2004/05 Match Reports

Deans Marsh v Otway. 16th October 2004

Deans Marsh unfurled their ‘C’ Grade Premiership flag on Saturday before playing Otway in their first ‘B’ Grade game in 9 years. Otway won the toss and sent the home team in to bat. The ‘Marsh’ had seemingly recruited well over the winter signing up Leighton Hart from New Zealand and the return of Tommy Reid from Cairns.

Brook Smith and Phil Borg got the ‘Marsh’ off to a flyer, 27 runs off the first 5 overs before Smith was brilliantly caught in the deep. The bowlers had found their length and with the outfield slow the scoring rate dropped dramatically. Hart a talented right hand bat was noticeably frustrated by the non-return of his textbook stroke play and was soon caught attempting to loft over square leg. Reid failed to trouble the scorers. The skipper Adam Smith batting at number four held the tail together after running out the remainder of the middle order and at the end of the innings remained 27 not out.

The ‘Marsh’ was confident of defending 124 runs; they have a strong bowling line up headed by Adam Smith and Glen Dempsey. After 16 overs, Otway had limped to 1 for 24. Smith and Dempsey were unplayable in the overcast conditions. Suddenly the sun pierced the heavy skies and sparked the batsmen to open their shoulders. Runs flowed, the bowling was short and catches were dropped. After 39 overs Otway needed 5 runs to win, the ‘Marsh’ required one wicket.

Otway won by one run on the last ball of the day. The game was played in great spirit and we look forward to the return match at ‘The Ditch’ (Beech Forest) later in the season.

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Beeac v Deans Marsh. 23rd October 2004

Deans Marsh made the trek north of the highway to the volcanic plains of Beeac on Saturday. The ground was dusty and as hard as the sand scrape greens at the golf corse down the road. There would be value for shots. Although they were playing against last years ‘B’ Grade premiers, there was an air of confidence amongst the players after last weeks narrow lost to Otway. With only one forced change, Jason Bush in for Shaw Kitchen who had representative duties, the batting still had plenty of depth. The skipper won the toss and elected to bowl.

The bowling and fielding were tight for the first 10 overs, Beeac contained at 2/26. The Beeac batsmen were finding the boundary on more regular intervals, during the run feast that followed fine catches were taken by Bennett (4) and Melville. The last 10 overs yielding 103 runs.

Beeac had the runs on the board and 251 certainly was going to be a challenge. The skipper’s fiery address to the players at the teatime adjournment, “pride, the baggy green & gold, discipline, partnerships, for your mates” were the words ringing in our ears as we mentally prepared. The highlights, there were few. Matt Clissold’s delicate late cuts and pull shots were a delight to witness and Jason Bush’s first runs for the club. The ‘Marsh’ all out for 144 after 31 overs.

Beeac had proved there was much work to do if the ‘Marsh’ were going to figure in the finals in March. Their afternoon spread provided by the “Beeac & District Deceased Players Wives Axillary” was a delight, a fine mix of freshly baked sponges, pickled corn beef sandwiches and homemade sweet biscuits.

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Irrewarra v Deans Marsh. 30th October 2004

Deans Marsh again trekked north to Irrewarra to make amends for last weeks spanking. The training during the week had been impassioned and intense. Some media reports during the week had quoted “the step up to ‘B’ Grade cricket was too much a challenge for the ‘Marsh’”. The ‘skipper’ Adam Smith had asked for something special and we were determined to deliver. The team had a more youthful look due to two forced changes, the talented right hand bat, Shaw Kitchen in for Hart (home duties) and Todd Dickson from Adelaide in for Bennett who is suffering a ‘groin’. The skipper lost the toss and the ‘Marsh’ were sent into bat.

The opening pair of Borg and Reid started apprehensively, but soon got on top of the attack, the pair looked set for a record opening stand before Reid, appearing relieved to reach his 50, was stumped. A century opening partnership had the ‘Marsh’ in a good position at drinks. Smith & Smith fell cheaply, shortly after the drinks break. Borg & Kitchen steaded, adding 50 with some majestic shots, Borg reaching his hundred in style until the ‘hooded streaker’ appeared from behind the hedge. Wearing only a balaclava she sang, frolicked & danced around the goal posts at the eastern end of the ground. We are convinced it was a Irrewarra ploy to break the concentration of our batsmen. The last seven wickets fell for 26 runs.

