A word from the Prez, the Skippers and the Coach Match Reports from Rounds 5 & 6
Junior News
Inside Scoop With Coop
Christmas Party
Merchandise Range
Upcoming social events
Across all grades and formats over the last 2 rounds, mother nature has had an influence but not nearly as much as some Gators who have helped steer Mountain Gate to strong positions after 6 Rounds
In the 1st XI, James Dekel can do no wrong as he peels off the runs in search of the Gators opening win of the campaign, whilst the 2nd XI continue to hold their own against experienced teams The 3rd XI continue their ascent up the Community 4 ladder with plenty of performances shared between all, meanwhile the 4th XI commenced their One Day season with a narrow loss
The Women’s program continues to provide opportunities for challenges and development, with the 1st XI delivering highlights with Gabby Giulieri at the crease and Humaira Afghan with the ball In the 2nd XI, the Gator Knights continue to etch closer towards their maiden win of the campaign
The Veterans continue to hold their own in Division 3, with a series of nonresults followed by a narrow win keeping the old boys in the hunt
Meanwhile, the Junior program is in a strong position, with the Gator Knights in Under 14s sitting well on top, whilst the Under 16s sit in second place having only dropped one match in the year to date.
AWORDFROMPREZ: CHOPCUNNINGHAM
Well here we are - nearly halfway through the rounds and with Santa just around the corner!
It has been a tricky start to the year with fixture changes and weather interruptions, however I am proud of where we are heading as a Club together. The 1st XI are competing weekly and a result is just around the corner, whilst the 2nds are holding their own in the higher grade. And the 3rd XI are now flying in a squad that is very youth-development focused.
Our Women’s programs continue to prosper, with the 1st XI in the mix and the 2nd XI getting further and further along in their development, which is improving performances every time they take to the field!
The Junior program is flourishing with a number of Blasters joining the club to take their first steps into cricket - exciting!
COACH’SCORNER
ShaunNugara
Time really flies when you're having fun, and that’s exactly what has been happening at training over the past few months
It has been fantastic to see the significant increase in concentration levels and the camaraderie amongst the playing group These positive developments have been a highlight of the season so far.
[Off-field, the club is in a healthy position with well-attended social functions and Thursday Night meals being a smash hit!
With the Christmas break coming up, I would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Enjoy the time off and I can’t wait to see what 2025 has in stall for us all at the Swamp!
Chop
I’m excited to see everyone giving their all on the track during these final few weeks before the break As we move into the second half of the season, we will be taking things up another notch. Our training sessions will incorporate more advanced strategies, including team-based groups, to further enhance our game preparation
My key message to the group is to continue working hard. Each player has an individual role to play within the team, and success comes from everyone performing in their role to the best of their ability Play to your strengths, focus on doing the simple things well, and the results will follow.
To the Gator community, I wish you a safe and enjoyable Christmas and a very happy New Year 2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year for the club, and I’m thrilled to be part of it. Training will resume on the 7th of January, and I look forward to seeing everyone there, ready to kick off the next chapter
Let’s make the second half of the season one to remember!
Round 5 saw the 1st XI with a bye so a few of the guys played in the 2XI whilst the rest enjoyed the time off and recover
The 2XI played against South Belgrave which saw them roll them for 132 where Cooper took 4/22 off 18. In reply the guys made 234 and top scorer in the young gun Benny Ogley scoring a quick fire 59 off 50. As a result they sent South Belgrave in where they eventually called it a day after not losing a wicket. Seeing the 2XI perform strongly and more consistency is really great to see, with Jeff doing a fantastic job leading the side.
Leading into Round 6 the 1st XI played against Scoresby and won the toss to bat first Off to a great start Wayne lead in front with 68 opening, while the main scorer was James Dekel with another century to his name We ended up making 218 and the second week ended up being a wash out, so the game was a tie
CAPTAINGA
GabbyGiulieri
hey Gator fam!
CAPTAINKEV
KevinAtacador
Really great to see consistency in each grades and it looks like we are well placed on the ladder for each grade leading into Christmas With the 1Xi sitting 4th, 2XI currently sitting 6th only a game out and our 3XI currently 2nd on the ladder
Given the time of year, I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas Enjoy the time with family and friends, and look forward to seeing you all back down to start 2025 off on the right foot
Kev
Our Ladies 1st XI have had a few losses and plenty of washouts in the last few weeks, so this is presenting us with a fantastic challenge to answer and get our season back to where we want it to be They have been training hard and putting in the effort to turn things around, so i’m sure they will get their reward for effort very shortly!
