MPCA 2020-21: Carrum Downs spinner Chris Moloney takes 23 wickets in five games

Carrum Downs off-spinner Chris Moloney has been taking bags of wickets in the twos, so why can’t he get a spot in the Cougars’ First XI?

Chris Moloney in action for Carrum Downs.

In January, Chris Moloney was dropped from the Carrum Downs ones to find form with the bat.

He found form alright, but it was as a bowler.

Moloney, who bowls off-spin, has taken 23 wickets at 4.17 in five games in the Cougars’ seconds, including hauls of 5-19, 5-19, 4-17 and 6-27.

The outrageous figures make him one of the hottest bowlers in suburban cricket.

Yet, Carrum Downs can’t find a spot for Moloney in the ones, with fellow spinners Robbie Johnston and Gordon Waterfall ahead of him as batting/spin options.

It’s difficult for a team to play three spinners, especially in one-day games.

No doubt rival clubs needing a spinner for next season will have their sights on Moloney, although the chances of him leaving Carrum Downs are low — he is known as a proud Cougar and “the ultimate clubman”.

Coach Chris Moloney and the Carrum Downs under 16s celebrate a premiership.

So much so that he coached the club’s Under 16s to the flag last week. A direct-hit run out off the last ball gave the young Cougars a one-run win.

It’s fair to say Moloney has had an exhilarating month.

Moloney is also a talented footballer who has overcome serious injuries. He broke his neck while playing with Chelsea Heights in 2015, but made a full recovery to go on and play good footy with Hastings in the MPNFL.

Carrum Downs hosts Balnarring in a semi-final in MPCA Sub District on Saturday, while the Cougars’ seconds host Seaford in a semi.