GAZETTE
SEASONBEGINGSINWINNING WAYSFORGATORS
Insidethelatest
edition:
A word from the Prez, Coach and Captains
Match Reports from Rounds 1-3
Latest Ladders
Junior News
Gator Pong
Merchandise Range
Upcoming social events
The efforts of Pre Season have reaped early rewards, with Mountain Gate competitive across all grades after the opening 3 rounds
The 1 XI sit in second at the end of the month, courtesy of opening wins against SKLPS Boronia and Knox Boronia James Dekel once again has form with the willow, supported by plenty of additional efforts with both bat and ball st
The 2 XI have been unlucky not have results after being on the wrong side of some tight results, however a highlight being Shah scoring the first century of the season at the Gators
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The 3 XI are in the top 2 after a win over Belgrave, whilst the 4 XI have mixed experience and youth to take on the competition.
In the women’s, the 1 XI remain undefeated on top of the ladder, with Miah Beardshaw setting a highest score in the club’s history
The 2 XI - joined with SKLPS this season - had their first hitout against Monbulk, performing admirably.
The Veterans have provided two entertaining matches, whilst in Juniors the Under 16s and Under 14s have put in efforts against strong oppositions
AWORDFROMPREZ: CHOP CUNNINGHAM
Hi all,
With October in the books, we can look back at a fantastic start by all at the Swamp!
st nd
The 1 XI have set themselves up well with early wins and plenty of individual highlights shared around, whilst the 2 XI have been unlucky to not win in some tight matches
In the 3 XI, they sit atop the ladder after winning at Menzies Creek, whilst the 4 XI have started well given the youthful talent coming through rd
Once again, our Women’s program remains strong with the 1 XI on top and the 2 XI gelling with SKLPS Boronia to given even more women the chance to play at the Gators. st nd
The Veterans have provided two very entertaining games of cricket and will be competitive again this season
ShaunNugara
Rounds two and three brought plenty of positives! I think it gave us all a chance to reflect and see what we are about as a playing group. Players from all the grades have been performing well which has been a credit to their hard work on the track week in week out!
However, there is still room for improvement. We need to look at the facts and realise that majority of our sides
In from the re-grading after some tough opposition, whilst the Under 14s will lift again after some great early performances
Socially, iPod Shuffle Night was a roaring success as always, and we look forward to the hotly-anticipated Gator Pong Championships!
Chop
shows how the younger talent at the club is coming through and are hitting their strides against a much older opposition.
In saying that, we need to make sure we are applying ourselves on gameday to make sure we are doing our part as individuals in the team We need be hungrier and make those 20s turn into 40s, 50s into 70s. Half chances into chances taken.
I think we are very much capable of doing those things if we learn to enjoy the game and play within our own abilities Well done for those making it into the team of the week for rounds 1, 2 and 3. Like I mentioned earlier, it’s great to see many members of the swamp doing their thing What I’m challenging other members to do is to continue to put the work in to see your name on the socials in the team of the week!
Gator On!
CAPTAINKEV
KevinAtacador
Hi Gator family,
Here we are three rounds in The club has started off really well, seeing the 1XI being 2-1 and sit second on the ladder. Our 2s are quite unlucky, they are 0-3 however could have easily been 2-1. Our 3s and 4s have also been real competitive which is awesome to see. With our female teams, they have also started off really well and it’s great to see we are consistently fielding two female sides
While we have started off really well, it is important to keep winning games to give us our best opportunity to get a home final.
In the 1XI it’s great to see our Coach Shaun batting really well opening Ticking over just under 100runs in three stints, he is not far away from a big score for the team!
Dulana has started well playing his first few games in the 1XI and has not let down as yet
Brodie in the first game of the season has also pitched in with his first ever 50 in the 1XI, continually growing as a player
The growth in our players is amazing, they are hungrier to succeed and earn a chance at a grand final
It is early into the season, but keep an eye out on us, we are a threat in Alan Bailey shield and other teams know it
CAPTAINGA
GabbyGiulieri
Hey Gator Fam!
