December 11/12 at the Hill

Wins for the 1s (Women’s), 2s, 3s, 4s and 5s (Men’s)!

It was another winning weekend for many Hillers this week, with four men’s and one women’s team getting the points. The Men’s 1s still haven’t cracked it for a win but that day is getting close (we hope)!

Men’s 6s versus Manningham at Fairlea East — RISE OF THE PROKOS PARENT

With a few late withdrawals in higher grades the 6s were short on numbers until Alex Prokos agreed to play his first game of ‘21/’22 AND bring his dad Mike along, and Jimmy E also made his first appearance of the summer, too.

We bowled first and Manningham racked up a good score of 212 in their 35 overs, one that would have been higher had it not been for one Michael Prokos, playing his first game in about 30 years! He took a wicket for each decade he hasn’t played and conceded a run for each year he hasn’t played. That’s 3/30 for those who can’t work it out. Suvra (2/33), Hugo Northtrop (2/57) and Jack Speed (0/20 off 5) also bowled well.

When we batted Jim E took up where he left off last year, cracking 50 before retiring not out. He and Timothy Neal (24) put on 43 for the first wicket. Hugo (21) and Raghu (13) batted well but we fell well short in the end, all out for 156.

CHICKEN: Chicken to Jim!

KILLER HILLER MOMENT: I asked Billy for a Killer Hiller Moment and he nominated a great catch he took in the outfield himself. What Billy DIDN’T tell me was that in taking that catch, he fell over “LIKE A BEACHED WHALE”. Thanks to Hugo Northrop for giving us the full truth of the event.

Men’s 1s versus Boroondara at Ramsden St — DIAMOND DUCKS ARE FOREVER

We hosted Boroondara and batted first. Unfortunately the fall of T-Rob with the score at 8 kicked off a steady stream of wickets, which only ended when the 10th one fell at 113. Kyle Dundas’s 35 not out was a highlight but BenCap’s diamond duck was a lowlight. Hugh (17), Malty (17) and Extras (16) were the only others to make double figures.

Boroondara got the runs with seven wickets to spare but our bowlers did a good job in keeping their batters out there until 33rd over. Wicket-takers were Monty (1/20 off 3), Malty (1/30 off 8) and Kyle (1/19 off 5).

CHICKEN: Good with bat and ball, Kyle gets the chicken!

KILLER HILLER MOMENT: A very rare occurrence at, when Kyle joined Malty bowling, we had a twin leg-spin attack!

Women’s 2s versus Hoppers Crossing - HANNAH’S HOPPERS HEADACHE
Match report by Mum

The "Twos" made their way across town and over the Westgate to take on the formidable Hopper Crossing at their home ground at Hogan's Reserve. It was another beautiful day for cricket, with a scattering of cumulus clouds and a slight breeze. The turf pitch was a "road" but we were keen to hit some team targets.

Our Captain Razzle once again won the toss and elected to bat (3rd toss in a row). We warmed up without a coach and set ourselves the goals of batting out the full 36 overs and making at least 100. We were keen as Razzle and B2 opened the innings. In the third over, and after 8 extras (and no score off the bat) B2 was bowled for a 🦆. B-Cats (the batter formerly known as Catters) came in but was well caught in the next over, also for a 🦆.

Next in was Georgia, and whilst Razzle was starting to hit some runs, Georgia also was bowled for a 🦆. We were 3 for 16. Next to the crease was VoVo, returning from a long spell away from the team and determined to make her mark. Razzle and VoVo started making some runs, when Razzle was dismissed for 6 to a dubious (is there any other kind) LBW decision. The next two batters, Nan and Sim also made 🦆s.

Hannah, who was suffering from a migraine, showed great stoicism to bat for around 5 overs and, whilst not making a run herself, helped the score reach 8 for 49 in 16 overs. VoVo was seeing the ball like it was a watermelon, and striking it with the grace of a Belinda Clark (one for the oldies). Mum made her way to the middle and together with VoVo determined that they would take it one over at a time and do their bloody best. VoVo continued to make runs and Mum held up her end (with the assistance of 2 dropped catches and being bowled on a no ball!!). When Mum finally played one onto her stumps, she had made 10 (including her first 4) and the score had moved to 92. It was the 27th over and when Chiller fell for 1, it looked like both our targets would not be achieved. Mega begged to differ, and with VoVo, made a partnership of 21 runs to take the score to 114, before being caught for 7. So, in the 34th over (almost 36) we were all out and VoVo had made a brilliant and dogged 41 n.o. on her return. Welcome back VoVo!!

We had the runs on the board, and they had been in the field for 34 overs in the heat. We had faith in our bowling and fielding, and set ourselves a target of reducing our extras from the significant totals of the previous few matches. Razzle and Nan took the opening spell, and after 6 overs Hoppers were 1 for 42, with Georgia affecting a great run-out off Nan's bowling. In the next spell, Mum and Hannah took the ball and slowed the run rate down so that at drinks at 12 overs, Hoppers were 1/71. Once again, Sim, Georgia, B2 and Chiller (did I say welcome back Chiller - formidable in the field as always!) fielded extremely well, saving many, many runs. Razzle and Nan took the next spell and first Razzle (one wicket - bowled) and then Nan (3 wickets - bowled, caught behind by B-Cats and LBW) gave us hope! When their opener was run out on 58 (but given not out by the square leg umpire) elation turned to despair (which was really of our own making, because we had dropped her 3 times to that point, and then once more afterwards). Hoppers made the required runs in the 24th over. Another loss, but we took many positives from the match, including a reduction to our extras total. I feel our next target may have a catching focus!!