Our Ladies 2nd XI continue to improve each week and are playing more consistent cricket as the partnership with Knoxfield continues to go from strength to strength in search of results. The past 2 matches have seen us with a loss and a washout (which has been rescheduled to next year), however it is encouraging that with every result we are getting closer and closer to the opposition.
adies are working hard and have got into quite a routine with training and match day performances and we are looking forward to see them continue to develop as the season progresses. There are alot more highlights to come, and they are not far away
A big thanks to everyone coming down on game days to support us, in particular when we are playing away! it’s a great culture within the club that no matter where or when, there are people from all grades and levels within who are taking an interest in our games and being some of our loudest supporters!
Enjoy the Christmas break, and Gator 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
RAINDOESN’TDAMPEN JIMMYMASTERCLASS
Rounds 5 and 6 of Allan Bailey Shield have come and gone without result for the Gators as the season ticks towards the midway point
Round 5 saw a number of Gators in action in the lower grades as Mountain Gate banked the points from the bye. Crucially, given the rotation of the bye having been extended to all teams and given Round 5 results, the Gators entered the top 4 without stepping onto the field.
Round 6 was the first time playing against an opposition for another time in Season 2024/25, coming up against the ladder-leading Scoresby at HV Jones
Day 1 saw the hosts win the toss and elect to bat, which proved to be an inspired decision as the Gators batted past the tea break having only lost 1 wicket
Shortly after the break, Wayne Davidson was run out after a balanced innings of 68 - attacking when required (as evidenced from his 11 fours), but patient as needed having faced 121 balls The wicket saw the score 2 wickets down in the 44th over
Yet again, James Dekel proved a cut above, reaching yet another century scoring 111 from 177 balls Dekel proved to be the thorn in the visitors side, hitting 14 fours on his way to consecutive centuries against the ladder leaders
With Davidson and Dekel in the sheds, the Magpie attack began to swoop, with only Shaun Nugara (15 from 32 balls) reaching double figures as the Gators were bundled out in the 68th over for 218.
With 12 overs remaining on Day 1, the Gator bowlers swung into action, rotating through short, quick spells seeking the early breakthrough. Brady Hunt snared the edge in the 10th over, claiming 1/3 from his 2 overs with Scoresby navigating to 1/46 at stumps
As the Guns n Roses classic goes, late November rain greeted the teams on Day 2, with a sodden HV Jones determining that the points were shared between the pair without any additional play possible
The 3 points became additionally valuable for Mountain Gate as up the road Knox Boronia accounted for Gembrook - creating a 3 point buffer inside the Top 4 before playing the Brookers in Round 7
Nonetheless, a large gap has formed in the standings, with the Burras’ 2 and a half games clear in 3rd position
A key portion of the results to date has been the success of James Dekel on the scoresheet Dekel has been on a tear ever since the season started, scoring 257 @ 6425 from 4 innings including 2 centuries - both against Scoresby
Round 7 sees the Gators spend the fortnight against Gembrook in a crucial matchup for some vital points, before ending the 2024 calendar year with a One Day match against Knox Boronia at Miller Park.
Another day, another James Dekel century! Second on the bounce against the Magpies
Mountain Gate 2nd XI made it 2 on the trot, with another big win allowing the Gators to carry momentum towards another successful campaign.
Following on from a 9-wicket win over Olinda, the Gators played host to South Belgrave at HV Jones Reserve, with the visitors electing to bat first But it was a decision soon ruing, with Brady Hunt claiming the first in the 11th over to have the score 1/33
The visitors went about their business, building upon a partnership that followed, before Brodie Wise striking twice in 2 balls to be on a hattrick at 3/76 Wise then struck again in the 34th over, the last wicket of his 3/25 from 15 overs (including 6 maidens) with South sitting precariously at 4/86
Meanwhile, Cooper Gwynne warmed the arms up to bowl and was immediately applying the pressure Ultimately, the wickets began to flow for Gwynne, disturbing the stumps 3 times and a catch to end with figures of 4/22 from an 18 over returnincluding an astonishingly meager 11 maidens
Dulana Karunachandra cleared out the remaining 2 batsmen, knocking the stumps back both times to end at 2/16 from 63 overs as South Belgrave fell for 132
In reply, the hosts lost Ian van staden (10 from 8 balls) early before a series of starts from Braedyn Williams (21), Dale Kline (30) and Pamir Hussaini (48) reach the required target 3-down.
