MPCA: Mt Eliza’s Ken Piesse snares 6-19 in stunning victory

A 66-year-old leg-spinner bowled Mt Eliza’s thirds to a spectacular win in the MPCA, with a former radio star behind the stumps.

It was a famous David and Goliath win, one of the best of the summer and it was all triggered by a 66-year-old.

Dismissed for just 99 at Emil Madsen Reserve, Mt Eliza’s revamped third XI was being out played, with Baden Powell 0-50 in reply.

Yet the Mounties got up, with local favourite, wrist spinner Ken Piesse, taking a career-best 6-19 from his allowed eight overs.

“We had no right to win,” said the Master Piesse, a prominent cricket writer, “especially after we were 4-11 batting first.’’

“One of our lads had to leave at half time and we were down to 10 in the field, yet we were able to dismiss the Baden lads for 97.’’

Ken Piesse.

Francis Leach.

Three of Ken’s wickets were taken by ‘keeper Francis Leach, better known as a radio star not so long ago.

It was the first time he’d kept wickets in more than 10 years.

Brian Fox took a ripper catch at mid wicket before captain Phil Leonard grabbed the final match-winning wicket with one full and straight.

It has been a tough year for the Mounties, Ken said, “but wins like this give everyone heart’’.

Meanwhile, 14-year-old Jack Eadie took 6-18 in Baxter’s father-son 4th XI.

Bowling medium pace, Jack took six of the last seven wickets to fall as Frankston YCW was shot out for 139.

Jack plays in Baxter’s under 14s and under 16s.

His dad James then cracked 65 not out to guide Baxter to victory.