at the crease resulting in 26 runs from 53 balls including 4 fours
The final 10 overs saw a typical scramble for runs, with contributions from Lachie Barton (21 from 39 balls), Tom Button (10 from 24 balls) and Ben Ogley (20 from 17 balls) helping to propel the Gators to 9/172 by the end of the innings
Whilst late-innings runs were found, the same could not be said about wickets, as the Falcons weathered the visiting attack - the only blemishes being a 5th over wicket to Ben Ogley (1/26 from 7 overs) and a 22nd over catch off Tom Button’s bowling (1/14 from 4 overs). The home team taking the points on the day, reaching 2/173 in the 34th over.
Round 4 saw a trip up to Olinda to face the Bloods
Dulana Karunachandra proved a tricky customer for Olinda to face, claiming 3/9 from 7 overs in Round 4
at Olinda Green, with the hosts electing to bat first. The Gators were made to wait until the 6th over for their opening wicket as Cooper Gwynne struck twice in 2 overs to have the score 2/35 in the 8th over
Pamir Hussaini joined the act in the 13th over with the score 3/56, before the visitors went on a tear through the attack Gwynne claimed his third, ending at 3/25 from 8 overs whilst Hussaini also claimed 3/28 from 6 overs Dulana Karunachandra stamped his presence with the ball, claiming 3/9 from 7 overs as the Gators dismissed the Bloods for 84
Justin Wise was the key to the batting card against the Falcons, just missing a half century
The Gators went out making short work of the chase, with Ian Van Staden and Dave Tulloch aiming for the pickets Van Staden fell for 23 from 11 balls - 5 of which were fours, whilst Tulloch walked off not out on 45 from 30 balls, made up of 6 fours and a six The Gators made short work of the chase, reaching 1/86 in just 47 balls
With points on the board and an increased percentage and net run rate, the Gators return to HV Jones with a 2-day matchup against South Belgrave in Round 5 on 9th & 16th November
GATORSINBIG3RDS WIN,REMAIN UNDEFEATED
Mountain Gate 3rd XI sit in 2nd place after Round 3 and are one of 3 teams with an unblemished start to Season 2024/25 following a 10-wicket win over Olinda
The visitors won the toss and opted to take first use of Windermere Reserve, however were soon under control of an economical Gators bowling attack, lead early on by Rob Gough (0/8 from 3 overs) and Mark Stapleton (0/10 from 6 overs) Whilst not producing imediate breakthroughs, the pressure created opportunities in the field - the first wicket coming via run out at 1/6
Dulana Karunachandra (1/13 from 6 overs) was the first bowler credited with a wicket, breaking the stumps in the 19th over, before Ethan Williams came on to claim the final 2 wickets, his 2/8 from 42 overs finishing the innings with the Bloods at 72
The response was a dominate one as Doug Barton opened with Lucas Santilli Spending valuable time in the middle, the duo went on to construct a valuable pairing over the next 173 overs as they chased towards the target
Santilli batted with experience beyond his years, walking off at the end 7 not out from 40 balls opening in Senior cricket. Barton meanwhile did the bulk of the scoring, producing an unbeaten half century concluding at 57 not out from 65 balls, including 5 fours as the Gators ran out 10wicket victors.
With the Cup Weekend off, the Gators sit in 2nd place in the Community 4 standings, and will look forward to their next matchup against Knox Gardens at Knox Gardens Reserve on 9th and 16th November The Falcons are another team unbeaten so far this season, with the Round 4 fixture a showcase of the Gators’ credentials as the season begins to take shape
It is an all-veterans affair in the runscoring stakes so far this year, with Doug Barton’s efforts against the Bloods sees him as the lead runscorer, narrowly ahead of Lyndon Rowlands (43 runs @ 4300) and Mark Lieversz (22 runs @ 2200)
The Gator pressure continued through the next change, with Mack Cunningham (0/10 from 4 overs) and Bailey DeHaan (0/15 from 3 overs) helping generate another 2 runouts - the score 3/44 in the 17th over
However it is a youthful game in the bowling stakes, with Mark Stapleton leading the way so far, claiming 3 wickets at 1633 Ethan Williams first wickets of the campaign sees him next with 2 wickets at 2650, whilst Matthew Carter, Dulana Karunachandra and Mark Lieversz have opened their 3rd XI accounts with 1 wicket each
Lucas Santilli is proving a safe pair of hands, having taken 2 catches so far this season, with Rob Gough holding on to a chance also Behind the stumps, Chris Young is racking up the dismissals, removing the bails in 3 runouts.