The season’s well and truly underway, and our ladies have absolutely hit the ground running
Our 1XI remain undefeated, winning 3 from 3, and they’re very much in the mix this year. We’ve also had the pleasure of welcoming a few fresh faces: Young star Lucy Searle has joined us from South Belgrave (she’s already represented the FTGDCA multiple times) We also have 2 new additions join us from the Afghanistan National side in Nahida Sapan and Sadaf Mohammadi. Its wonderful having so many new faces and I hope everyone helps make them feel at home down at the Swamp
There have been plenty of standout performances so far this season, but top billing goes to our superstar Miah, who knocked up 70 off 63 The team went on to post 6/223 which is our highest ever ladies’ score. What a performance!
Our 2XI have merged with SKLPS this season and is going smoothly They’ve had just the one outing so far, but there is already clear improvement, and the whole crew is having an absolute blast!
We’re also very excited to bring on Gordon as our specialist bowling coach this season. It’s fantastic to have so many experienced coaches stepping in to support our women’s program Everyone’s contribution makes a difference, and we’re extremely grateful!
Lots of love and Gator on!!
Gabby
SeniorTrainingDetails
Kev
Dekel scoring yet more
GATORSOFFTOSOLID STARTOVERSKLPS, BURRAS
Mountain Gate’s 1 XI could do no wrong in the first fortnight of the season, with back-to-back wins over SKLPS Boronia and Knox Boronia, before an early matchup against Olinda st
Round 1 saw an away trip to Liberty Avenue Reserve against one of the new teams in Bailey Shield, with the Gators being sent in to bat first A testing 10over spell to begin with saw Christ Tuplin and Shaun Nugara back in with the score at 2/26
ers, broken only after the dismissal of 3 from 97 balls at 4/145 in the 34 over. th
ne, Wise partnered with Josh 13 from 19 balls) for a late 40-run stand d in the final over, however Brodie Wise his first 1 XI half-century, ending on as the Gators posted 5/185 from the 40 st with the ball could not have been any Chamud Bhasula took his first wicket second ball, and a James Dekel rune chase at 2/3 in the 5 over th
pin - pardon the pun - yielded results na Karunachandra leading the charge taking 3/12 from 8 overs, with Josh Hardman (2/28 from 8) and Kevin Atacador (1/14 from 8) all striking to hold the hosts to 8/108 and secure 6 points
Round 2 saw the Gators host Knox Boronia at HV, with James Dekel (2/11 from 8) and Dulana Karunachandra (1/25 from 8) hitting early at 3/37 Brady Hunt then terrorised the middle order, claiming 4/44 from 8 overs as the Burras reached 9/162 from the 40 overs.
However James Dekel began his run-scoring where he left off last season, and in the 21 over Wayne Davidson left at 3/65 Given the importance of partnerships emphasised, Brodie Wise teamed up with Dekel to put on an 80-run stand through the st
With bat in hand, the Gators responded with a focused reply. Shaun Nugara started the chase off well with 32 from 38 balls, and was part of a 61-run opening partnership, whilst Dale Kline just fell short of a half century on 47 (from 81 balls, 7 fours) late in the chase in a 91-run partnership with James Dekel (68 not out from 73 balls, including 10 fours and a six) The opening fortnight netting 12 points after a dominant 8wicket win
Round 3 extended the stay at HV against another key contender in Olinda After seeing off the early overs, Josh Hardman was the first to go before Shaun Nugara departed for 43 from 52 balls with the score 2/54 James Dekel reached a hardfought half century before being dismissed for 58, however it wasn’t until later that Kevin Atacador helped a late-innings push with 22 not out as the Gators posted 158
An early day-1 wicket to Chamud Bhasula (2/33 from 10) gave some hope, and the bowlers toiled hard to make a game prior to the Bloods reaching 6-161 to claim top spot as theirs
The Gators will next play Knox Boronia again at Miller Park in a 2-day matchup on 8 & 15 November.
