Mitch Hart takes 4-5 as Mordialloc continues march to CSB Division 1 finals

Twelve months after finishing on the bottom of the ladder, the Bloodhounds are sniffing a premiership in Cricket Southern Bayside. Coach David Sime explains the turnaround.

Mordialloc paceman Insaf Iqbal goes at St Brigid's/St Louis in Cricket Southern Bayside Division 1 on Saturday. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Young Mitch Hart’s stunning bowling performance of 4-5 for Mordialloc on Sunday encapsulated what the Bloodhounds are all about this season.

Hart, playing just his third First XI game at the age of 20, had the ball swinging and jagging as he skittled Dingley for 63 in Cricket Southern Bayside Division 1.

Mordialloc coasted to victory, scoring 2-66 off 17.2 overs in reply, to make it five wins on the bounce.

The Bloodhounds, second, have locked away a finals berth — delighting new coach David Sime, who took the reins after Mordi was relegated from Championship Division last season.

“I was pretty happy...bloody rapt to tell you the truth,” Sime said.

“It’s great. The kids are listening and learning.”

Mick Meehan cuts for St Brigid's/St Louis as Mordialloc keeper Damith Mapa Ralalage looks on. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Sime is a revered figure at Mordialloc, having steered the club to two premierships in the early 2000s.

After eight years out of cricket, he took on the Bloodhounds’ job last May determined “to help the kids”.

“I’m just coaching the same way I’ve always coached,” he said on Monday.

“I think it works. I’ve been everywhere and it’s worked. I’m not changing the way I coach.”

Hart’s brilliant bowling performance was especially satisfying for Sime, who has worked closely with him.

“He bowls inswing, I’ve been working with him, I’ve got him pushing the inswing side of the ball and I’ve got him pushing the other side of the ball, finishing across the body,” he said.

Mordialloc won both of its games on the weekend.

Insaf Iqbal bowling for Mordialloc. Picture: Valeriu Campan

On Saturday, it produced a strong batting display to reel in St Brigid’s/St Louis’ 9-144, making 5-145 off 36.2 overs in reply.

Teenager Finn Callaghan continued his breakout season with a fine 47 at No.4 and skipper Damith Mapa Ralalage peeled off 45. The pair put on 73.

Callaghan has scored 199 runs, at 33, this season.

Mordialloc’s openers Brendan Morris (272 runs) and Harrison Scott (257) have enjoyed consistent seasons, almost always getting the side off to a solid start.

St Brigid's/St Louis batsmen run between wickets. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Deceptively quick seamer Insaf Iqbal has boosted the bowling attack since joining the club this season. He’s taken 24 wickets at 10.8.

“He’s deceiving, he’s got a bit on him, and he’s got a good bouncer,” Sime said Insaf Iqbal.

“I’ve been using him as my first-change bowler. He’s a bit quicker than the other two.”

Experienced spinner Matt Campbell has also been good addition this season, snaring 12 wickets.

Sime hopes his young side can go all the way but concedes the flag race is wide open.

He said the finals are like “a whole new season”, and an opportunity for players to shine.