Ethan Williams gets on the board for the season, claiming 2/8 against Olinda
Save them! Doug Barton posted another half century against Olinda
GATORGIRLSSOLIDIN TOP4EAGLESWINAND NARROWSHARKSLOSS
The Women’s 1st XI are in familiar territory after the opening 4 Rounds of the RDCA B Grade East, sitting in 4th place after a win and a loss.
Round 3 saw a trip to Yarra Junction Reserve to take on Yarra Junction, the Eagles looking to start strong with runs on the board electing to bat first.
Humaira Afghan (1/19 from 6 overs) struck in the 5th over to put the score 1/4, before the hosts settled in and ticked the scoreboard over.
Henriette Korff (1/5 from 2 overs) struck in the 17th over which then swung momentum back the Gator bowlers way as Miah Beardshaw (3/8 from 4 overs) and Iliana Suliman (2/9 from 3 overs) provided a steady supply of wickets with the score 7/72 The Eagles were dismissed just shy of 34 overs for 83
The Gators’ response started shakily, with both openners in the sheds by the 3rd over at 2/7, however Gabby Giulieri and Miah Beardshaw steadied the ship, the pair remaining unbeaten as the Gators reached the target at 19 overs Giulieri finished on a patient 15 not out, whilst down the other end Beardshaw ended the day on 36 not out from 55 balls, including 3 fours
Round 4 saw Warranwood visit HV Jones, with the visitors being asked to bat first
Early wickets to Humaira Afghan had the Gators on top early at 2/3 before the Sharks consolidated through the middle order and across the middle overs of the one day matchup to be 5/64 at the 20 over mark
Henriette Korff struck for a second time in the 23rd over, however the visitors seldom gave opportunities before setting a competitive 8/134. Humaira Afghan the pick of the bowling with 3/23 from 7 overs, supported over the innings by Korff (2/18 from 6 overs), Miah Beardshaw (1/9 from 3 overs), Emily Barrow (1/10 from 4 overs) and Iliana Suliman (1/17 from 3 overs).
Miah Beardshaw was the standout on the batting card, scoring 24 from 56 balls including 3 fours, however the visiting bowling attack ran riot through the middle order to skittle the Gators for 64.
Despite the loss, the Gators are well positioned after 4 rounds of play, sitting in 4th place and only 6 points shy of the ladder leaders
Following the Cup Weekend break, action resumes in Round 5 when the Gators host Montrose at HV Jones on 10th November, before an away day to Heatherdale on 17th November at Heatherdale Reserve
Miah Beardshaw continues her runscoring spree, leading the way on the scorecard for the past 2 rounds
In reply, the Gators started positively, before the Sharks removed Mel Button (3) and Henriette Korff (16) to be 2/20 at the 10 over mark.
Humaira Afghan has been troubling batting lineups, claiming 4 wickets in the past 2 rounds
GATORKNIGHTSBATTLE HARDA
The Gator Kn South Belgra against South
With the toss asked to bat f order was in e within the firs
Bucking the t was Emily Wi bowling attac over South Belgra dominance w the Gator Kni score to reach prior to the co
In reply, the Gator Knights held their own with the ball in hand, however wickets proved harder to come across than runs Ashlee Cowie (1/23 from 3 overs) broke through in the 4th over to make the score 1/21
South responded with a 56-run 2nd wicket partnership before Maddison Southam (1/11 from 25 overs) displaced the bails in the 11th over, with the final wicket of the day coming from Sandra Tidey (1/6 from 4 overs) at 3/95
However the target proved achievable for the hosts, concluding at 3/105 after 17 overs
The Gator Knights focus now shifts towards facing off against the 2nd-placed Knox Gardens in an away T20 match at Knox Gardens Reserve on Sunday 10th November.
The Gator Knights pairings continue to work well together in the field, with the ball and at the crease, showcasing a strong result is on the horizon
Emily Williams spent a considerable time at the crease against South Belgrave, scoring 16 runs for the effort
FTGDCA Women A Grade
JOHNSON PARK
GATORVETSGODOWN INSHOOTOUT FALCONS
It was a batsmans’ paradise Reserve between the Falco first action of the summer down to the hosts by just 4 classic.
The Falcons took first use o Rob Gough breaking throu and middle orders fired for
Debutant Ben Osborne wa finding the edge to Dave T stumps and the stumps th the bowling attack with 2/3
Jeff Hunt (1/33 from 6 overs the bails for the Gator attac was rapid and explained th 5/198 from the 36 overs
Not to be outdone, the Gat and featured a number of s Dave Tulloch (26) and the Lieversz brothers Mark (19) & Richard (12) adding to the total
One game in, and Ben Osborne is leading the attack, taking 2 wickets and affecting a runout in a performance with the ball and in the field
However the bulk of the chase was put together between Justin Wise and Aldred David Wise ended up stumped for 39, with 3 fours to his name, whilst David walked off retired not out on 40 after finding the fence 4 times
As the momentum ebbed and flowed, even the lower order were adding crucial runs towards the target, with Jeff Hunt (12) and Ben Osborne (11 not out) both willing the Gators towards the points. However it wasn’t to be - the final wicket falling with 5 balls to spare and 4 runs shy of the target.
