2005/06 Match Results

 Round 1

'B' Grade

Deans Marsh v Lorne  'Battle of Benwerrin' 15th October 2005

The daffodils and tulips have wilted, the orchard blossoms that glowed in the fractured morning light have sprung into leaf and the completed ‘Ashes’ series has stirred the interest in cricket at Deans Marsh. The sounds of leather on boot and umpires whistles have been replaced by leather on willow and cultured hand claps of appreciation from the boundary.

It was way back in 1980/81 that the ‘Marsh’ had last fielded two teams. Thanks to the revived interest in cricket in the community and the support of many local establishments the ‘Swamp Rats’ were able to field two competitive teams for the opening round last weekend.

Unfortunately due to ground maintenance the ‘B’ Grade game was transferred to Lorne. Since the conception of the ‘Battle of Benwerrin’ early last season the Club has failed to acquire this prestigious shield. The newly elected captain of the Club, Leighton Hart was confident that his new look team had what it takes to go that one step further this season. ‘Rip’ Bracken and ‘Glin’ Dempsey ripped through the Lorne batsman dismissing them for  32, the lowest score ever by a opposition in the history of the Deans Marsh Cricket Club. The highlight a double wicket team hat-trick. (4 wickets in 4 balls). The runs flowed in the run chase, Luke Sayers hitting the winning runs with a almighty six.

'Martians'  Man of the Match - Peter 'Rip' Bracken

'C' Grade : Warrion v Deans Marsh  15th October 2005

The young 'Swamp Rats' ventured out to the volcanic plains of  the Alvie School to play Warrion. John ‘Ankles’ Dempsey had been elected captain of this gifted although youthful side. Unfortunately the author was not witness to the game and details are sketchy. ‘Turtle’ Allen apparently bowled well to claim 3 wickets as Warrion amassed  a total of 9/165 in their allotted 40 overs. Daniel Zybell chipped in with two wickets including the veteran bat of Johnny Gorwell. In the run chase that followed Richard Gannon and Peter Bell put on a opening partnership of 56 but the ‘Marsh’ bats were always behind the run rate and although competitive were never in the hunt.

'Martians'  Man of the Match - Richard Gannon

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Round 2

 'B' Grade: Beeac v Deans Marsh  22nd October 2005

Deans Marsh made the trek north of the highway to the volcanic plains of Beeac on Saturday. Their had only been two forced changes to last weeks winning formulae. ‘Rip’ Bracken (home duties) had been replaced by the 2^nd Eleven skipper John ‘Ankles’ Dempsey and Scott Kent in for Simon James (where abouts unknown). Before the journey north, John had put the 2^nd Eleven through a rigorous training session at the new ‘facility’. Apparently not entirely happy with their fitness he had called another compulsory training for the following day.

The wind-rows in evenly spaced concentric circles radiating from the centre wicket would of made any farmer boast of his harvest. The ball would need to be launched from the bat at an elevated trajectory to have any confidence in its arrival to the treated post and rail perimeter. Beeac won the toss and elected to bat in the humid conditions.

Glenn Dempsey had immediate success with a solid edge to Borg in gully off the first ball of the match. Runs flowed from the Beeac bats as the ‘Marsh’ bowlers had difficulty in finding line & length. Hart broke the partnership on 2/62 which broke the heart of the remaining batsmen. The fielding was tight especially from ‘The Inspector’ Luke Sayers who refused to let anything pass at point which was typical of the desperation of the ‘Swamp Rats’ in the pastured meadow. Beeac all out for 115 with Chris Swayn claiming the bowling honours after cleaning up the tail. Craig Hill remained the not out batsman on 57, a fine Presidents knock.

Beeac again supplied an afternoon spread to mention, a fine mix of freshly baked sponges, pickled corn beef sandwiches, homemade biscuits and high GI sweets.
  
Beeac had the runs on the board and with a threatening sky to the west the challenge had been set. Scott Kent had secured an 11^th hour clearance to pad up against his old club. Beeac were rewarded by their acquaintance, a weakness for the short ball and had him caught at the wicket off a soaring top edge. Borg out the next over and the ‘Marsh’ were in a spot of inconvenience with some apprehension. Tommy Reid and ‘Feelers’ Goddard unyielding and balanced partnership added 62 runs for the third wicket which all but guaranteed the victory. The running between wickets had apparently entertained some members. The skipper and ‘Nifty’ Bennett added the remaining runs. The game was called off with 8 overs to bowl due to the approaching obscurity.

