The Jackson brothers: Pines cricket’s first family

It was a historic day in the Mornington Peninsula Cricket Association as five brothers played together in a First XI match, although there was some early friction.

The Jackson brothers, from left, Liam, Lachlan, Patrick, Connor and Declan.

Brotherly love was put to the test when five Jackson brothers played in Pines’ First XI in the Mornington Peninsula Cricket Association on Saturday.

Early in the match against Baden Powell, the eldest of the clan, Patrick, was none too happy when Liam misfielded a ball that went for four.

It was a rare blemish in a historic day for Pines Cricket Club; the Jackson Five — Liam, Lachie, Patrick, Connor and Declan — becoming the first sibling quintet to play in the club’s firsts.

“It was great for the family and great for the club,’’ Pines captain Ricky Ramsdale said.

“They’re a great bunch of kids.’’

Making the day even more special, Pines won and, of course, a Jackson was man-of-the-match.

Connor cracked 88 (with 9 fours) as the Piners chased down Baden Powell’s 193 with five wickets and eight balls to spare.

Pat Jackson bowling for Pines. Picture: Valeriu Campan

In fact, a Jackson was in the thick of the action throughout the game.

Paceman Lachlan (0-24) opened the bowling with Declan (2-40 and 11no), who bowls off spin.

Liam bowled first change, Connor sent down four overs of leg-spin and Pat nabbed 1-43. Connor and Lachlan both got a run out.

“You know what they are?,’’ Ramsdale said.

“Great people, mate. They’re the best.’’

The boys are sons of Pines royalty Kim and Stephen “Stella’’ Jackson, who missed out on the special occasion because they were overseas.

Harley Peace-Stirling (38) and Ramsdale (27) were also in the runs as Pines banked its first win of the season. Earlier, Baden Powell No.3 Jobe Gardner batted beautifully to make 69 not out off 83 balls (4 fours).

In other MPCA Provincial games:

*Dromana made a grand return to Provincial ranks, upsetting reigning premiers Red Hill. Back in the top-flight for the first time in half a century, the Grasshoppers showed they are the real deal with a dynamic run-chase win. Kierran Voelkl peeled off 92 not out (off 92 balls, 8 fours, 3 sixes) as Dromana (3-224) overtook Red Hill’s 6-220 with 15 balls to spare. Beau Anthony 40 (off 33 balls) and Bobby Wilson (30no) also played vital innings’. Earlier, Red Hill batted well, with Northamptonshire batsman Harry Gouldstone (59 off 67), Thomas Lewis (52no off 45) and Simon Dart (48 off 47) impressing.

*Brighton recruit Rick Damiano’s 77 off 76 balls (9 fours, 1 six) set up Langwarrin’s 14-run win over Old Peninsula. New opener Jack Marget also impressed with 32 and teenager Brad Poole made 19 as Langy put up 8-191 off 40 overs. In reply, Old Peninsula made a shaky start as Andrew Smith (4-38) bowled with venom. Sam Prosser chimed in with 3-36 as Old Peninsula replied with 9-177. Tom La Brooy (67) and skipper Elias Karageorgiou (51) top scored for the Pirates. Langwarrin’s win was tarnished, though, by a nasty injury to young gun Brodie Matthews, who dislocated his shoulder while fielding.

*Haig Fawkner recruit Sithum Peiris made 61 to set up Heatherhill’s win over Sorrento. Matthew Bishop (35), Jake Theobald (35) and Kieran Lenehan (21) were also in the runs for the Hills, who smacked 6-217 and then restricted Sorrento to 8-185.