James
runs, starting the season with a trio of halfcenturies in as many games
GATORSENDURECLOSE ENCOUNTERSFORA THIRDTIME
nd
Mountain Gate’s 2 XI - despite a winless start to the season - could very easily be undefeated after a trio of close matches to start Season 2025/26
Round 1 saw the Gators play host to Knox Gardens, with the Falcons slicing through the order early to have the hosts at 4/20 Rikhav Panchal provided support at the top order posting 24 from 34 balls, with Eraj Wimalaratna giving all-rounder vibes with an unbeaten 31 not out from 42 balls as the Gators reached 104.
Not having much to bowl at, the Gators needed top-order wickets and Ethan Williams deliveredthe “Better Williams” claiming 3/18 from 6 overs, whilst down the other end Luke Bakker claimed 2/22 from his 8 overs. However, the Falcons were able to pass the target in the 33 over to claim the points rd
Round 2 produced a final-over thriller at Belgrave, with the visitors batting first Ash Pensa lead from the top (54 from 90 balls) with Ryan Stapleton (30 from 59 balls) to post an opening partnership of 1/68 The middle overs saw the Magpies claim
Ethan Williams has been on fire early with the ball, pick of the attack in 2 of the 3 matches so far this season
some wickets before some late aggressive batting saw Justin Wise (46 not out from 34 balls, including 9 fours) and Anok Miranda (24 not out from 13 balls, including 1 four and 1 six) put on 50 runs in 28 balls to end the innings at 6/202
In a tense afternoon reply, the Gators and Magpies were relatively level at the halfway marker - the Gators with more runs on the board, yet the Magpies with more wickets in hand. with 10 overs to go, the Magpies required nearly 8 an over, however took to the attack. Luke Bakker lead the charge, with 2 wickets in the 38 over as part of 2/38 from 5.5 overs, though the hosts were able to leave it late to collect the win, reaching 7/206 with a ball to spare th
Round 3 again featured a trip to the hills as the Gators took on Monbulk at Monbulk Batting first, the Gators were travelling smoothly at 2/65 from 19 overs, before Shoaib Sobhan produced a masterclass of a batting display Partnering with Rikhav Panchal - who scored his maiden half century for the Gators - to put on a 98-run partnership Sobhan departed at 4/207, bringing up a magnificent century from 161 balls which included 11 fours and a six The run push continued, with even Luke Bakker scoring 43 not out from 54 balls as the Gators posted 296
Not to be outdone at home, the Hawks worked into the contest and turned their fortunes across the day Ethan Williams (2/39 from 10) and Ryan Stapleton (2/39 from 8) broke through at key times, however the Hawks found another level, reaching 8/298 with 8 balls to spare.
UPAGRADE,UPALEVEL ASGATORSREMAIN UNDEFEATED
Mountain Gate’s 3rd XI may have gone up a grade and only played 1 match as of Round 3, however the Gators sit equal-top of the ladder.
With matches against Eildon Park (Round 1) and Upwey Tecoma (Round 3) being won without a ball being bowled, Round 2 saw the Gators travel to Menzies Creek Reserve for a matchup against Belgrave
The hosts won the toss and elected to bat, however the Gators managed to claim 4 wickets by the over after to the drinks break The middle overs saw a fightback from the bowlers, with wickets spread around
Buddhika Induruwage was the pick of the card, 3/26 from 6 overs supported by Daniel Stapleton (2/30 from 7 overs), Robert Gough (1/38 from 7 overs) and Matthew Carter (1/36 from 7 overs) as Belgrave posted 8/162 from their 35 overs
A steady calmness at the top saw Nathan Beswick (19) and Lachlan Barton (33) get the reply underway in a confident setup, before the hosts claimed 3 wickets by the 12 over. th
Senior heads came together in the middle order to help push the chase along some more, with Mark Lieversz (21) and Buddhika Induruwage (45) helping the Gators towards the target.
