1999/2000 - Back-to-Back Premiers
2nds, 3rds & 4ths Premiers

The Club was again under the leadership of Alan Splatt (President), Cameron Park (Vice President), Peter Ridgway (Secretary) and Doug Van Raay (Treasurer) with its committee - Mal Ritchie, Marty Kelly, Ross Wilson, Graham Cox, Gerard Rabot, Nathan Ross, David Smith, Bob Hough, Norm Stickland and Mirabella.

Paul Hartle was again appointed Coach. The Club fielded seven senior teams and 1 Veteran XI team, 2 Under 16 teams, 2 Under 14 teams and 2 Under 12 teams. Gerard Rabot was originally appointed as Junior Co-ordinator but resigned during the Season - Graham Cox took over the role. Fees were set at $120 Senior Members, $60 Students/Apprentices and $50 Juniors

Having retained most of last seasons First XI Premiership side the question was could they go back to back and bring another premiership to the club.
Described as a marvellous M.P.C.A Provincial Grand Final we found ourselves playing against Langwarrin. In a nailbiting finish Paul Hartle hit a six to win the match, much credit should go to tail ender Nathan Ross who had only scored 3 runs for the season, who steadfastly kept his wicket intact over a very tense 20 minute period. In his victory speech, Hartle lavishly praised his side and said he had predominantly stuck with the boys that took the flag last year, as he had faith in their ability to get the job done. He also congratulated his club on its stellar season in taking out flags in its top four gades, before ordering the celebrations to begin. Fittingly, Nathan Ross got the biggest cheer at the end for his efforts when the players were presented to the crowd out front of the pavilion.
The depth of playing strength at the club was emphasised with our seconds thrashing Langwarrin in their final, not to be outdone our Fourth XI lifted another trophy against Delacombe Park.
Pat Van Raay’s Fifths fell at the last hurdle against Heatherhill but had a very consistent season.
So once again the club can look back with pride in another successful season.

To the funny side and our 3rd eleven squad had a protest put in against them from Rye in relation to the afternoon tea provided, apparently it was well below par because it was not nourishing and needed better nutritional value than chips, twisties, cheezles, T.V. snacks, McDonald Cookies, a pack of rice crackers and tea or coffee which wouldn’t go astray. Follow this captain Richard Hall gave each player a list of things which we needed to bring and assigned each and every one of us a nutritional snack to bring for our afternoon tea. There were no more complaints for the rest of the season.

The country week team also saw Cameron Park and Scott Phillips be selected in the squad and winning the Carnival defeating Albury and Border in the final with Parksy taking 3/39 off 9 overs and Scotty 16no in the final. In the lead up games Scotty took a 2/11 and 2/4 and also scored a 50no

Congratulations must also go to Scott Phillips who won the M.P.C.A’s Cecil Eeles Award (best U21 player) 292 runs and 34 wickets. And also Peter Bedford for outstanding service to Country Week over a period of 17 years.

Players who left the club Adam Collins, Ken Lonie (39 games, 420 runs @ 24.71, 57 wickets @ 10.51) back to Heatherhill, Nathan Lonie (26 games, 260 runs @ 17.33, 39 wickets @ 13.46) back to Heatherhill and AFL, Ryan Lonie (19 games, 388 runs @ 22.82) back to Heatherhill and AFL, Bob Martin (54 games, 1151 runs @ 25.58), Gordon McLeod ( 282 games, 6311 runs @ 42.36 & 293 wickets @ 16.48) , Michael Mott (30 games, 800 runs @ 27.59), Jeff Roach (105 games, 1326 runs @ 13.26), Joe Rule, Peter Schreiner, Bob Smith (120 games, 2651 games @ 21.55), Darren Topham
Peter Wilkinson, Peter Worland (190 games, 2655 runs @ 20.27, 430 wickets @ 16.03)

Players to start James Khan from a long absence and from our juniors Brad Bailey, Steve Hocking,
Richard Thomas and Paul Bardsley

The Captains for the year were 1st XI Paul Hartle, Second XI David Worland, 3rd XI Richard Hall, 4th XI Martin Kelly, 5th XI Patrick Van Raay, 6th XI Peter Ridgway, 7th XI Paul Roach.

