Northcote claims first innings points over Monash as wickets tumble
Not even the great Bill Lawry could have survived for long on the ground bearing his name as Northcote and Monash Tigers played out one of the most remarkable days of cricket in Premier Cricket history.
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Not even the great Australia opener and captain Bill Lawry could have survived for long on the ground bearing his name on Saturday.
A mind-blowing 26 wickets fell on day one of Northcote’s Premier Cricket clash with Monash Tigers, a day that would have left competition historians reaching for the record books.
Returning to their home ground for the first time since a post-football rehabilitation, the Dragons won the toss and had no hesitation in bowling on a green top that looked more at home in the Caribbean.
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“There was certainly some juice in the wicket,” Northcote coach Steve Taylor said.
“It was our first game back and we didn’t know what the new square was going to do.
“It was a bit of strange day to be honest, we sat down after the game and didn’t really know what to make of it.”
Monash were in trouble from the outset as Michael Edwards (4-15), Sam Harbinson (3-26) and Jonty Rushton (3-20) skittled the visitors for 82.
Just three Tigers reached double figures, Adam Amin top scored with 22.
It was then Northcote’s turn in the furnace, collapsing to 5-22 in little time.
However, tailenders Josh Medew-Ewan (23), Harbinson (22) and captain Blayde Baker (20) pulled the Dragons out of the fire and claimed first innings points before being bowled out for 98.
Tiger Jack Trevethan finished with the ridiculous figures of 3-6 from 3.4 overs.
“As the old saying goes, don’t judge a wicket until both teams have batted,” Taylor said.
“We were pretty happy with what we bowled the Tigers out for but knew with their attack it was going to be difficult.
“As it turned out it, we had two good partnerships to get us over the line.”
Given the rapid fall of wickets there was still plenty of time for Monash’s second innings.
At stumps, the Tigers are 6-121 thanks to skipper Dominic Matarazzo’s 45 and hold a lead of 105 runs.
Northcote will look to pick up the final four wickets in quick fashion this weekend before launching its bid for outright victory.
“There’s nothing ordinary about this game but that’s the plan,” Taylor said.
“We were stoked to get first innings points but we were also happy to bowl again because we wanted to make the most of the wicket.
“It was probably a day where there was more than one ball with your name on it.”