Irrewarra’s batting was a reflection of the afternoon tea and was ordinary. It appears that a teams commitment, desire and enjoyment of a pleasant Saturday arvo is a direct correlation to the afternoon tea supplied. Beeac, the previous week had supplied a excellent selection of goodies and had gone on to win. Irrewarra was well on the way to a hiding, no tea, no coffee, stale BBQ Shapes and semi sun dried packaged lamingtons. The ‘Marsh’ bowling and fielding was excellent, Borg completed a great match with 2 wickets, with good support from Melville, Smith & Clissold. Irrewarra was restricted to 130 runs on a fast ground after 40 overs.

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Deans Marsh v Forrest. 6th November 2004

Deans Marsh hosted the young, enthusiast and undefeated team from Forrest on Saturday. Training had been limited to the low bounce of the antiquated practice wicket during the week due to the inclement weather and generally the ‘Marsh’ batsmen would consider themselves underdone coming into this game. The return of Johnny Dempsey after a season in self imposed recess, Leighton Hart and Nathan Bennett appeared to give the batting order more depth. Forrest won the toss and elected to bat under threatening skies, the bowlers were going to be the key in the humid conditions and a dank pitch.

There was much deliberation on the brand of ball that would best suit the conditions, weighing in at 156 grams, the ‘skipper’ opted for the ‘Googly’ a softer ball with a more pronounced seam over the ‘Tuff Pitch’. The ball seamed and swung uncontrollably at first but soon the opening bowlers Adam Smith & ‘Glin’ Dempsey found the consummate length. Apart from the Forrrest captain Dean Marriner who made a solid 51, the remaining batsmen never looked comfortable against the sustained attack. Wickets were shared around between the bowlers and the large crowd were entertained by a excellent fielding performance. Forrest had the runs on the board, 9/123 after their allotted 40 overs.

Afternoon tea was taken, a scrumptious selection of chicken & salad sandwiches, home baked rolly polly & snowballs. Readers of this column would be well aware of the motivational boost a ‘arvo spread’ instils in the host team. Had the ‘Marsh’ done enough?

It was soon evident to the ‘Swamp Rats’ from the ‘Marsh’ why Forrest was yet to be defeated. The bowling attack was sharp and disciplined, the ball often lifting dangerously of a good length. The ‘Marsh’ were inconvenienced by the fall of early wickets, ‘in form’ batsmen Borg for 1, Brook Smith 3, Hart 1 but when Reid broke down with either a Vastus Medialus or Adductor Longus strain (groin) and caught soon after , the ‘Marsh’ were in trouble at 4/22. The middle order needed to stand up but again failed to offer any support to the skipper Adam Smith who remained not out for the second time this season.

The skipper was unmistakably peeved by the batting performance especially in front of a large partisan crowd but he was soon seen to be enjoying the excellent spread of mixed sausages supplied by Simon from ‘Birre Farm Foods’.

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Deans Marsh v Colac. 20th November 2004

Deans Marsh hosted a experienced Colac outfit lead by ‘Scruffy’ Oborne on Saturday.

The previous week the Marsh had been drawn to play Lorne but fortunately for our coastal brothers was washed out without a ball being bowled. It was to be the inaugural game of the ‘Benwerrin Shield’ and the Marsh were confident of extending their unbeaten record over the last two years. The rivalry is strong between the two clubs, especially after the ‘Marshs’ one run win in last years semi-final. The next game between the clubs will be held early in the new year.

Five forced changes to the ‘Marsh’ line up. In for their first games of the season were ‘The Mayor’ Mark Fagan and Chris Hunter (up from the junior ranks) along with Jimmy Melville (back from the neurology wing of the Colac Hospital), Matty Chappell from the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon Viewing Deck and Jason Bush. The team had struggled this season to field a consistent team but with a little luck a win was not to far away.