With all that in place, let the Season begin…

Veteran XI
Long Island vs Mt Eliza @ Ballam Park
The inaugural match of this competition saw many self-proclaimed legends make a comeback (never fear, none are mad enough to play each week). We were led by our greatest leader – whatsisname – and we had former coaches Cuey, Johnno and Biscuits, newly appointed County Court Judge Bob Kent, the Prez, Foz, Logs, Roy and Heatherhill great Nabby. Needless to say we were favourites
After some necessary fortification – Red or White Wine or VB with Chees & Bikkies – we lost the toss and were asked to field. The hardest part was finding some gear for the Keeper, but Poss’ gloves came in handy even though Biscuits’ hands are three times larger, but that made no difference – his keeping was superb. Johnno was in great form – on a hat trick – and 3/7 plus getting airborne for a classic – Nabby took 1/16 and suffered like most Long Island bowlers in the past having whatsisname watch a lofted shot fall safely to the ground. His Honour took 2/11 despite some strange noises coming from the joints when he got his bowling arm around chest height, Rosso got 1/11 and turned the wrong-un a foot (it wasn’t metric when he last played), Splatty 1/8 and Foz 2/10 – in fact only two bowlers were wicketless but we won’t name them Cuey or Logs because it might be embarrassing. We had to make 94 for victory.
After further fortification (and a great afternoon tea – thanks Peerless and Colleen) and an inspiring speech by the skipper (unfortunately the players refused to go into the change room to listen) and strategic batting placings, our batsmen took to the field – and to the bowling. Foz made 12, was caught by Peter Roberts and split his bat, the Prez got a well compiled 14, Biscuits made 32 – was not allowed to retire so threw his wicket away, Logs got 27 and ran out of steam – don’t know why because most came in boundaries, Johnno go red ink (again!!!) and His Honour hit the winning run – the skipper was not required! The fortification continued after the game and Cuey summed it up beautifully – this can only get bigger and can only be a winner for the clubs.
Our score of 4/94 was a new MPCA record and we are the only undefeated team in the Competition.
Batting: A.Splatt 14, R.Martin 32, G.Fossett 12, K.Lonie 27
Bowling: S.Johnson 3/7, R.Kent 2/11, G.Fossett 2/11, D.McNabb 1/16, W.Ross 1/11
Our next game is against YCW (You Can’t Win) at the baseball ground, and then we play Mornington at home. If you want to watch cricket in slow motion this is a MUST. From all reports these two above mentioned games did not go ahead.

Semi-Finals
1sts Long Island 3/208 (D.Van Raay 41, S.McLeod 97) defeated Heatherhill 205 (S.Phillips 5/57, C.Park 3/40)

2nds Long Island 2/127 (B.Coates 66no) defeated Balnarring 125 (D.Collins 4/41, G.Lamb 3/43)

3rds Long Island 296 (M.Sargant 88, S.Meddings 58, G.Park 44) defeated Somerville 68 (G.Park 5/45, A.Ferrier 3/22)

4ths Long Island 9/319 (M.Kelly 69, G.McLeod 66no, G.Rabot 48, S.Cooper 44, G.Fossett 38)
defeated Langwarrin 152

5ths Long Island 129 (B.Kelly 59) & 8/88 defeated Mt Martha 89 (M.Dixon 5/38, L.Fossett 5/48) & 2/276

Grand Finals

Langwarrin batted first and looked to a big score – reaching 7/221 by stumps on the first day with Scott Phillips taking 3/99, Paul Hartle 4/103 and Luke Van Raay 2/36 – the fielding saving many runs. By stumps on the second day Long Island had reached 194 for the loss of 3 wickets – Doug made 24, Luke 41 and Stuart McLeod made his second score in the nineties – 94 – during the Finals. A huge crowd witnessed the climax of a magnificent game of cricket on the final day – the stage being set for a big final day. What a day it was – Vose to his score to 50 and with Scotty 23 seemed to have the game under control, Bedders 28 and Arne again put the game Long Islands way but a superb delivery saw Bedders depart, then some smart glove work to dismiss Park without scoring saw the score at 9/335 and with number 11 – Rosso (3 runs to his credit for the season) at the crease the odds were again in Langwarrin’s favour. The tension was enormous whenever Rosso was on strike (he faced 22 balls) while Arne 56no hit anything loose – the final blow came when Arne put a Coutts delivery over the long-on fence to secure back-to-back Premierships

The 1sts proved once and for all that the Long Island Cricket Club is THE force in the MPCA with back-to-back premierships in the top Grade of the Association, and the win is a credit to all players who represented the 1sts this season. As we are all aware, the Grand Final was a brilliant game of cricket and it was fitting that Paul Hartle was to play the last shot of the game.

