- Entering the game with a near full-list, and close to a first class line up, including recently returned English County cricketers David Hussey and Jon Moss, Victorians Jason Arnberger and Bryce McGain, and Australian Youth World Cup representatives Huckett and Harrison, Prahran proved the old saying the bigger they are the harder they fall.

Dandenong were sent in on an under-prepared but very flat wicket and were in early trouble loosing their first 2 wickets with only 17 on the board, Clarke claiming the key wicket of Premier Cricket runs record holder Warren Ayres.

Although Dandenong put on a very healthy partnership of nearly 80 for the 3^rd wicket, the Prahran spin attack of McGain (2/26) and Hussey put the breaks on, and with a fine close out by Moss (1/20) and Huckett (2/25) the Panthers were restricted to 7/166 off their 50 overs. A solid all-rounder fielding performance supported the bowlers.

Signature cover-drive by David Hussey

Prahran’s run chase started very cautiously and never really got going facing some very disciplined bowling lead by Dandenong quick Peter Siddle who look 4/13 off his ten overs. With the exception of two partnerships lead by Hussey (48 off 50 balls), with fellow Victorian player Moss (19) and 17 year-old batting protégé Vinay Parikh (18), Prahran were never really in the hunt.  Prahran were bowled out in the 46th over for 141.

“It was a very timid batting performance,” captain McGain confessed after the match, “We simply didn’t back ourselves and clamed up when we needed to take the game to Dandenong.” They were sentiments supported by Hussey who called on the aggressive nature of his team mates to come to the fore when faced with similar situations in future. One can only reflect on the positive nature of Hussey’s batting performances after the late David Hookes encouraged the same batting approach when coaching the Victorian team.

An aggressive 18 by all-rounder Steve Seymour at the end of the innings was another positive for Prahran it what was a disappointing start to the season.

2^nd Eleven
Disappointment was the furthest thing from Sheply Oval as the Two’s professionally and clinically chased down a 216 run target, loosing only 3 wickets. “The bowlers battled hard with a short boundary and howling wind to hold back what could have been a 250+ target,” team captain Julien Weiner explained after the match.

Stuart Mack was the pick of the bowlers, with off-spinner James Wild providing 10 tight overs bowling into the strong wind. Opening pair Brendan McGuiness (31) and another exciting teenager, 17 year old Trevor Bauer (28) put on positive opening stand which set the tone for the entire innings. Dean Gunwardana confirmed his development and maturity with a beautifully compiled 63no and Liam Murphy, another showing signs of development in his game made 63 as well.

Weiner, although encouraged with the first up win reinforced the clubs expectations of this talented group. “We were good, very good in fact, but a couple of the batsmen threw away their wicket, when an 80 odd not out was on the cards. That was the only disappointing aspect of the day.”

3^rd Eleven
Newly appointed captain Peter Buchanan led the 3^rd XI to a fine victory by 4 wickets but it wasn’t without a scare. With a devastating bowling and fielding display they bundled out Dandenong for mere 103 in good conditions at Como Park. Nat Campbell cleaned up with 3/5. Prahran stumbled to 6/50 and was looking in serious trouble when Buchanan joined young, talented all-rounder Jack Jarvis at the crease. It wasn’t long before the two regained control of the match for the team and with assistance of more than 30 extras, the match was Prahrans.

4^th Eleven
In another dominant bowling and fielding display Prahran restricted Dandenong to 9/125cc, with quick bowler Kyle Hollingworth bowling outstandingly well, continuing his great form from last year, collecting 4/19. Unfortunately in reply, no batsmen was able to build an innings and Prahran were rolled for a mere 71. Disappointing given the fine season the 4^th XI had last year, and the team’s ability to score heavily. It is certainly not a question of ability, more of commitment to partnerships and belief in themselves.