It was another great win. There is a great feeling around the club which must thank our many sponsors. This week, our thanks to Brian Sanders at Outback Trading.

'Martians'  Man of the Match - Tom Reid

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Round 3

 'B' Grade : Deans Marsh v Otway  29th October 2005

With twenty-five members at training on Thursday night selection was always going to be controversial. As the selectors pondered over selection criteria, the President was busy negotiating grounds to play on. The local ground unplayable on the Tuesday was now looking a portrait due to the congenial spring weather. Both games were played on Saturday ‘C’ Grade playing there home game at Lorne. It was the first home game of the season, on new turf and the freshly sowed outfield. Simon James and ‘Rip’ Bracken returned to the team at the disbursement of Jimmy Melville and John Dempsey (captains duties). The skipper won the toss and elected to bowl.

‘Hollywood’ Dempsey struck in his second over and concluded an admirable spell but without luck. ‘Rip’ was unplayable bowling up the hill into a soothing south-wester, moving the ball both ways, he also completed a ‘scary’ spell without luck. Once Simon James loosing up and ‘Nifty’ gave himself a number of extra meters behind the stumps Otway were deep in trouble at 4/36. Chris Swayn dropped a dolly at mid-on off ‘Rip’ and was compensated by the skipper, ‘you had better have a bowl my son, and it better be a bloody good one’. Chris a reserved and unpretentious young fellow repaid his skipper with a spell of bowling that will be talked about for a week. His line and length were superlative and he was remunerated with figures of 5/9, including a fine caught and bowled. Otway all out for 46.

Borg looked peaceful and unruffled at the crease and set for a vast score, alas he was caught short of his ground idling the second. Scotty Kent was dedicated to making amends for last week, once set he played some glorious drives and pulls, ‘a player with a future’ one observer was heard to mumble. Along with ‘Feelers’ Goddard, ‘Rex’ Sayers and the skipper Hart the outcome was never in doubt, another solid display from the ‘Swamp Rats’.

'Martians'  Man of the Match - Chris Swayn

'C' Grade : Deans Marsh v Apollo Bay  29th October 2005

Apollo Bay won the toss and elected to bowl and in next to no time had the home team reeling at 5/12. Daniel Zybell steaded the fragmentation with 22 before a cataclysmic runout. Daniel was the only batsman to accomplish double figures. Bushy’s 7 runs was a personal best. All out for 53.

The Bay were seemingly in control at 3/44 but lost there last 7 wickets for 22 runs. It was a ‘never say die’ mind-set from the young ‘Swamp Rats’ that holds them in good stead for the remainder of the season. Kane Smartt’s catch was a rip snorter and will have him reflecting future catches as he was overrun by his team mates in appreciation.

'Martians'  Man of the Match - Jimmy Melville

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Round 4 

'B’ Grade : Deans Marsh v Colac. 5th November 2005

The Club were looking forward to showcasing the new facilities to the hierarchy of the Colac & District Cricket Association on Saturday, many of which play for Colac.  Regrettably Colac forfeited late on Friday night. Many members were of the opinion that the likes of ‘Scruffy’ Oborne were not keen to expose themselves to the ferocious opening attack of the ‘Swamp Rats’.

The selectors had dropped Phil Borg from the firsts winning combination to find some form. In to the line up, Brook Smith for what would have been his first game of the season. The forfeit gave the first’s maximum points and are undoubtedly the team to beat. Any comparison between this team and ‘The Invincibles’ (Deans Marsh’s 1946 – 1955 team) is purely tittle-tattle.

‘C’ Grade : Deans Marsh v Otway. 6th November 2005

Otway arrived at the Deans Marsh Memorial Reserve on Sunday in miscellaneous states of order and attire. Brian Moore was a early nomination for ‘fashion on the field’ with his contrasting creams and harmonizing corduroy blazer. His entry through the gates was equally extravagant. Otway won the toss and elected to bat in the hot and humid conditions

The selectors had asked for leadership from the captain ‘Ankles’ Dempsey. John had taken only one wicket in the previous two games, he needed to step up and make his mark. This scribe was one of many blessed spectators who witnessed a awe-inspiring display of swing bowling. John took wickets in each of his first four overs and at one stage had the figures of five for seven. After his allotted eight overs ‘Ankles’ had 7/15. These were the best figures by any Deans Marsh bowler since Ian Campbell’s 9 for 38 in 1965/66.

The debonair Moore helped the youthful Otway side recover from 9/41 to be all out for 75. Catches of note were Daniel Zybell (3) including a outstanding caught and bowled and Kane Smartts one hand stretch.

