MPCA 2020-21: Mornington relegated from Provincial

Former Victorian cricket captain Darren Berry made a shock comeback in a desperate bid to help Mornington avoid being relegated for the first time in its 158-year history.

Mornington coach Darren Berry talks to his players. Picture: Valeriu Campan

He wasn’t named in the side.

But Darren Berry pulled on the red, white and blue of Mornington on Saturday.

At 51 and many years after his last competitive game, the former Victorian captain returned to the action to try and save the Bulldogs, whom he coaches, from relegation in MPCA Provincial.

Mornington, established in 1863, had never been relegated in its 158-year history.

But that all changed on Saturday — despite Berry’s efforts — as the Bulldogs, chasing Sorrento’s 180, were dismissed for 132.

Their fate was sealed as Red Hill and Mt Eliza — who were equal on points — narrowly avoided the drop.

Berry made a hard-hitting 30-odd before he was caught at mid-off from the bowling of Sorrento teenager Matt Rulach (3-13 off eight).

Mornington coach Darren Berry watching on last week. Picture: Valeriu Campan

He was nearly run out without facing ball and managed to find some humour as he heard some banter from the Sorrento fielders as the pressure mounted.

“One of our guys sledged him,’’ Sorrento captain Bobby Wilson said.

“He said, ‘158 years and no one has ever coached them to relegation’, and Berry said, ‘you think I don’t know? That’s why I’m out here embarrassing myself’.”

Wilson said Berry looked good with the bat.

“He actually batted quite well,” he said.

“He probably should have been run out for a diamond (duck) but Woody (Jake Wood) missed the stumps.

“But to be fair he batted alright, he probably got 30 or 40...he played shots, he played a couple of nice cut shots, a really nice straight drive. We bought on a medium pacer and he donked him for a few, he just played good cricket shots.”

Mornington had finished on the bottom of the ladder only once before — it was more than 80 years ago when relegation didn’t exist.

Sorrento’s 8-180 was set up by opener Corey Harris (44 off 80) and Mitch Bench (29 off 40).

With the bat, Bench (3-31) and young Matt Rulach (who took his first top grade wickets) impressed.

Sorrento faces Langwarrin in a semi-final.

Mornington bowler Kurt Nestor. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Old Peninsula (5-206) thrashed Red Hill (5-99), but the Hillmen were thrilled to survie in Provincial.

The Pirates’ top seven were all in the runs, with Wade Pelzer (46), Justin Grant (44) and Will Crowder (31no) leading the way.

Red Hill batted for survival, intent on not losing too many wickets as the threat of relegation hovered. Skipper Adam Slack was 33no off 107 balls.

Baxter finished a disappointing season with an upset win over finals-bound Baden Powell.

Chris Brittain (67) and Todd Quinn (40no) guided Baxter to 8-158 before leggie Yohan Maddege grabbed 4-24 to helped dismiss BP for 145.

It was Baden Powell’s first loss in five games but the Braves are into their first Provincial finals campaign in 23 years.

Langwarrin secured second spot and a home semi final after beating Mt Eliza.

Langy batted first and posted 139, with Matty Prosser top scoring with 45. Nick Baron (4-28) bowled beautifully along with his brother Tom (3-11).

In reply, Mt Eliza never threatened and was held to 7-104 off 40 overs.

Ladder: Old Peninsula 144, Langwarrin 108, Sorrento 108, Baden Powell 96, Baxter 72, Mt Eliza 48 (0.821), Red Hill (0.7434), Mornington (0.7388).