Bowling: Razzle 9 overs 1/49; Nan 8 overs 3/35; Hannah 3 overs 0/20 and Mum 4 overs 0/11.

CHICKEN: Overwhelmingly, the chicken goes to VoVo who held the batting innings together with her 41 not out. Special mention to Nan for her 3/35 too.

KILLER HILLER MOMENT: Not one moment, but a whole match performance by Hannah, who was clearly unwell with a migraine, but still managed to bat, bowl and field so well. A true display of a killer-never-say-die attitude.

WOMEN’S 1s versus Melbourne Uni at Melbourne Uni Oval: TEACHING THE STUDENTS A LESSON
Match report by Bobbie

The Women’s Team 1st XI were treated to the beautiful Melbourne University Main Oval for our final game of the year. Lauren “Rex” Chester won the toss and we decided to have a bowl.

To point out the obvious, it was very hot. But as Rach was saying, our bowling was hotter. We went into the first drinks break after 12 overs with no wickets, but felt on top with our tight bowling. This was thanks to Hannah ”Handsy” Watson, Rebecca “Junior” Nolan, Ash Murdoch and Amy “Wolfie” Howell, who only had one from the bat off her three overs (spoiler alert, it was the only run scored off her bowling all match). One of Melbourne Uni’s openers was starting to look comfortable, before Emily “Dominos” Costigan put a stop to it, bowling an absolute peach to get the batter out LBW.

From here, Melbourne Uni didn’t seem to be able to get into a rhythm and the scoring dried up. Not long after, Ash managed to get one of her swinging balls through to take out off stump. From there, wickets fell at regular intervals, with Wolfie taking two (both caught by Izzy) and Handsy taking one (caught by Wolfie). Norman from Melbourne Uni was looking good, before Rex got her wicket (another lovely catch by Izzy), and then got another the very next ball! While there was no hat-trick, the pressure built. Even with 10 players (Taryn had to head off), Dominos got another wicket (bowled) and Ash caused a run out. Melbourne Uni finished on 9/114 after 36 overs.

Beautiful bowling figures as per usual: Wolfie 2/1 off 7, Rex 2/0 off 3, Dominos 2/23 off 6, Handsy 1/12 off 5, Ash 1/17 off 5, Taryn 0/21 off 5, Junior 0/27 off 5.

With Izzy nursing a sore hamstring, we had a new opening pair of Rex and Handsy. They got us off to a cracking start, playing smart cricket and finding the boundary with ease. Unfortunately the one bad shot Handsy played was the ball that got through, and she was out bowled for five. After her stellar bowling form, coach David thought Wolfie would replicate with the bat and she was elevated to number three. The bowling was good, but Wolfie was patient and worked well with Rex. They combined for 22 runs, before Rex got out LBW. Rach came in and got a run, before the ball caught a piece of her glove and she made the right decision to walk as she was caught behind. Ash came in, played a beautiful shot for two runs, then was bowled with an absolute peach. Seeing her team needed her, Izzy came in. She played a very calm innings - the ball was coming out of the middle, but directly to fielders. However, Izzy managed to keep the run rate going mainly dealing in boundaries. At the same time, Wolfie made it clear why she was put in at number three. She managed a few boundaries herself, while also manipulating the field with clever singles. But, it was hot. With only 18 runs needed, you could tell that Wolfie wanted to be there at the end, though she also clearly wanted the end to come soon. Her eyes lit up at a full toss, but it dipped, she missed and was out LBW for a well made 29, and a great partnership with Izzy of 42.

Bobbie came to the crease and after getting off the mark with a single (her only run of the match), she decided to let Izzy do the work. After a few more boundaries, it came down to needing seven runs off the last six overs. The bowling was good. Very good. But luckily it was not good enough, as after a few singles, Izzy hit a four for victory, finishing on 31* (the injured hamstring turned out to be a master stroke!).

CHICKEN: In what was a unanimous decision, the Chicken goes to Wolfie, for 2/1 off 7 and 29 runs (her highest ever total). 

KILLER HILLER MOMENT: It’s all about Wolfie this week. As Handsy bowled another beauty, the batter hit it high in the air. In what was probably the loudest she has ever yelled, Wolfie called “I’ve got it! I’ve got it!” And boy did she have it!

Wolfie in action

Men’s 5s versus Mazenod at Mazenod — RETURN OF THE JONESY

With the 5s comp reduced to six sides, the Men’s 5s found themselves at Mazenod taking on Mazenod for the second time this season already. We batted first and Jonesy peeled off a quickfire 87 on the all-synthetic ground. Backed up by the other usual suspects (Jacko 65 and Stan 26), as well as a superb 22 not out from Lachie Muraca and a 15no from Daylon, we put on 4/236 in our 35 overs.