However the Magpies fought back, dismissing the pair and claiming Matthew Carter for a golden duck leaving the Gators with 3 wickets in hand and some more runs to chase
The hosts peppered at all angles to get a breakthrough, but Robert Gough (3 not out) and Mark Stapleton (6 not out) were able to withstand the late-innings press to reach 7/163 and bank the 6 points with 5 overs still remaining
Mountain Gate’s next match in Round 4 - and first home match at Windermere for Season 2025/26 - will be up against Lysterfield on 8 & 15 November th th
Lysterfield are one of 2 teams to join in a regraded Community 3 division, joining after a 1-1 start to the year in Community 4
The revised fixture will see another matchup at Menzies against Belgrave in Round 5 (22 & 29 November), before hosting Gembrook (6 & 13 December) and Knoxfield (20 December) at Windermere to round out 2025.
2026 begins against SKLPS Boronia on 17 January at Stud Park Reserve, before away matches against Eildon Park (Eildon Park, 24 January), Knoxfield (Benedikt Reserve, 31 Jan & 7 Feb), with a final run of 3 weeks at Windermere against SKLPS Boronia (14 & 21 February) and Belgrave (28 February)
Mark Lieversz teamed up with Buddhika to help steer the run chase against Belgrave
Dan Stapleton claimed 2/30 against Belgrave in the win as his bowling comes along
Lachie Barton has shone early with the bat, emphasised by a half-century effort against The Basin in Round 3
GATORSCOMPETITIVE AGAINSTSHARKS, BEARS
Mountain Gate’s 4th XI have held their own in the competitive Community 5 grade, with several standout performances over the opening month of play.
Round 1 saw the Gators away at Fairhills against Johnson Park, with the visitors sending their hosts in. Shark wickets fell early on before the hosts solidified their place at the crease and keep the runs ticking over
Sithum Induruwage was the standout with the ball in hand, claiming 4/28 from 7 overs whilst Matthew Carter’s pace proved troublesome, taking 3/15 from 64 overs Also in support was Nakoa Beswick, the emerging pacer claiming 2/31 with Daniel Stapleton (1/21 from 7) the other wicket-taker as the Sharks were held to 153
A father-son opening partnership got the Gators underway, with Buddhika (22 not out from 32 balls) and Sithum Induruwage (13 not out from 22 balls) retiring out, with the first wicket to fall on 1/75 in the 21st over
Lyndon Rowlands used his years of experience to steer the chase, falling on 35 from 52 balls including 5 fours Mark Stapleton (28 not out from 43 balls)
continued the push with Matthew Carter (18 from 16 balls), however it wasn’t to be as the Gators fell 13 runs short of the target
After a Round 2 bye, the Gators then hosted The Basin at Windermere Batting first, a patient Lachlan Barton innings saw him post a half century, his 59 coming from 112 balls and proved to be the mainstay of the innings Mark Stapleton (28 from 47 balls) carried on his form in support, however the Bears bowling attack were able to make inroads early on day 2, claiming 8/31 to restrain the Gators to 140.
The hosts threw the ball around in search of wickets, with Bhisma Pokharel (1/25 from 7 overs) joining a Mark Stapleton run-out in the wickets column. The Basin cashed in on their bowling efforts, claiming an 8 wicket win at 2/142 The Gators now travel up to Monbulk over the next fortnight at Olinda Green, before concluding November against the undefeated Olinda at Windermere on 22nd & 29th November
Matthew Carter hit the scoresheets and the wickets early, claiming 3/15 against Johnson Park
GATORSBREAKING RECORDSTOSTART 2025/26
It’s been a frantic opening to the season for Mountain Gate’s Women 1st XI, however the Gators sit atop the standings after an undefeated October
Opening against Canterbury, the Gators put on a dominant showing with the bat, with Caryss McCulloch (23 from 40 balls) and Lucy Searle (28 from 71 balls) getting things underway at 2/47 Miah Beardshaw then linked with Searle to post an 84run 3rd wicket partnership, before Bearshaw was dismissed for 51from 47 balls, which included 7 fours Sandra Tidey (20 from 17 balls) helped the late-innings push as the hosts reached 6-176
In response, Canterbury were stifled by the Gator bowling attack with all bowlers claiming wickets –highlighted by Humaira Afghan’s 2/4 from 6 overs –3 runs of which were extras. Ayesha Afghan (2/10 from 4 overs) and Mikaela Giulieri (2/6 from 3 overs) continued the attack, whilst Sandra Tidey (1/5), Miah Bearshaw (1/9) and Lucy Searle (1/18) all helped to keep the Berries to 57.
