SATURDAY BRINGS 3 WINS

Tom Chrystie after his 59(57)  in the 2ndXI

IT was a successful round 3 for the Snowdogs with the 1st, 2nd and 3rd XI sides all recording strong victories.
The 1stXI travelled to the struggling Williamstown where a new look batting line-up managed to battle their way to the score of 176. St.Bernards newest Bert and Ernie live-in couple, Jordan Lowe and Jordan Mills were the best of the batsmen with 60 and 38 respectively. Williamstown came out firing in week two with some stiff top order resistance before Anthony Jordan changed the game with what is being described as the best catch the club has seen - setting off a collapse for the home side being all out for 142. Skipper Craig Osborne was the best of the bowlers with 5/32, well supported by Luke Davis with 3/38.
Mick Thom's pups hosted the Williamstown 2nd XI going into the match with one of the youngest sides seen in a higher XI for some time - an average of just 19! Bowling first after a rain delay the pups toiled hard all day with much reward, eventually bowling the visitors out for 111 early on day 2. James Riley was the pick of the bowlers with the incredible figures of 4/18 off 17 overs. The run chase got off to a shaky start losing 2/11 before Kev and Pat O'Connell steadies the ship putting a 69 run partnership to all but finish off Williamstown. Pat falling for 40 off 87, while Kev played a poor shot to be dismissed for 37 off 92. Captain Mick Thom continued his good form making a quick fire 50, while Dan O'Connell was again in the runs making 45 and 2nd gamer Tom Chrystie made 59 off 57, all large contributors in the score of 9-272 off 74 overs.
The Third XI had a dominant win at home against Flemington, batting first they made 9/231(cc) after another Travis Carrick onslaught, falling 9 runs short of his 4th century, making 91 he was well supported by captain Brendan Davey(60) and Josh Dunell (26*). In response Flemington were only able to be all out for 146. Josh Dunell, Trav Carrick and Lachy Wade all taking two wickets each.

A good weekend for the club with some big matches for all XI's in the coming weeks

BERNARDS GO 3/4 IN ROUND 1 CLIFFHANGERS

The SBOCCC have come out on top in 3 out of 4 round 1 cliffhangers, with the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th XI all showing great character and fight in some tight victories over the weekend. The 2nd XI came back from the dead on more than one occasion in their home opener against Hoppers Crossing. Bowling Hoppers out for 133 Bernard's past the total with 7 balls to spare.

The 3rd XI played Strathmore at Doutta Stars on Sunday on what appeared to be a bowler friendly wicket. St.Bernards were able to bowl out the 'home' side for 59 - Chasing down the total for the loss of 8 wickets, after being 8/40 - Congratulations to Brendan Davey on his first victory as skipper.

The 4th XI hosted VTCA new comers St.Francis de Sales also on Sunday, restricting the visitors to 9/126 off their 36 overs. St.Bernards then chased down the target for the loss of 4 wickets in the 2nd last over.

The First XI were the unlucky side to come out of round 1, after travelling to Hoppers Crossing they were bowled out for 98, which proved to be about 20 runs short of where they needed to be, Hoppers eventually passing the total for the loss of 7 wickets

4TH XI STORM INTO GRAND FINAL

The 4th XI have secured a grand final berth with a dominating performance over local rivals - Doutta Stars at St.Bernards. Bowling first, the hosts capitalized bowling doutta out for 106, with John Jordan leading the way with 3/26 off 16. The hosts made light work of the target, chasing it down early on day two for the loss of 2 wickets. Brendan Davey (34) Matthew Bergin (38) John Jordan (39) and Tom Chrystie (57*) were all pivotal in the run chase. They will face local rivals Airport West St.Christopher's this week in the Grand Final.
Sadly for the 1st XI, they were defeated by Bentleigh and knocked out of the finals. It was however a very successful season for the 1st XI who were able to sneak into the top 2 and secure a home final.