The Gators sit 6th after the first completed round, with all eyes looking ahead to Upper Ferntree Gully at HV Jones Reserve on Sunday 17th November
Aldred David and Justin Wise were the mainstays of the Gator response, with David retiring 40 not out
Sth Belgrave 3rd XI
Sth Belgrave 4th XI
SPONSOR
FOR 24/25
INSIDESCOOPWITHCOOP
Summer is around the corner, and this edition is like the perfect summer ice-cream: 2 Scoops!
Cooper Gwynne leaves no stone unturned in covering the stories that need to be told, including if that involves journeying to the edge of the (flat?) earth to the scary realms of Luke Bakker’s thoughts, or going straight to the top putting the hard word to El Presidente!
People don’t want pictures of Spiderman. They want answers to the hard questions:
How does gravity work on a flat earth?
Can I speak to the person in charge?
What’s for dinner next Thursday?
It’s the Inside Scoop with Coop! Click the photos to watch the latest episodes!
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
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
TRIVIANIGHT-30November
With the 2024/25 Social Calendar in full swing, it’s time for the fan-favorite Trivia Night at HV Jones.
Brains beats brawn as we work out the smartest table of Gators! Get your team of 8-10 together, and prepare the BYO brain food nibbles for a fun night of games, prizes, silent auction and mindboggling trivia
Tickets are $20 per person (or, if you’re in Club 200, $10 per person) for the night, commencing at 7:30pm (be there for 7:00pm!) at HV Jones Reserve on Saturday 30th November.
Don’t wait as this is sure to sell out!
Purchase your tickets either at the canteen, or by contacting Kaz!
Saturday 30th November
$20 per person
($10 for $200 club)
BYO nibbles for your table
8 - 10 per table
@ HV Jones Reserve 7pm, for a 7:30 start Silent Auction, Mini Games and so much more!
Purchase tickets at the canteen or contact Kaz!
GATORKNIGHTS MAINTAINLADDER LEADSINDOMINANT SHOWING
Both Gator Knights teams have taken their respective competitions by storm, leading the ladders after Round 3
With Round 2 lost to the elements, the Under 14s enjoyed a bye for Round 3 prior to the Cup Week break. The Gator Knights lead a 5-team logjam on 1 win apiece, albeit by Match Ratio from the points earned from the Round 1 win over Rowville.
Oliver Wright leads the way with the willow, scoring 15 runs, with Wiehann Van staden, Mason Lijnders (both 13 runs) and Daniel Stapleton (12 runs) in close company, whilst with the ball Mason Lijnders and Connor MacLeod have both registered wickets
The Under 14s will host a combined Lysterfield/Knox Gardens team at Carrington Park on Friday 8th & 15th November from 5:15pm
In the Under 16s, the Gator Knights also sit atop the ladder in dominant fashion after accounting for Olinda in Round 3.
With Round 2 lost to rain, the Bloods elected to bat first at Carrington and were in early trouble, slipping to 4/5 after 5 overs The visitors luck did not improve, as the Gator Knights attack put on a class display to remove Olinda for 19 in the 11th over
Cooper Tudor was the pick of the bowling, claiming 4/5 from 4 overs, and had plenty of support from Miki Giulieri (2/4 from 15 overs), Mark Stapleton (1/2 from 2 overs) and Dev Gupta (1/1 from 1 over)
The chase provided a good time spent in the middle for the bats, with Mark Stapleton leading the way from his 40 balls scoring 41 runs Lucas Santilli also saw through 40 balls to end at 17 not out
Further down, Jayden Lavender put together 26 from 33 balls, as the morning ended with the Gator Knights at 3/114 from 25 overs.
The Under 16s will face off in Round 4 against the only other undefeated team - Knox City/Monbulkat Lewis Park Reserve on 9th & 16th November from 8:20am
Under 14 Mixed 3
Ladder after Round 3
Under 16 Mixed 2
Ladder after Round 3
2024/25 COMMITTEE
President:ChopCunningham
VicePresident:LyndonRowlands
Secretary:RachaelAtacador
Treasurer:MichaelCleland
JuniorCoordinator:NathanGiulieri
GeneralCommittee:BrodieWise,Gabrielle
Giulieri,CaryssMcCulloch,JeffHunt, ImagenReibelt,SimoneGiulieri,Doug
Barton,RichardMillott,CooperGwynne, KarenHunt,KevinAtacador