CSB Division Three Premiers – Bayside
UNBELIVABLE game of cricket in the Division 3 grand final, that finished in a tie with the top side, Bayside winning the premiership. This made for a memorable occasion as it was the first premiership for the Bayside 1st eleven, since the merge of Moorabbin Park and Highett.
Winning the toss Bayside choose to bat first, however as it turned out it was on a pitch that was slow and not conducive to aggressive stroke play and batting was challenging. After losing an early wicket Bayside made steady progress and looked comfortable at 3 for 110, before losing 7 wickets for 8 runs. Dylan Woolley was the main stay of the Bayside innings with a well complied 42. Solid fielding and tight bowing from Arvind Suresh 3 for 14 and Rakshit Patel 2 for 27 seemed to have turned the game in Carnegie’s favour with Bayside all out for 118.
Bayside turned up on Sunday ready to fight hard for victory, this was on display with the encouraging of each other and the sterling efforts in the field. The opening bowlers got the early breakthrough and then it was a steady fall of wickets. The spin twins, Richard Hunter and Tom Lamb bowled their hearts out combining for 67 overs and capturing 7 for 75. At one stage bowling 12 maiden over in a row. At 8 for 63 it looked all over, but Carnegie lower order had other ideas. Gaurav Takkiar (26 no) received solid support from Rohit Chhabra (16) and Akshay Patel (19) making valuable contributions. The game had many ebbs and flows, and a tie was possibly a fitting result, but of little consolation for Carnegie. The game was played in great spirit and the supporters of both sides cheered and supported their teams in a very healthy and respectful manner. Richard Hunter was a well deserved MVP for his great performance and extremely well supported by Tom Lamb.
CSB Division 3 Premiers for Season 2023-24 Bayside