Tim Wise played a lone hand in the soggy conditions at Monbulk, reaching 40
Pressing on through the order, some lower-order heroics from Jeff Hunt (20) and Ben Ogley (59 from 50 balls) saw the Gators sniffing maximum points with 234 on the board. A second attempt by South saw a defensive innings play out, with the match called after 21 overs with the score 0/23
The result coincided with building up the Round 6 matchup against Monbulk at Monbulk Recreational Reserve
The Hawks won the toss and took first use of the pitch, with it being tough going for the Gator attack - the first breakthrough coming with Eraj Wimalaratna (1/50 from 15 overs) creating a chance to put the score at 1/166 in the 49th over
Tim Wise (2/66 from 12 overs) claimed the next 2 wickets, before wickets were shared around by Cooper Gwynne (1/72 from 21 overs), Dulana Karunachandra (1/36 from 9 overs) and Mackenzie Cunningham (1/68 from 13 overs) Nonetheless, the hosts had the measure of the day, concluding their 80 overs at 6/355
Day 2 was scheduled to resume with the visitors in search of the large target, however the persistent rain kept the players off the field for a lengthy delay. Such was the rain all round that the 2nd XI was one of the few matches to star Day 2.
Tim Wise was a lone hand at the top of the order with a run-a-ball 40 in the soggy conditions, before even more rain forced the points to be shared with the Gators scorecard reading 6/78.
Mountain Gate 3rd XI fell for the first time this season against a plucky Knox Gardens lineup, with a full fortnight’s play in separated by just 2 wickets.
An assembly of youth and experience made their way to Knox Gardens Reserve, whereby the visiting Gators won the toss and decided to put runs on the board.
As has been a trend, Doug Barton was a strong presence from the get-go, The evergreen opener reaching another half century with a patient 54 at the top of the order from 126 balls, including 4 fours and setting the scene nicely at 2/106
However not to be outdone, the host bowlers struck back through the middle order before Mark Lieversz struck back with a vengance The Veteran maestro going at better than a run-aball on the back over before dismissed for 62 from 50 balls, inclusive of 8 boundaries as the Gators
Down the other end however, the Falcons had the answers with a steady flow of wicketsLieversz the last man out with 2 balls remaining to have 214 on the board
With ball in hand, the Gators were able to break through and apply pressure to the Falcon batsmen, at one stage having the hosts 5/60.
Doug Barton - not content with being the centre of attention with the bat - was the pick of the bowling with 3/47 from his 14 overs, whilst Mark Stapleton (2/33 from 14 overs) and Aldred David (2/35 from 11 overs) were the other multiple wicket takers, with Tom Button claiming 1/46 as the visitors looked well in control at 8/136.
However Knox Gardens had other plans, as an unbeaten 9th-wicket partnership of 79 lead the hosts home with just 4 balls remaining to claim the points in a thrilling result
Round 5 had the Gators due to face South Belgrave, however an early forfeiture granted the points to Mountain Gate
After half a dozen rounds, the ladder sees the top 3 teams logjammed on 15 points apiece, with Belgrave topping Mountain Gate and Knox Gardens on percentage
Mark Stapleton carried his form from Under 16s into Seniors, a steady 34 runs a solid contribution
Doug Barton remains the man to beat with runs on the board, with 111 runs scored and only the single dismissal Whilst with the ball, Mark Stapleton has 5 wickets from the 4 matches played, averaging 1640
The run into Christmas sees the Gators host St Johns Tecoma at Windermere Reserve in the final 2 day match of the season, before the highly anticipated fixture against Belgrave at Windermere Reserve to close out the calendar year.
There’s only one place that’s going as Doug Barton sends another to the fence
PIES,DALESAND WEATHERWORK AGAINSTGATORGIRLS
A tricky November has seen the Mountain Gate Womens 1st XI team fall just outside of the top 4, with plenty of time to return to the winners listings.