All selectors were present to witness Phil Borg’s innings. They were appropriately bewildered as Borg dispatched the ball to all corners of the ground until he was caught in the deep. Alister Cotton was patiently accumulating and was rewarded by hitting the winning runs, a perfectly executed hook shot to the backward square boundary. His innings of 46 showed maturity beyond his years as he held the middle order together. Ben Rogers was stiff to be run out and the tail refused to wag, the last 5 wickets falling for 9 runs.

It was the first win for the seconds, first of many more. The win was celebrated with sponsors and supporters while sampling the culinary delights of wild rabbit hamburgers, yak sausages & skewered herbal goolies. This week, our thanks to Simon & Richard at Birregurra Farm Foods for there sponsorship and support.

'Martians'  Man of the Match - John 'Ankles' Dempsey

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Round 5

 'B' Grade : Forrest v Deans Marsh 12th November 2005

‘Bitter Rivals Face Off’ read the headlines of a rival publication on Friday. Cadet journalists are notorious for dragging up the past to find a story, a banner that will catch the eye of the jaded reader. The ‘Swamp Rats’ have enjoyed the spirit in which the games have been played against the Forrest 'Lions' and were looking forward to the outstanding afternoon spread that they have become accustomed to at the Yaugher Reserve. Both teams were undefeated leading into the match, it was certainly ‘a big game on all fronts’. Deans Marsh won the toss and elected to bowl.

A solid opening partnership of 51 from 18 overs was the only joy for Forrest. Some mundane batting resulted in loosing the remaining nine wickets for 29 runs. Much of the glory to first change seamers ‘Rip’ Bracken and Chris Swayne. ‘Punchy’ Bennett claiming his first two catches behind the stumps.

Apart from a minor hiccup chasing the required runs, a hat-trick to Forrest captain Anthony Trigg, the ‘Swamp Rats’ secured another  win with four wickets in hand. The skipper Hart, along with Brook Smith, ‘Feelers’ Goddard and ‘The Fossil’ all batted well. The game was played in good spirit and both teams are looking forward to the rematch in January.

Martians man of the Match – Peter  ‘Rip’ Bracken

‘C’ Grade: Deans Marsh v Coragulac.  12th November 2005

The second eleven were quietly confident after their moral inspiring performance last week. With some notably inclusions to their side they hosted a self-assured outfit from Coragulac. Andrew ‘Horace’ Stewart and Andrew Goddard (first game for the Club) added maturity, wisdom and stability to the side.

Coragulac dominated the ‘Rat attack’ and were soon 1/154. The introduction of spin from the northern end had instantaneous results. Goddard’s guile, experience, flight and jagging spin produced four quick wickets. Many catches went to ground and the opposition can be considered lucky to have reached there final score.

Openers Stewart and Goddard with a collective age of 113 had the statisticians searching the record books. Not since the McKay / White combination of the seventies had the ‘Marsh’ used such a experienced duo. Both batted well along with the inform Cotton, but the assignment was beyond the ‘Marsh’ and they succumbed to a more solid and qualified team.

Round 6  

‘B’ Grade -  Deans Marsh v Irrewarra.  19th November 2005

The wedding celebrations of 2003/04 premiership captain Grant Byrne had forced two changes to last weeks successful combination. Scotty Kent and Tom Reid back into the team for ‘Rip’ Bracken and ‘The Mayor’ Mark Fagan. Irrewarra won the toss and elected to bat.

‘Hollywood’ Dempsey had bowled well but without luck this season and soon had the opening batsmen on the back foot, hopping and playing and missing. Unfortunately for Glenn it was the skipper bowling up hill and into the breeze who did the damage. In a master stroke the skipper introduced Smith who relieved Borg who relieved Dempsey at the southern end which brought instant success. Brook picking up four wickets and had a hand in a runout. Irrewarra all out and afternoon tea was enjoyed. It should and has been noted that the ’Marsh’ has this season set new standards for the quality of the afternoon delights.

The run chase was never in doubt with several batsman reaching double figures. Scotty Kent the best of them with a consummate 41. Six wins from six games has the ‘Swamp Rats’ sitting clearly on top of the ladder.

Selectors are believed to be concerned and will be advised of the fitness of Bracken – pubo-prostaticus (groin) and Reid - subscapularis (shoulder) by Thursday night.