1st XI SECURE HOME FINAL IN ROUND 11 UPSET

The first XI have beaten undefeated South Caulfield and have secured a home final in the process. Winning the toss and batting first the dogs got off to the worst possible start with opener Gary McIntyre being dismissed first ball of the match and was soon followed by Nathan Hawkes(0)before Chris Spinella(12) and Anthony Jordan(26) managed the games highest partnership of 35 until Spinella fell. Skipper Craig Osborne was the steadier of the ship for the second week running, top scoring with 45 and being the only shinning light for the dogs as the middle order and tail were dismissed with little trouble - leaving the dogs all out for 105.
Early wickets would be the key for the dogs if they were any chance of victory, and cementing their spot in the 4. Chris Davis(4/33) and Scott Driscoll(3/23) ripped through the South Caulfield line-up combining for 7 of the top 8 wickets to have the visitors in all sorts of trouble at 8/60 which included 3 wickets with the score on 47. The match was finished off with a one of the 3 run outs for the day as the dogs secured a home final and set up Super Snowdogs Semi-Final Weekend at St.Bernards this weekend.
The 2nd XI traveled to South Caulfied in an attempt to finish the season on the right note. just like the 1st XI they batted first and got off to a terrible start losing two wickets for 1 run before Sinclair Johansen(21) and Greg Garth (83) put on a match winning 110 run partnership to help the dogs amass 8/192 off their 40 overs, recently married Ivan Jurcic(39) also chipped in, as did John Hellard(27). The St.Bernards bowlers were able to build pressure throughout the innings, taking wickets at regular intervals eventually bowling South Caulfield out for 79 from just 34 overs. Ged McMahon the best of the bowlers taking 5-29 from his 16, well supported by Greg Garth who capped off a brilliant day with the bat with the astounding figures of 4-11 off 4.3.
The Third XI were looking to do the same as the 2nd XI - finish off the year on a good note as they traveled to Yarraville Club. Losing the toss and be asked to bowl the opening pair of Tristan Kassis and James Riley bowled exceptional open spells for no luck - restricting the hosts to 0/26 at drinks (18overs) Captain Kevin O'Connell was the benifactor of the openers good tight bowling early picking up 4/23 from his 7 as they restricted Yarraville Club to 8/81 on a very slow out field. The run chase got off to a reasonable start with the dogs being 1/35 before they lost 4/10. Ina good sign for the future of the club Dan O'Connell(10) and Matthew Bergin(11) steadied the ship with a patient partnership which frustrated the opposition. Michael Ramsay came in at 6/58 and carried the side home to record their 6th win for the season in the 2nd last over.
The 4th XI needed a win to secure home ground throughout the finals as the hosted Doutta Stars. Bowling first were able to restrict the visitors to 6/112 with veteran Greg Cook taking 4/13 from his 9 overs. The target never seemed in doubt as the dogs passed them 6 down. Tom Chrystie(38) and Captain John Jordan(28) were the best of the bats.

1ST XI ALL BUT CEMENT TOP 4 SPOT

The SBOCCC 1st XI have all but sealed a Senior Division finals spot after a hard fought victory over Keilor at home on Saturday. Winning the toss Craig Osborne sent the opposition in and the hosts capitalized taking two early wickets to have the visitors 2/20, before a 57 run partnership had them 2/77 and well placed at the half way mark of the innings. Some good bowling from Scott Discoll(3/38) and and Craig Osborne(2/41), coupled with great fielding that resulted in three run out the dogs were able to force the loss of regular wickets, eventually bowling Keilor out for 140.
With the finals in mind, the top order set about chasing down the runs in deliberate style, with Gary McIntyre making a quick fire 20 before he and Simon Cave (9) fell in quick succession. Nathan Hawkes (31) and Chris Spinella put on 40 to stabilize the innings as Hawkes was dismissed. The target was passed at 3 down as Osborne(36*) and Spinella(54) batted sensationally together to ensure the victory.
The 2nd XI played on Sunday against Keilor and needed a win to keep any chance of a finals berth alive. Batting first they were bowled out for 92 off 39.3 overs, with Jack Gay the best of the batsmen on a dark first 40overs for the dogs. The St.Bernard s bowlers came out breathing fire and had the home side reeling at 6/60, but that's as good as it got for the dogs as Keilor past the total 6 down.