Following a fixture redraw seeing additional challenges against top 4 teams, the Gators come up against teams who have begun to hit peak form as the season rolls into the halfway marker.
Round 5 saw the ladder-leading Belgrave take on the Gators. Batting first, the Gators set a respectable 5/143, with Gabby Giulieri leading the way with an unbeaten 41, with Miah Beardshaw (29*) and Henriette Korff (26) in support
Early breakthroughs with the ball saw the Magpies 2/14, however the Gator bowlers were unable to find a way through, with the Magpies posting an unbeaten 130-run stand to win by 8 wickets
Mother nature managed to scupper proceedings for a fortnight with some unseasonable Sunday rain Round 6 against Montrose had barely begun before it was over, with just 1 over sent down to the Gators before rain abandoned the fixture
Likewise, Round 7 against Canterbury was washed out, with a re-fixture of the match to be announced in due course
Given the slip in results, the Heatherdale match proved to be a key battle to keep in touch with the Top 4 Batting first, the visitors lead from the top however the Gator bowlers were sharing around wickets
Humaira Afghan continues with her dominant performances, this time claiming 3/14 from her 7 overs to lead the charge. Bibi (2/32 from 7 overs) was the other multiple-wicket taker, whilst efforts from Henriette Korff (1/15 from 3 overs), Emily Barrow (1/21 from 5 overs), Mikaela Giulieri (1/18 from 7 overs) and Iliana Suliman (1/10 from 3 overs) helped to keep Heatherdale to 9/142.
reaching 47 to head the hosts response.
Efforts too from Emily Barrow (14) and Mikaela Giulieri (12) helped to increase the score, but the slow scoring rate and the damp conditions put paid to the result, ending the day at 7/114 - 28 runs shy of the target.
The result now sees the Gators in 5th place, albeit 8 points being Heatherdale in the top 4 Return matches against Lusatia Park and Warranwood will close out the 2024 year, with an eye to propel forward for 2025
Gabby Giulieri has been in top form from the start of the season, with runs aplenty in the past month of play
A breakout of Season 2024/25, Humaira Afghan has been on a tear with another 3 wickets against Heatherdale
A restrictive attack met the Gator bats, with Gabby Giulieri continuing on with a purple patch of form,
FALCONSSWOOPPAST IMPROVINGGATO KNIGHTS
The Gator Knights demonstrated th development path in a close defeat experienced Knox Gardens side at K Reserve.
Bowling first, the Gator Knights rota around before Sandra Tidy lit up the snaring 3/10 from her 4 overs. Annie the other wicket taker - 1/20 from 2 hosts made good use of the crease, from their 20 overs.
The Gator/Knight response had a nu off the mark before the Falcon attac through, however the highlight was 41 not out from 44 balls, which inclu
Ultimately, the experience of Knox G restricted the result however the go approach then turned towards batt overs, a goal that was achieved as the visitors reached 9/84 from 20 overs - merely 39 runs from a maiden victory in the competition this season
With the Round 4 schedule against Olinda moved to the end of the season on 23rd February, the final matches for the year will be against Johnson Park and South Belgrave, with the Gator Knights looking to rise to the challenge having played everyone once
Sandra Tidey leads the scoring with 42 runs at an average of 2100, with Ashlea Foster (22 runs at 1100) and Emily Williams (16 runs at 800) the next best with the willow
Meanwhile, Sandra Tidey also leads the wickets with 4 following the Knox Gardens game return with Ashlea Foster, Maddi Southam and Annie Nguyen all in close proximity with ball in hand.
Sandra Strikes! It’s been a fantastic last start for Sandra Tidey with both bat and ball
Ashlea Foster has been a massive support so far this season, with 22 runs and a handful of wickets
FTGDCA Women A Grade
JOHNSON PARK
GATORSCLAIMTHE POINTSINNA OVERBEAVER
The Mountain Gate Veteran standings following 9 point matches.