Martians man of the Match – Scott Kent

‘C’ Grade - Colac West v Deans Marsh.  20th November 2005

The second eleven travelled to the Western Oval on Sunday to restore there confidence after last weeks capitulation. Noel Gosling appeared to strengthen the batting order in his first match for the Club. The skipper won the toss and although undecided at first, elected to bat. Inform batsmen Dempsey and Cotton fell early. Some resistance was presented by Richard Gannon and ‘Turtle’ Allen with a partnership of 30. Ben Rodgers scored a personal best and sundries were a valuable contributor. The runs were on the board.

‘The Rats’ were always in with a chance having the opposition 6/36 at one stage. Outstanding bowling from the skipper and Cotton had the game evenly poised. Regrettably some big hitting from the tail enders secured a win for the opposition. ‘Richo’ chimed in with three late wickets. Again the second eleven demonstrated that they are a spirited outfit and with some divine intervention will soon strand a number of  wins together.

Martians man of the Match – Richard Gannon

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Round 7 (B). Round 7 & 8 (C)

B’ Grade - Round 7  Stonyford v Deans Marsh.  27th Nov & 4th Dec 2005

‘C’ Grade - Round 7 Deans Marsh v Alvie.  26th November 2005

C’ Grade - Round 8 Deans Marsh v Tomahawk Creek.  3rd December 2005

Round 8 (B). Round 9 (C)

B’ Grade - Round 8  Lorne v Deans Marsh.  10th December 2005

'Battle of Benwerrin'

The Deans Marsh ‘Swamp Rats’ traveled to the coast to play off for the ‘Benwerrin Shield’ on Saturday. The perpetual shield is in memory of Colin Humphries who played for both clubs over 10 years in the late 1990’s.

The ‘Rats’ were undefeated going into the match and were favorites against a improving Lorne grouping. Lorne won the toss and bowled. Robby McIldowie threaded one through the rigid defense of last weeks centurion Leighton Hart in his first over to claim Hart for a duck. Brock Shields then tore through the seemingly strong and experienced top order taking 5/18. Only Scott Kent showed any resistance grafting 35 runs. Lee Hollmer chipped in with 3 wickets at the end. Sundries found the form that had eluded it since last season. There were no less than five occasions when the batsmen failed to examine the addition dexterity of the scorers.

Hart's heartrending speech to his lads at the tea adjournment was inspirational. The runs were on the board all be it only 66. Simon James and Glenn Dempsey ruptured the Lorne top order and when Russell was run out in catastrophic circumstances the score was 4/5. Jason Langdon steadied, picking off the loose balls, when a top edge off a missed time pull was consummately caught at fine leg by Hart, Lorne was again in trouble at 7/40. The pestilence of 'Rip' Bracken’s seam bowling could not break through the tail enders and Dan Kettle and Robby McIldowie saw the home team secure the points in a game that was played in good spirit.

The 'Swamp Rats' will go into the extended Christmas break realizing there is nevertheless ample work to do but will be encouraged by the team spirit that has been cultivated over the previous months.

Martians man of the Match – Simon James

‘C’ Grade - Round 9 Deans Marsh v City United.  10th December 2005

The All Stars team lineup appeared to be the most balanced for the season against undefeated City United in their 'C' Grade clash at the Deans Marsh Memorial Reserve on Saturday. The ground was looking spectacular having been cut in a patchwork configuration during the week. Would inspiration come from the artistry of the concentric circles and parallel lines created by the mower operator.

City won the toss and elected to bat on a glorious afternoon. Apart from a early wicket to Danial Zybell United through a series of patient partnerships accumulated runs until ‘The Inspector’ was introduced by the ‘The Astrologer” from the southern end. Sayers still tormented by the effects of a strained quadricep (vastus medialis) was rewarded with the bowling honors. United recovered from the lost of three quick wickets to a competitive score of 182. The news of Shaun Smartt’s over of benevolence had reached Lorne by mid afternoon.

Afternoon tea was as always appreciated and noted by the visiting team as one unrivaled on the ‘arvo tea’ calendar.

The All Stars had been ineffective in batting their allotted overs this season.  A creditable opening stand at a healthy run rate was a welcome departure from form. The ‘Inspector’ strode purposely to the wicket with the departure of Gosling for 13 (career best). Run rate required 10.1 per over. Rex spanked the next three balls to the boundary and the ‘Rats’ were back in the game. A fifty partnership in 34 balls with Alister Cotton had the partisan assembly on their feet. The run out of Sayers was regrettable. Cotton went on to score his maiden half century and Stephen Lidgerwood produced his highest score for the Club.