Mazenod’s batters came out firing but Gilly turned the match by taking the critical wicket of their top scorer, and we held them to 5/214 to take the win. Good bowling from Jonesy (2/36 off 7) complemented his fine work with the bat.

CHICKEN: Chicken to Jonesy for another fine alll-round effort.

KILLER HILLER MOMENT: It has to be Gilly’s match-turning wicket. When he lands the ball on the spot, look out!

Men’s 3s versus Trinity Willison at Fairlea West — A NOT SO HARRO-ing EXPERIENCE

With Hobbling Harro out with a knee injury, Nails Parlane took the captaincy reins in the 3s and did Harro proud by losing the toss. TW batted first and made a sub-par 9/154 in their 40 overs, thanks to good bowling from Daisy (1/14 off 8) and Jesse Viney (1/21 off 5) and a killer spell from thew captain himself — 4/23 off 8!

We lost two early wickets in the chase but Gaurav (19) and Jacob Hyde (30) in his first game in the 3s settled us down. Then Jesse Viney came and batted like he had to leave early (in fact he did have to leave early), smashing 43 off 21 balls before retiring to his car and driving off. Jesse’s worlwind knock, along with a good knock from LOC, put us on the path to victory but there was some dodgy moments before Tulky (14no) played a majestic drive for 6 to take us to victory.

CHICKEN: Half a chicken (but no chips) each to the two Jesses, Viney and Parlane. in

KILLER HILLER MOMENT: A tie between Tulky’s winning six, and the realisation that Parlane’s 2021/22 3s captaincy win percentage is 100%, compared to Harro’s 0%.

Men’s 2s versus Monash at Carlson Reserve: WASH, RINSE, REPEAT

It’s tempting to do a cut and paste from any of the Men’s 2s first three rounds match reports because it was more of the same this week. We bowled first, blasted the oppo out (for 74) and then got the runs with a minimum of fuss. However, there was one major difference this week — WORTHO WENT OUT! Yes, the mighty Micah has finally fallen, and he now has a batting average.

We should mention some highlights from the game, and there were many: Super skipper Lou B took 3/13 off 6, and Wardi had the incredible figures of 6 overs, 4 maidens 2 for 2! The other bowlers weren’t bad either — Lanno 2/15 off 8, Jim Wright 1/10 off 4, Joel Clarke 1/9 off 4 and M Jones #2 0/20 off 8. Jim Wright also took four brilliant* catches.

Wortho made 17 before losing his wicket, while Lou (30) and Lenny Dean (24no) ensured we had a comfortable eight-wicket win.

*By “brilliant” we mean “really easy”.

CHICKEN: Wardi’s super spell of bowling gets him the poultry this week.

KILLER HILLER MOMENT: It has to be Wortho going out. Years from now people will be saying “Where were you when you heard the news about Wortho going out?”

Men’s Vets Over 40s and Over 50s: LOSSES TO DINGLEY AND BINGLEY

Playing two Sundays in a row proved to be a bridge too far for the club’s * ahem * older gentlemen, with both going down at home. The Over 40s played at Rammo and bowled first, with Dingley making 6/185 in their 36 overs, despite excellent bowling from skipper Peakey, who took 3/13 off his 6. Peakey then top scored with the bat (25) but good support from Stan (22) and Ian Nolan (23) was not quite enough to get us over the line, as we mustered only 105 in the end.

Over at Fairlea our other skipper Ralph also lead from the front, making 36 as we compiled 8/131. He was well supported by Greg Ellis (20no) and Chris Gill (16). Greg then backed up with the ball, taking 3/28 off 6, but Bingley’s Boroondara got the runs five down with overs to spare.

CHICKEN: Peakey gets the chicken in the Over 40s and Greg Ellis gets it in the Over 50s. Well done, “lads”!

KILLER HILLER MOMENT: He seems to do it every week, and he did it again on Sunday — yet another spectacular catch to Chris Gill.

Men’s 4s versus AYC at Markham Avenue Reserve: A FULL BAG FOR EMPTY

The 4s headed east to take on AYC and we batted first after Gaz won the toss. Cal Behmer (35) continued his good form but he was outshone this week by Declan Harding who cracked a retired 51 not out. Then came The Pres, Adam Lewis who scored another unbeaten half century to take his 2021/22 average beyond the 200 mark. Roadie came in late because he was on the toilet when he was supposed to come in, but it didn’t put him off his game as he went on to make 37 no. With Dog (17) and ETAC (16) also chipping in, we made 4/231 in our 40 overs.

AYC made a game of it with the bat but the wily Andrew Lanning (4/30 off 8) made sure we got the win. They finished on 183, with Boggle (2/29 off 8) also bowling beautifully.

CHICKEN: Declan Harding gets the chicken for setting up our batting with his unbeated half ton.

KILLER HILLER MOMENT: Roadie stuck on the loo when it was his turn to bat. It would seem he got the runs before he got his runs.

THE TOM BELLIS

He’s our president and our premiers batter right now. Adam Lewis gets the Tom Bellis this week!