The 3rd's and 4th's were washed out.

3'S & 4'S ROUND 9 SHINING LIGHTS

Round 9 saw the first of a 3 game home stay for the 1st XI, and it couldn't have started any worse - Being bowled out for 77 with only one player managing to get to 20, Top of the ladder Bentleigh were then able to amass 4/154 from the remaining overs.
The 2nd XI had their longest trip of the season heading out to Bentleigh, Batting first and losing early wickets were able to work their way to 7/149 thanks to 64* form James Davey and 28* from Brad Cooper. Bentleigh were able to chase them down with little worry losing only 4 wickets.
The 3rd XI traveled to the postage stamp for the 2nd time this season, after success their earlier in the season were full of confidence. Batting first were able to amass their highest score for the season -176, With Jason Bourke making a brilliant 100 in very tough batting conditions on an uncovered wicket. He was well supported by Mark Castles (42) in a 120 run stand. Bernards were able to restrict Flemington to 6/106 with Kevin O'Connell taking 3/12.
The 4th XI hosted Keilor in a top of the table clash, where they also batted first, and after a slow start were able make 6/145 thanks to junior Tom Madden 59* and Giles Craig 25*. The 4th's then ran through Keilor decimating their batting lineup taking all 10 wickets for 60 - Madden was as influential with the ball as he was with the ball taking 3/12.

TWO BATS GET TONS IN ROUND 4

English import Nathan Hawkes notched up his maiden century for St.Bernard’s cricket club against Williamstown CYMS. His 103 not out included 11 fours and 5 sixes in what was a clinical batting display. Nathan’s form has been superb this year with scores of 76 no, 22 and 103 no making him the leading run scorer in the VTCA senior division by some margin. Nathan’s batting display was a step above the competition and we can only hope he continues this form well into season 20010/11.

While on oval two in the 4ths Nick Rule made the most of his opportunity being dropped on 4 to go on and make his maiden century. Opening the batting and chasing only 96  able to cash in, making a big 100, finishing the day unbeaten on 125, scoring more than half the 4/217 and being the only snowdog batsmen to make more than 23 for the day.

Nick and Nathan are both the leading run scores in their grades, and are the top two run scorers in the entire VTCA competition.

3 WINS IN ROUND 4 - 1ST XI ON TOP OF THE LADDER

The St.Bernards Old Collegians Cricket Club have hit the top of the Senior Division ladder after a comprehensive victory over Williamstown CYMS. Bernards won the toss and batted first getting off to a good start passing 50 for no loss, before Spinella fell for 10 and the score on 56. In-form opener Simon Cave (56) was joined by English import Nathan Hawkes who dispatched the Williamstown bowlers to all corners of the field on his way to his first century in Snowdogs colors. Nathan smashed 11 fours and 5 sixes in his 103 not out, helping the side amass 5/230 off their 40 overs, Greg Garth also chipped in with 29. The bowlers were then able to get on top early taking 3 early wickets to have the visitors in trouble at 3/17, from then on St.Bernards were always in control with the opposition unable to get a partnership together over 50 and were ultimately restricted to 8/153 off their 40. English import James Stuart being the main destroyer taking 3/25 from 11 in what has been descirbed as one of the fastest spells seen at St.Bernards.
The 2nd XI traveled to Williamstown where they also won the toss and batted first with Anthony Jordon relishing his promotion up the order - opening up with a valuable 44, the highest run scorer in the sides 6/158, James Davey chipped in with 38. Williamstown were able to get off to a good start passing 50 for no loss before a middle order collapse had them 8/119, but some gritty lower order batting helped them pass the total for the loss of 8 wickets. Captain Mick Thom was the pick of the bowlers with 4/35.
The 3rds played away at Flemington where they were welcomed by a very green and very grassy wicket. Bowling first they were able to put pressure on the opposition on the back of some fantastic new ball bowling from Tom Isaacs and Michael DiNatale, Isaacs being nearly unplayable beating the bat countless number of time. They 3rds were able to restrict Flemington to 7/84. DiNatale was the pick of the bowlers, blowing 13 overs straight taking 3/23. The target was chased down with little resistence as Nick Serrano made 50 in his first hit for the season, Mark Castles also got amongst the runs again, with 36.
The 4th XI played at home against East Keilor - bowling the visitors out for 96 on 30 overs, with youngster Alex Turner taking 3/22 along the way. The target was easily chased down with the side making the most of the extra 6 overs, making 5/217, With another century being made at St.Bernards for the day, This time opening batsmen Nick Rule was the man making the runs - smashing all 9 bowlers used on his way to 125*.