The inter-FTGDCA matchup against Belgrave saw the Magpies batting first towards 7/139. Humaira Afghan (2/22 from 7 overs) and Bibi Amar (2/37 from 7 overs) held the hosts tight at 2/17 from 6 overs, before Sandra Tidey (1/12 from 7 overs) and Emily Barrow (2/12 from 3 overs) also joined the wickettakers listings
Again, a dominant display with the bat was on show by the Gators, with Molly McCoy blasting to all corners of Belgrave Reserve in a half-century performance McCoy hit 55 from just 51 balls, including 8 fours and a six, whilst Miah Beadshaw remained undefeated on 45 not out from 57 balls which included 6 fours The 74-run partnership broke the back of the run chase, allowing the Gators to run out 7-wicket victors
Round 3 saw the Gators go 3 from 3 against St Andrews at HV Jones in a 120-run win After falling to 23/23, the Gators innings once again was transformed as Miah Beardshaw and Gabby Giulieri combined for a 108-run partnership for the 4th wicket before Giulieri was caught for 43 from 38 balls, including 7 fours. However Beardshaw continued on, her second half-century transforming into a club-record 70 from 63 balls which included 14 fours. The Gators continued the push, with Lucy Searle (29 not out from 44 balls), Mikaela Giulieri (26
from 34 balls) and Sandra Tidey (17 not out from 14 balls) all part of a commanding 6/223
The bowling reply again saw the usual suspects claiming wickets against the Saints – Humaira Afghan (2/14 from 51 overs) and Bibi Amar (2/11 from 5 overs) leading the attack, with Mikaela Giulieri (2/20 from 6 overs), Ayesha Afghan (1/4 from 2 overs) and Lucy Searle (1/14 from 2 overs) all claimed wickets, whilst Sadaf Mohammadi (1/15 from 5 overs) claimed a wicket in her debut match as the Gators held the Saints to 103
With rain washing out Round 4 against Montrose, the Gators sit atop with the Wolves and will now focus towards Round 5 against Lusatia Park at Woori Yallock Reserve on Sunday 9th November
Humaira
has been in flying form early on, claiming 6 wickets in 3 matches
Afghan
Miah Beardshaw set the record for the highest individual score at Mountain Gate against St Andrews
GATORSKLPSUPTHE HILLTODOBATTLEWITH HAWKS
Mountain Gate’s Women’s 2nd XI have commenced their new season, with a first-up showing against Monbulk
Partnering in Season 2025/26 with SKLPS Boronia, the Gator SKLPS travelled up to Monbulk and elected to bowl first against the Hawks Mel Button struck early in her first over to put the score 1/5 from 2 overs, however from there the hosts regained control
10 bowlers were used in all, with Hiral Raghwani sending the stumps back in the 19th over to claim her first wicket and the score at 2/103 Raghwani would end up with figures of 1/10 from 2 overs, whilst Button claimed 1/12 from her 2 overs. Elsewhere, Ayesha Afghan bowled well without reward, producing a very economical 0/13 from 4 overs including a maiden.
Ultimately, the Hawks would post a run-a-ball target of 2/120 from their allotted overs.
