MPCA: Bryce McGain nabs 7-20 to put Mornington in box seat against Rosebud

A former Australian Test player took a huge wicket haul in the Mornington Peninsula association as spinners turned matches and batters went big. SEE THE WRAP

Bryce McGain bowling for Mornington. Picture: Al Dillon

A pump of the fist, a shout of jubilation…

Bryce McGain’s trademark celebration was on full display on Saturday as he captured 7-20 off 19.3 overs for Mornington to skittle Rosebud for 96.

At 51, the former Australian Test leg spinner’s passion for cricket is still clearly evident, even on the synthetic pitches at local ovals.

His seven-wicket haul for his original club the Bulldogs followed a bag of five a few weeks ago and, with 15 scalps, he sits atop the MPCA Peninsula division wicket tally.

“Oh he loves it,” Mornington coach Rob Parker said of McGain, who made his Test debut at the age of 36 in 2009.

“He loves playing cricket, he’s never stopped.

“And he’s still really good, he’s good in the field. He’d never drop a catch, his arm is fantastic and he’s still really switched on out there.

“He loves it, mentoring the young leaders and stuff like that. It’s great having him around.”

Bryce McGain puts the baggy green on in 2009.

Mornington’s other leg spinner Robbie O’Toole was dropped to the seconds and responded by taking 7-37 off 14.3 overs to help dismiss Rosebud for 104.

In other Peninsula division highlights:

*Somerville keeper-batsman Jack Barbour made 93 as the Eagles put up 236 against Baxter (2-16).

*Seaford Tigers opener Ben Millar cracked 67 in a total of 184 against Moorooduc (2-7).

In MPCA Provincial:

*Red Hill spinner Brent Martin snared 4-46 off a marathon 34.4 overs to help dismiss Old Peninsula for 156. Justin Grant made a patient 65 off 182 balls for the Pirates.

Luke Kranzbuhler.

Gordon Waterfall batting for Carrum Downs.

*Langwarrin was wobbling at 6-80 against Sorrento when rain finished play early. Luke Kranzbuhler grabbed 3-27 off 11 overs, including the scalp of Chris Brittain (23).

*Baden Powell was 4-91, with Rhys Elmi unbeaten on 25, against Heatherhill when rain came.

Elsewhere:

*Carrum Downs captain Gordon Waterfall made a splendid century, 105 off 234 balls, to set up his side’s 5-226 against Crib Point.

*Shaun Foster took 5-48 for Carrum as the Lions dismissed Seaford for 171 in District grade.

*Boneo skipper Jack Beale nabbed 5-22 off 20 overs with his left-arm spinners, including nine maidens, to help dismiss Pearcedale for 97.

*Tyabb spinner Lachlan Hose took 5-59 off 21 overs to shoot out Rye for 146, but the Yabbies slumped to 3-17 in reply by stumps. Hose, one of the Peninsula’s brightest stars, has 23 wickets already this season.