T20 SIDE KNOCKED OUT

the SBOCCC Twenty20 side has been bundled out of the VTCA T20 Trophy in the first round. Playing against fellow senior division club -Royal Park/Brunswick. Losing the toss and bowling first the dogs restricted Royal Park/Brunswick to 109 off their 20 overs. The loss of early wickets put the dogs on the back foot and was ultimately the difference in the game as the dogs were bowled out falling 19 runs shorts. The Snowdogs attention now turns to Saturday where they will be looking to start the season 3-0 at home to Williamstown CYMS.

WEEK ONE OF ROUND 4 BELTS FAMILIAR STORY

Week one of round 4 has been called off - yet again to rain. Round 4 will now be a one day game next week and teams will be re-selected. 

1ST XI CLAIM DRAMATIC ROUND 3 VICTORY

The 1st XI claimed a dramatic round 3 victory to make their season tally 2 wins from as many starts. Batting first making a less than impressive 9/120(cc) at Spotswood on a lush outfield the dogs were always going to be up against it. If the low total wasn't enough Spotswood jumped away to a good start to be 1/80 after drinks before a collapse and some tight bowling restricted them to 8/115 from their 40 overs. Captain Craig Osborne claimed 4/7 in a victory that is being spoken about as one of the greatest wins by the 1st XI in many year (minus the GF win 2 seasons ago).
The 2nd XI held Spotswood to 6/141 which proved too much to chase down, being bowled out for 127, while the 3rd XI narrowly lost to North C1 power house Hoppers Crossing with 8 balls to spare after posting a very competitive total of 5/172.  The 4th XI fell 50 runs short in their match against Aberfelie Park

WEEK 1 OF ROUND 3 WASHED OUT

Week one of Round 3 has been washed out with massive rain falls across the state. Round 3 will now be played as a one day match next weekend. 

IMPORTS SHOW THEIR WORTH

Round 1 started on the best possible note for the 1st XI, and the clubs two new imports. James Stuart and Nathan Hawkes both bursting onto the VTCA scene with outstanding debut performances. Stuart led the Snowdogs bowling attack taking 5/35 off his 12.1 helping bowl out Royal Park Brunswick for 95. The target was easily chased down by the Dogs, with Bomber Cave making 69 opening the batting along with a spectacular debut innings by Nathan Hawkes (who only arrived here on Wednesday) making 76 NOT OUT, including 6 fours and 5 sixes. Stuart then made a cameo appearance of 38 including 6 fours. 
The Third XI travelled to Altona North a place where little success had been had in the past. Bowling first the side was magnificently lead by vice captain Tom Isaacs, and youngster Shaun Hefter who combined for the first 4 wicktets setting the side up. Bernards were able to restrict the opposition to 8-111. The target was then easily chased down, for the loss of one wicket. Brad Cooper making a magnificent 50 opening the batting, supported by Kev O'Connell who chimed in with 37.
The 4th XI had a narrow loss today at Home to Yarraville Club and the 2nd XI were washed out. 

ROUND 1 CALLED OFF

Round 1 has been completely called off, due to only 1/3 of grounds being ready for play. The 1st XI will have to play on the reserve day - Sunday, December 19

WEEK 1 OF SEASON 2010-11 CALLED OFF

Due to lack of ground availability, only 11 of 48 fit for play, all VTCA cricket this weekend is off. Games will revert to 1-day matches on Sat 9th Oct.