MPCA: Young Moorooduc duo stars in ‘The Great Chase’ victory over Seaford

Moorooduc got off the canvas with a stunning last wicket partnership to secure a famous win, while Rosebud, Somerville and Long Island banked vital wins in MPCA Peninsula.

Moorooduc captain Ben Williams on the drive. Picture: Paul Churcher

At Moorooduc they’re calling it “The Great Chase’’.

Ben Hansen, 21, and Ned Matthews, 19, were the unlikely batting heroes after steering the Ducs to a victory that will long be remembered in MPCA Peninsula on Saturday.

At 9-260, chasing 321, Moorooduc’s hopes looked forlorn at RF Miles Reserve.

But Hansen and Matthews believed in themselves and with a combination of hoicks, blistering cover drives and snicks through slips, they did it; an unbroken 61-run partnership for the last wicket delivering the Ducs a famous win.

The pair were cheered off after taking the score to 9-321.

Hansen finished on 27 and Matthews 33, including a six over backward square leg.

Hansen is a Moorooduc junior who has progressed through the grades and is now a regular member of the 1st XI.

Matthews is also a club junior who has returned to the club this season after spending his first three years as a senior cricketer at Mornington. He is an off spin bowler with great potential.

Moorooduc’s run chase was set up by captain Ben Williams who made 60 off 68 balls at the top of the order, overseas import Raymond Curry (79) and Rob Hearn (47) at No. 3.

Eight players in Moorooduc’s side on Saturday were aged 21 or under.

Seaford was left frustrated, having seen a likely win slip away, despite the efforts of Phil Clinch who bowled superbly to take 4-39 off 15.2 overs and Jacob Foxwell (2-84 off 24 overs).

Liam Collett top scored for Rosebud on Saturday. Picture: Andrew Batsch

*Somerville’s exciting young paceman Caleb Debnam continued his impressive form to fire the Eagles to victory over Mornington. Debnam, 18, took 3-29 off 12 overs as Mornington stumbled in reply to 229, dismissed for 161. Debnam has taken 12 wickets this season. Matthew Eager (2-18) and Craig Black (2-17) provided sterling support.

*Mt Eliza’s Tom Baron took seven wickets in a losing cause as Rosebud won the Round 5 clash. In reply to the Mounties’ 91, the Sharks achieved victory with the loss of three wickets before a collapse of sorts ended the innings at 142 in the 65th over. Liam Collett (29) and Jarrod Hicks (26) did best for Rosebud. Baron bowled brilliantly to take 7-29 off 21.2 overs.

*Long Island’s Zac Wilson (3-14 off 17 overs), Joshua Swainston (3-16), Harry Van Raay (1-16) and Matt Shimell (1-27) combined to roll Seaford Tigers for 90, in reply to 146.