Colac won the toss and elected to bat in perfect conditions.

The ‘skipper’ who had grabbed the Kookaburra ‘Tuff Pitch’ with confidence, lead us onto the ground. Made of solid hide from the Northern Territory red swamp buffalo the ‘Tuff Pitch’ ball we hoped was going to rattle a few wickets. Adam Smiths first over should have had ‘Scuffy’ out LBW twice but were turned down by the ‘Priest’. Smith has bowled without luck this season, batsmen continually been wrapped on the pads by his off cutters. Borg had success in his first over, a catch at point by ‘Inspector Gadget Reid’. Colac never looked comfortable against the ‘Marsh’ attack and were all out after 36 overs. Only one batsman had reached double figures, the bowling honours to Borg and Melville. The fielding highlights were many with great catches taken by Chappell, ‘The Mayor’, Bennett, Melville & Brook Smith.

Afternoon tea was taken early and a selection of sandwiches, sweet cakes and biscuits served from the clubrooms new counter servery. It was important to the club to show off their facilities to the hierarchy of the association, (most of who were playing for the opposition) they appeared suitably impressed.

The Marsh had lost all its games batting second, surely 96 was a achievable score. For those supporters who are seen waiting patiently on Monday mornings at the Deans Marsh corner store. Waiting so as to read the teams score in the Colac Herald, you know the result, they have been seen walking the streets of the Marsh, heads bowed, faces expressionless, occasionally asking the question ‘how’ or ‘why’. For those supporters who were there, it was a dark afternoon in the clubs history. All out for 88 in the 23^rd over. Apart from Phil Borg there was no other significant contributions. Six batsmen failed to entertain the scorers or maybe they did.

The skipper who had suffered a dislocation of the acrio-clavicular joint (AC) during the game seemed resigned to sitting on the couch. Those that attended the game were entertained and did enjoy the BBQ spread with the teams prepared by and with thanks to Al Smith and Louisa Hunter.

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Otway v Deans Marsh. 11th December 2004

After a two week layoff due to a bye the Deans Marsh cricket team headed for the hills of the Otways. Ditchley Park at Beech Forest, with it’s majestic views to the north and pretty perimeter picket fence has been the home of the Otway Cricket Club since the late 1800’s. Otway had defeated the Marsh at home on the last ball of the day in round one. Both teams were struggling at the bottom of the ladder and as we arrived the harmonies of ‘All we want (is to play Deans Marsh) for Xmas’ reverberated from inside the Otway clubrooms.

During the layoff the committee, searching for answers to the current form slump had discussed the possibility of joining the local petanque (boule) association. This was a ideal opportunity to answer the critics.

Would the team be inspired by the herculean feats of “Hercules’ Hercus on the table tennis table on Wednesday nights, maybe the return to form on the golf course over the last month of Tommy Reid to insure a 18 hole playoff in the 2004 Scrotum Cup or the power lifting of ‘Marsh’ local Brett Smartt who the night before had won gold in the Oceanic Games in Fiji. Brett had secured the title after his dead weight lift of 220kg (think about it, Phil Borg x two).

Into the team, the Dempsey brothers, Matty Clissold and Shaw Kitchen (back from junior representative duties) for Mark Fagan out with cracked ribs after the ‘friendly’ v Wye River, Matt Chappell, Jason Bush and Chris Hunter. Otway won the toss and elected to bat in the humid conditions.

The bowling and fielding has been the highlight of the season and again the Marsh picked up early wickets and Otway were never able to recover. Brook Smith (torn trapezius) passed the gloves to Shaw Kitchen who was impressive behind the stumps taking two sharp catches. Bowling honours to Borg & Glenn Dempsey with the skipper again bowling economically picking up two scalps. Otway bowled out in the 36^th over.

Afternoon tea was taken early, a ordinary potpourri of packaged sweet biscuits and sweaty sandwiches greeted us. The Marsh had lost all its games batting second, surely 122 on the card table was a achievable score but inspiration again it must be mentioned was not going to be found on the smoko counter.

