Debutant Delight - Special Moments from the Weekends Play

It was a first week of play to remember, with a number of memorable moments that have shown us why we long for the summer months.

Debutants stole the show in the first week of Championship Division action, with Bentleigh and Mordialloc charging to Round 2 victories on the back of individual brilliance, from two players wearing their club colors for the first time.

A youngster by the name of Om Satija stole the show at Bentleigh Reserve on Saturday afternoon, with a blistering spell of 7/8. Satija’s leg spin proved near impossible to read for Carnegie, as he took the last 6 wickets of the innings, playing the lead hand in the unexpected demolition.

What’s better than the performance is the story behind it. Om essentially walked in off the street, perfectly encapsulating the saying ‘right place right time’.

Om pictured after his dominant performance over Carnegie in R1 of Championship Division action (Photo supplied by Bentleigh CC)

Om, a local football umpire, arrived early one day at Bentleigh Reserve and decided to have a bowl in the nets. Realizing he had forgot to bring any balls, Om borrowed one off the players who were sharing the facilities. It didn’t take long for Captain Coach Jarrod Dowling to identify the rare talent, and once discussions had begun it was clear Bentleigh had struck gold.

Om has already won the praise of his teammates and club members with his cool temperament and modest manner. He seems a great fit for the Demons and will be watched with a keen eye after his dominant first performance in the red and blue.

Prized Mordialloc recruit Chamindru Mathra hit the ground running in the Bloodhounds return to the top tier, finishing unbeaten on 116. In an all round effort, Mathra picked up a handy 2-34, bowling off spin.

Mordialloc, fresh off their division 1 premiership, are confident they can play to their strengths and cement their spot in the CSB’s top flight.

A couple of players short from last years campaign, new coach Tim Woodruff would’ve breathed a sigh of relief watching on as his debutant took it up to the Seahorse bowling, showing no sign of nerves or complacency.

As far as firsts go, the highlight of the week belongs to the Mount Waverly Cricket Club Women’s team. The Kangaroos have re-launched their Women’s program within the CSBW, and at the perfect time, to establish a pathway for the girls currently representing the club in the AGCC.

In an extremely special moment for the club, league, and participants, the Roos 2021/22 campaign began with the Opening pair of Anushka and Shefali Uttukar. A Mother and Daughter combination.

Both finished their innings retired not out, and while they didn’t get the win, the moment will be remembered long into the future.