Round 3 managed to get a against Upper FTG, with th over before the heavens op the culprit in both wickets, overs as the points were sh
Round 4 action saw the Ga Lakesfield in a matchup ag to bat first, it was a familiar and Lyndon Rowlands app score runs, with both maki contributed 37 from 44 bal retired not out on 40 to ha
The middle order also chim duties, with Mark Lieversz ( Dave Tulloch (18 from 13 ba helped propel the target forward With Tulloch’s departure, the scoreboard read 5/141
The Gators continued to wag, however the lower order were unable to sizeably add to the score, ending at 8/157 from 36 overs
An early breakthrough from Rob Gough (2/27 from 6 overs) helped restrict the Beavers early, however they consolidated with the bat in what was shaping up as a genuine arm wrestle.
Jeff Hunt managed to ruffle some feathers in the top order, claiming 3/40 from his 6 overs, whilst Tim Wise was even more economical whilst providing wicket pressure, claiming 3/9 from 6 overs
As the wickets fell, so too did the required runs. Coming down to the final ball, the Beavers fell 2 runs short at the end of the weekend, the Gators claiming the 6 points and moving into 5th place
The Veterans will next be in action against Aura Vale on 15th December at Narre Warren East
Ben Osborne once again got against the wickets against Upper FTG - the only thing that stopped him fell from the sky!
Save them! Lyndon Rowlands could do no wrong against Lysterfield - a key innings helping the Gators prevail in a tight match
Sth Belgrave 4th XI
Sth Belgrave 3rd XI
SPONSOR
FOR 24/25
INSIDESCOOPWITHCOOP
We’re well and truly into cricket season, and Cooper Gwynne is truly into Club Pest territory as he brings to the table the questions everyone wants an answer to.
His next victims are straight out of the top and your stereotypical Club Cricketers: Sauce and Boof.
In such rare air these sportsmen and their wisdom are, that we could not separate who to offer up first!
There’s no 50/50 option here.
No phoning a friend
Can’t poll the audience.
What Coop asks, goes. And that’s how you get the Inside Scoop with Coop!
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
CHRISTMASPARTY-16December
It’s the mid-way part of the season and what better time to get your Festive spirit into cricket with the annual Christmas Party!
Held on Monday 16th December starting from 5:30pm, join together at all levels as we celebrate the closeness that comes at Christmas time
This relaxed bring-a-platter function brings an entire club together to unwind and reflect on 2024, look forward to 2025.
A special guest appearance from Santa - even at the busiest time of the year - will prove the highlight ahead of the big day!
CHRISSY PARTY
Monday16thofDec,5:30pm
Mountain Gate invites all players and families to our annual giant water fight!
What to expect: bring your weapon ofchoice, no one is safe! -make sure to bring a towel -bring a platter to share -drinks at bar prices
It has been a strong showing from the Gator Knights in all grades, with both the Under 14s and Under 16s featuring in the premier junior grades nearing the half way mark
In the Under 14s, the Gator Knights amassed 5/218 from 39 overs against Lysterfield / Knox Gardens. Mason Lijnders (35*), Matthew Buras (38*), Nakoa Beswick (42*), Daniel Stapleton (23) and Darcy Bilston (23*) all made starts within the mammoth total
The dominant performance was matched with the ball, as the visitors reached 76 before being dismissed Cooper Schache was the pick of the attack, claiming 4/9 from 3 overs. Others to feature included Darcy Bilston (3/11 from 25 overs), Daniel Stapleton (2/2 from 4 overs, including 3 maidens) and Mason Lijnders (1/6 from 2 overs)
Round 5 action followed a similar dominant performance over Upper FTG Set 138 by the Kings, restricted thanks to Tyler Gleeson’s 3/6 from 6 overs, the Gator Knights posted runs for fun as some new names added to the hightlights - Oliver Wright (39*) the lead as the squad posted 7/233 to lead proceedings in the group
Meanwhile, the Under 16s Gator Knights met their match against Knox City / Monbulk in Round 4. Cooper Tudor was the shining light claiming 3/30 from 8 overs as the Tigers/Hawks pairing put 6/248 from their 50 overs In response, the Gator Knights reached 8/134 with Cooper Tudor (34), Dev Gupta (33) and Jayden Lavender (27) the key contributors.
The opportunity to bounce back against Emerald was on track until the weather intervened, with the Gator Knights 0/64 at the end of the first day in response to the Bombers 6/51 However an overnight deluge saw day 2 called and the points shared
The Gator Knights are sitting pretty in second - the only blemish coming in Round 4 and are tied on points with Emerald, ahead of matches against Johnson Park and Emerald to close out 2024