The batting order was again tampered with. On paper the ‘Marsh’ bats down to number eleven. In reality the question has been ‘do they bat at all?’ The oppressive conditions were to much for the inform Borg (0) and at 7/67 all seemed lost. When Shaw Kitchen’s on-drive cleared the pretty perimeter pickets, his first six away from his backyard, the ‘Marsh’ was well and truly back in the match, a partnership of 36 with John Dempsey who’s defence was textbook unfortunately was not enough.

The ‘Marsh’ goes into the Xmas break with a 1 win, 5 loss, 1 draw, record (second bottom on the ladder). With 5 games after the break and the rumours of the return of some has-beens and training two nights a week, there is still the chance the ‘Marsh’ will play in March.

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Deans Marsh v Beeac. 8th January 2005

There was singing and dancing in the streets of Deans Marsh on Saturday night after the cricket teams crushing defeat of Beeac. Beeac who were placed second on the ladder leading into xmas and had served out a severe trashing to the Marsh in round 2 were admittedly a little underdone due to xmas / new year celebrations. This although should not detract from a superb display that should boost the confidence of the team leading up to the finals.

The team remained unchanged from before xmas. The skipper lost the toss for the sixth time this season and Beeac elected to bat.

Apart from the opening partnership of 32 runs, which was fragmented by a fine diving catch by Borg, Beeac never looked content against the sheer pace of Glenn Dempsey and Adam Smith. Keeper Brook Smith and Nathan Bennett took great catches. Borg and John Dempsey cleaning up the tailenders. Beeac bowled out in the 24^th over for 70.

Chasing runs has been our nemeses. Having lost 4 out of 4 batting second this season and with 44 minutes to bat before tea the numbers again seemed against us. Some aggressive batting from Brook Smith & Borg put the result beyond doubt. 1 for 61at tea. The players seemed relaxed and quietly confident as they tucked into the splendid array of culinary delights displayed on the new clubrooms servery.

This was a ideal opportunity to bat without pressure, find some form and impress the selectors. A weighted on-drive by Reid through midwicket for 3 shortly after the ajournment secured the Marsh its first win since October. A mini collapse followed Reid’s departure. 5 wickets for 9 runs including the unfortunate run out (lack of communication between the Dempsey brothers) of Glenn Dempsey.

The President had had a difficult week after surrendering a 5 shot lead to loose the 2004 Scrotum Cup to Paul Holohan. The win today had put the smile back on his face. Shaw Kitchen (vastus lateralis bruising) looks certain to be fit for the next game in a fortnight. Deans Marsh undefeated in 2005.

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Colac v Deans Marsh. 15th & 22nd January 2005

For the second consecutive game Deans Marsh had defeated a top four team and can now seriously consider itself a ‘finals contender’. It was the first two game of the season for the ‘Marsh’ who had only once batted out the allotted 40 overs in the ‘hit & giggle’ version of the game. How would they fare in the purists form of the game? The skipper managed to loose the toss, he was saved the trouble of a difficult decision and Colac sent the ‘Marsh’ in to bat. Again forced changes to the team due to other interests proved a captains nightmare as he contemplated the batting order.

Leighton Hart strode purposely to the wicket after Brook Smith was caught behind off the third ball of the day. Hart who had arrived in the Marsh’ from the land of the long white cloud with a healthy reputation, meant business. His 45 included ten fours including four consecutive fours of a wayward over from Schram. Patient batting from Reid & Adam Smith saw out the first hour of play. For the third time this season Smith held the innings together in a wonderful captains knock. Bennetts first ton for the club was nipped in the bud on 10 when his blistering cover drive was brilliantly caught by McCoombe. John Dempsey joined a elite group, run out without facing a ball by the skipper and Glenn Dempseys batting was predictably entertaining. Smith 82 not out. The ‘Marsh’ all out for 208.

The game was evenly balanced at stumps on the first day, Colac 3 for 63.

The skipper Adam Smith must have been thinking ‘it can’t get any better than this’ when Julia accepted the 16 diamonds arranged elegantly in concentric circles on a goldern ring later on that evening. Nathan Bennett was also celebrating, his fertility, the word was out thanks to the ‘Mayor’ that he was going to be a dad.

