MPCA 2020-21: Long Island and Pines to meet in Peninsula division decider

Former Victorian batsman Nick Jewell is crucial to Long Island’s chances in this weekend’s MPCA Peninsula grand final — but will he play?

Pines paceman Jackson Mockett is in good form ahead of the grand final. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Nick Jewell peeled off an unbeaten 62 to set up Long Island’s convincing 49-run win over Flinders in the MPCA Peninsula semi-final on Saturday.

But it’s what happened during his innings that will add intrigue in the lead up to this weekend’s grand final.

Jewell popped his calf while batting and had to call for a runner.

Long Island will face minor premiers Pines in the flag decider — but will Jewell play?

“I’m all good mate,’’ Jewell said on Monday.

“At 43 years old everything hurts!’’

Jewell is crucial to Long Island’s flag hopes, and will no doubt try to do all he can to play.

If he does, he won’t be afforded a runner should he go into the game with a pre-existing injury.

Pines skipper Ricky Ramsdale believes Jewell will play but won’t be cutting him any slack.

“I’ll give you the tip, as long as I’m playing there’s no way he’s getting a runner next week,” Ramsdale said.

“I can’t see him not playing.”

Flinders batsman Shane Beggs drives on the up. Pic: Flinders CC

Jewell played in multiple premiership at St Kilda and also in two Sheffield Shield titles for Victoria.

But while runs have flowed from his bat since joining the MPCA in 2012-13, flags have proved elusive.

He played in three losing grand finals with Sorrento and one with Main Ridge.

On Saturday, Jewell’s unbeaten half-century, and runs from Zac Wilson (27), Tom Boxell (26) and Michael Burke (21), helped Long Island to 6-196 off its 40 overs.

In reply, Flinders lost opener Andy Power in the second over and struggled to 9-147.

In probably his last First XI game, champion Shane Beggs top scored with 45 off 79 balls, with five boundaries.

Burke was the pick of Long Island’s bowlers, taking 3-29 off eight overs, while Wilson snared 2-20.

Pines will host the grand final. Picture: Valeriu Campan

In the other semi-final, Pines scored a convincing win over Somerville after a slow start.

Somerville batted fist and was 1-54 but lost its last six wickets for two runs to be shot out for 94 in the 38th over.

Pines paceman Jackson Mockett (3-11 off 8) and Harley Parker (3-36) did the damage, while Ramsdale (1-8 off 6.2 overs) kept things tight and Billy Humphrey (2-7 off seven) bowled beautifully.

In reply, Pines coasted to victory, making 1-95 off 20.3 overs, with Damien Lawrence unbeaten on 36, with five boundaries, Ramsdale making 26 and Harley Peace-Stirling 25 not out.

Ramsdale praised his bowlers for putting the squeeze on Somerville after the Eagles made a solid start.

“Parker got the big breakthrough to start us off and then Mockett and Billy came back at the death and bowled really well with me tying it up at the other end,” he said.

“And with the bat, it was nice to go out there and get a professional finish.”

The grand final will be played at Pines’ Eric Bell Reserve and Ramsdale said the Piners would go in unchanged.