In reply, the Gator SKLPS went for the result early before ensuring that as many players were able to participate and develop their skills Mel Button lead the way with 23 retired not out from 34 balls, whilst across the order Prisha Pindoria (9 from 26 balls) and Krupa Varsani (2 retired not out from 13 balls) took their time in the middle
The visitors were able to bat through the overs, hitting 5/69 from their 20 overs
With the Round 2 match against St Johns Tecoma cancelled, and a bye in Round 3, the Gator SKLPS will enjoy a break before taking on Mulgrave at Mulgrave Reserve on Sunday 23rd November
Mel Button lead the attack with the bat in hand, scoring 23 against Monbulk to start the season in style
Ayesha Afghan provided some great pressure bowling at Monbulk, 0/13 from 4 overs
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(16 from 17 balls) pushed the issue as the chase tightened – Sharma departing in the 30th over at 5/136 needing 7 an over. Whilst the Gators pushed hard, the visitors fell agonisingly short at 6/182
The ship was righted in Round 2 against Auravale at Windermere, with the hosts batting first in commanding fashion Doug Barton (48 from 75 balls, including 8 fours) and Adrian Buras (53 not out from 50 balls, including 5 fours) lead the charge to be 1/104 after 21 overs, with additional runs from Puneet Sharma (14 from 19 balls), Rob Gough (25 from 23 balls, including 4 fours) and Richard Lieversz (18 not out from 18 balls) all helping the cause to reach 8/190
In reply with the ball, the Lakers made efforts to the chase however were thwarted by all 7 bowlers who registered wickets Ben Osborne (2/29 from 6 overs), Ian Tudor (2/19 from 6 overs) and Puneet Sharma (2/21 from 25 overs) all claimed multiples, whilst Rob Gough (1/17 from 6 overs), Doug Barton (1/32 from 6 overs), Richard Lieversz (1/23 from 6 overs) and Michael Cleland (1/23 from 3 overs) all claimed a wicket apiece to hold the visitors to 178 and a 12-run win.
The results see the Gators in 3rd place on the standings, with a matchup against the secondplaced Knox Gardens at HV Jones on Sunday 9th November a key fixture.
Richard Lieversz shined with the ball against Knox Boronia, claiming 2/37
Doug Barton’s 48 against Auravale helped the Gators to a narrow first win of the season
KNOX BORONIA
Mountain Gate Cricket Club endorses the new Victorian Cricket Integrity Policies and procedures as follows:
1 2025 Member Protection Policy; and 2. 2025 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.
All information can be found here
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
GATORPONG-22 NOVEMBERND
It’s back again!
The annual Gator Pong Championships kick off on Saturday 22 November at HV Jones Reserve. nd
Of course, Gator Pong is dependent upon working as a team without rhyme or reason, so dress up as pairs with your partner and be part of the festivities as we see who takes out top honors for 2025
Teams cost $25 each, which includes starting drinks and finger food.
Payments can be made either at the Canteen or via bank transfer. For more information, please see Cooper Gwynne
Saturday22ndofNovember,7:30pm
RHYMEWITHOUTREASON
Team up, Dress up, and Show up! It’s time to see which duo has the sharpest style, best aim, and strongest chemistry at the table! Bring your Agame and your partner! FINGER FOOD PROVIDED $25 PER PERSON INCLUDESYOURGAME DRINKS
Head to the canteen with your duo, pay at the bar, or transfer directly to the club @MOUNTAINGATECRICKET
balls) and Mark Stapleton (16 from 16 balls) all reaching double figures despite the fading light
The extended stays at the crease again got the team to the 25th over, concluding at 7/63
GATORSSTARTSVARIED INTOREGRADINGS
A re-grading to Under 16s Mixed 2 will see a revised fixture against St Johns Tecoma at HV Jones on Friday 7th & 14th November, before matches against Rowville (HV Jones, 21st & 28th November) and Belgrave (at Belgrave, 5th & 12th December) to see out the 2025 calendar year
Meanwhile, the Under 14 Predator Knights have been promoted to Under 14 Mixed 1s after strong performances in the opening trio of matches
A 13-run win over Eildon Park set the season off in a good manner, with Daniel Stapleton retiring on 39 not out from just 20 balls, with Akshaj Singh (17 not out from 20 runs) also amongst scorers in the Predator Knight’s total of 3/114 In reply, the
2025/26 COMMITTEE
President:ChopCunningham
VicePresident:LyndonRowlands& KevinAtacador
Secretary:RachaelAtacador
Treasurer:MichaelCleland
JuniorCoordinator:NathanGiulieri
GeneralCommittee:BrodieWise, GabrielleGiulieri,CaryssMcCulloch,Jo Kilian,JeffHunt,ImagenReibelt,Doug Barton,RichardMillott,CooperGwynne
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