The pitch was damp and with moisture in the air the ball was jagging off the pitch in the early overs of the second day, Glenn Dempsey continued to bowl well from the Lake end making full use of the conditions. He was almost unplayable picking up five of the remaining seven wickets. His seven wicket haul guaranteeing him the ‘man of the match’ award and a place in the clubs record books. Catches of note taken by Hart (3) in the slips and Bennett in the covers. Fagans one hand diving catch was a ripper. Colac was invited to follow on with 48 overs remaining in the day but with determined batting from juniors Chris Garner & Jarrod Garner the outright eluded the ‘Marsh’.

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Deans Marsh v Lorne. 5th February 2005 - The Inaugural ‘Benwerrin Shield’

A slab of blackwood supplied by Benwerrin carpenter Bryan Poynton was up for grabs on Saturday. The game also had some significance for ‘The Colac Herald’ sending its leading sports writer Alex Oates to cover the game although this scribes view of the game is somewhat different to his learned colleague. Either Alex was chilling out at the Martians Café’s solid cypress bar or cruising the strip on the foreshore in Lorne. Dean Marsh’s Adam Smith won the toss and elected to bat.

‘Lorne snares cross town honours’ read the headline in ‘The Colac Herald’ makes Lorne sound like a suburb of Deans Marsh. A vast crowd had attended the game, mostly members of the Hawthorn Football Club cheer squad, following the social habits and convention of Luke Hodge. Luke apparently can play football a bit and bowl a bit as well. Many young girls seized the opportunity to have their photo’s taken with their idol during the day, Deans Marsh had not witnessed this sort of celebrity fascination since Marjorie Lawrence’s return to the ‘Marsh’ in 1950’s.

High above the Deans Marsh Memorial Reserve two wedge-tailed eagles were courting the up drafts. At ground level the turf had sprung back to life after the tropical deluge during the week and was looking a treat. On the pitch apparently Deans Marsh never looked settled crumbling for just 90. ‘Hodge snared four wickets in magnificent spell of bowling to leave Deans Marsh in desperate trouble in the middle overs’. For those that witnessed this spell describe it as OK and fortunate to pick up the tail end batsmen. ‘Nifty’ Bennett was apparently unlucky to be Hodge’s first scalp. Sundries continued his good form this year top scoring with 23.

Afternoon tea was enjoyed by all.

‘Lorne were not troubled cruising past the paltry 90 runs required for victory’. Should read. An inspired spell of bowling by ‘Ankles’ Dempsey along with the excellent fielding kept the ‘Marsh’ in the match almost to the end. The presentation of the Benwerrin Shield was made as everyone enjoyed the snags supplied by Birregurra Farm Foods.

Deans Marsh aspirations of playing finals had been dented slightly. Talk of two new recruits for the must win game against Forrest next week had kept the spirits high.

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Forrest v Deans Marsh. 12th & 19th February 2005

After the demoralizing loss verses top of the table team Lorne at home in the previous game, Deans Marsh had slipped out of the final four. The game against Forrest at the Tassie Whelan Reserve was a ‘must win’ if ‘The Marsh’ had any chance of playing finals in March. Although sitting comfortably in second place on the table the form since xmas of the young and enthusiastic team at Forrest had been erratic and Deans Marsh felt confident of another upset win. Selection of a balanced team was critical, hard decisions had to be made by the selection committee. Into the team, the gilt-edged experience and guile of Peter ‘Rip’ Bracken and past premiership captain at Lorne, Marshall Goddard.

The skipper lost the toss and Forrest elected to bat on the ‘sandy track’. A inspirational spell of disciplined line and length bowling from Adam Smith & ‘Glin’ Dempsey insured a even greater desperation and commitment from the fielders. Only two Forrest batsmen offered any resistance. Alex Oates & Ray Tebble, 32 and 37 respectively. ‘Rip’ Bracken lived up to his reputation, mixing up his deliveries and taking two valuable wickets. The skipper’s decision to return from the western end was a masterstroke and the tail was soon surgically removed. Forrest had been bowled out for 108 and was Adam Smith’s first five wicket haul of the season. Deans Marsh had chased lesser totals than 108 this season and failed but there was a feeling of subline things in the air after a team bonding huddle/cuddle at the short break. ‘The Marsh’ were in control at stumps on the first day after forfeiting two early wickets, 2/54 after 24 overs. Leighton Hart and Adam Smith the not out batsmen.

