Mt Clear 2nd XI played what will be the last game of home turf cricket at the University oval this weekend. Turf cricket will move to the newly installed pitch at Mt Clear 1 from next season. University has been home to Mt Clear Cricket Club for nearly thirty years.
Rahul Mankad (Captain/Coach, center) and Ally Spratling (President, second from left) celebrate the opening of the new turf wicket at University in the late 80s.
Eagle eyed people may see the new steeplechase hurdles in the background which still reside, now on the western side, at the ground today.
The 2nds chased down a target of 276 with the loss of six wickets to take 2nd spot on the ladder. This included a Mt Clear record 2nd XI 4th wicket partnership of 183 between Nic Baird and Matt Clark. This beat the previous record held by Greg Spratling and Neil Quinlan. This follows the same pair taking the record 2nd XI 3rd wicket partnership last year against the same opposition, Darley.
Mt Clear 2nd XI with Matt Clark (far right) and Nic Baird (third from left)