The president was noticeably anxious, pacing the clubhouse as the not out batsmen sauntered to the wicket at the beginning of day two. A wayward first over from ‘Das’ Jenkins in which Hart spanked 3 fours relieved the tension and although the running between wickets was at times questionable the pair put on a match winning partnership of 61 runs. “Nifty’ Bennett’s return to form was agreeable and a entertaining 10^th wicket partnership of 17 between Bracken & Hunter insured a competitive total to force a outright result.

With 20 overs to bowl ‘The Marsh’ gained valuable bonus points. A excellent two handed catch at 2^nd slip by ‘Ankles’ Dempsey the highlight. Deans Marsh were again ‘finals contenders’ and needs to conquer another top four team in the last game of the season v Irrewarra to consolidate their position.

Forrest must be congratulated for the wonderful afternoon teas that were provided over the two weeks, a combination of sausage rolls, curried egg & lettuce sandwiches and home made sponges as well as the spirit in which the game was played. Thanks also to our many supporters who travelled to Yaugher to witness the game.

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Deans Marsh v Irrewarra  26^th February & 5^th March 2005

It was a must win game for the ‘Marsh’ in the last of the home & away games of the season. A win would see the ‘Marsh’ into their third consecutive finals campaign since reforming. Four teams, Irrewarra, Beeac, Colac & Deans Marsh striving for two positions up for grabs in the finals. Beeac and Colac were drawn to play at the picturesque Lake Oval, the winner also assured a finals presence. If afternoon teas were any yardstick of current form Beeac were odds on. Deans Marsh had cheerfully beaten Irrewarra (the afternoon of the streaker & sun dried lamingtons) in a one day match in October and were understandably optimistic.

Mark ‘The Mayor’ Fagan in for the unlucky Chris Hunter was the only change to the flourishing line up against Forrest. The skipper Adam Smith won the toss and elected to bowl. The recently painted graffiti on the skate park glistened in the afternoon sun.

Again the bowling was disciplined with wickets falling at regular intervals. There were no partnerships of note and when ‘Rip’ Bracken found the stubborn edge of Neil Thompson’s bat Irrewarra was finally dismissed at tea for 88. The bowling honours again to Adam Smith with his second consecutive five wicket haul. The bowling and fielding this season had been excellent, the batsman needed to stand up for the ‘Marsh’ to consolidate the situation.

Afternoon tea was sampled and found to be agreeable by the opposition.

Deans Marsh 5/148. Leighton Hart (69) and Marshall ‘Feelers’ Goddard (8), the not out batsmen at stumps on the first day. Hart and Adam Smith’s partnership of 82 had assured a place in the finals.

Constant rain overnight had slowed the outfield and dampened the wicket and with more rain threatening from the west, Irrewarra was somewhat reluctant to continue on the second day. The ‘Marsh’s’ motivation was a outright win to guarantee third place. Goddard and Hart added 79 runs for the 5^th wicket, a deep sigh was felt around the ground when Hart was caught in the deep on 96. ‘Rip’ Bracken continued his good form with 24 not out. ‘Glin’ Dempsey was heard to be pleased with his duck and the very next ball Fagan was unfortunate to be bowled by a ball that did nothing.

Irrewarra denied the ‘Marsh’ of outright points by holding out in the dying overs. ‘Feelers’ Goddard claiming four wickets with his leggies and ‘Glin’ Dempsey chiming in for two. Irrewarra’s captain Jarrod Hall was also celebrating, the drawn result between Colac & Beeac due to the inclement weather in Colac that secured them forth place.

The win was celebrated with sponsors and supporters while sampling the culinary delights of wild rabbit hamburgers, yak sausages & skewered herbal goolies supplied by Birregurra Farm Foods & ‘Rip’ Bracken and refreshments supplied by Martians Café.

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