The team was well-served by Peter Bedford – 161 runs @ 40.25 and 30 dismissals, Paul Hartle – 259 runs @ 43.17 and 38 wickets @ 19.50, Stuart McLeod – 404 runs @ 31.08, Cameron Park – 28 wickets @ 18.96, Scott Phillips – 292 runs and 34 wickets @ 15.68, Nathan Ross 22 wickets @ 19.36, Doug Van Raay – 340 runs @ 30.91, Luke Van Raay – 263 runs @ 37.57 and Graham Vose – 356 runs @ 44.50
The Premiership win was the Club’s third in its 6 Seasons in the Provincial Grade

Provincial 2nds

The 2nds, after missing the Finals last Season, had four different leaders throughout the Season and left it to Dave Worland to do the honours in the latter part of the Season and through the finals campaign. The team was terrific and won its Premiership in a match as close as the 1sts

The team was made-up of players who all could make the 1sts at any time – Michael Burke – 228 runs @ 57.00, Ben Coates – 348 runs @ 49.71, Dave Collins – 22 wickets @ 13.41, Peter Conell – 359 runs @ 39.89, Mike Godfrey – 355 runs @ 35.50, Ian Kent – 21 dismissals, Greg Lamb – 20 wickets @ 17.85, Gary Measham – 172 runs and 13 wickets, Joel Stevenson – 24 wickets @ 14.21, Luke Van Raay – 17 wickets @ 5.88 and Dave Worland – 402 runs @ 26.80

3rds (A1)

The 3rds won their 5th Premiership in Succession – an extraordinary performance! Under the leadership of Richard Hall the team was almost as laid-back as the skipper but as eager to keep the superb record intact. They won their Premiership in brilliant fashion and his team too has a number of members who could easily make the transition to higher Grades.

Good performers throughout the Season were Damien Des Barres – 226 runs, Andrew Ferrier – 134 runs @ 33 wickets @ 8.06, James Haley – 16 wickets @ 21.81, Laurence Hall – 165 runs, Steve Meddings – 600 runs @ 66.67, Gareth Park – 243 runs @ 32 wickets, Matt Parkinson – 363 runs @ 40.33 and Mark Sargant – 452 runs @ 50.22

4ths (B1)

The 4ths capped it off for the Club by taking out another “B1” Premiership – this time under the leadership of Club stalwart (and often heart-broken Marty Kelly. This time there was no heart-break and no waiting either – our Grand Final opponents conceded at the end of the first day’s play! The team was a mixture of youth and experience with a couple of old stagers thrown in, and the strength of the Club was on show when Paul Barton and James Khan moved into the Final teams when unavailabilities caused changes to be made.

The team was well served by Jarrod De Zilva – 122 runs and 8 wickets, Glenn Fossett – 472 runs @ 47.20, Luke Fossett – 11 wickets, Marty Kelly – 320 runs @ 29.09, Jeff Laughlin – 250 runs (including a 1-Day innings of 205 not out), Darren Lee – 21 wickets @ 15.71, Ryan Lee – 133 runs and 22 wickets @ 15.32, Gordon McLeod – 99 runs (and not being dismissed!) and 7 wickets, Gerard Rabot – 158 runs @ 39.50, Dave Simons – 354 runs @ 44.25 and 10 wickets, Brett Wilson – 270 runs @ 33.75 and Michael Wilson – 210 runs and 21 wickets @ 14.33.

5ths (C1)

The 5ths made the Grand Final but went down to a pretty good combination from Heatherhill, however to get to the Grand Final Pat Van Raay and his team won the utmost respect from the club – they fought out a Semi-Final win over red-hot favourites Mt Martha – maybe this was their Grand Final! But is was the way they went about it and their fight to win which earned every one of the players our respect.

The following players did well – Alex Blackshaw – 137 runs, Jason Burgan – 190 runs, Paul Connolly – 129 runs, Michael Dixon – 146 runs and 32 wickets @ 15.72, Luke Fossett – 10 wickets, Paul Henderson – 204 runs, Chris Hocking – 178 runs, Brendan Kelly – 246 runs, Geoff Laughlin – 276 runs @ 92.00, Ryan Lee – 22 wickets @ 13.95, Gordon McLeod – 125 runs @ 62.50, Michael Middleton – 16 wickets, Gerard Rabot – 137 runs @ 27.40, Pat Van Raay – 205 runs and 12 wickets, Tom Webster – 257 runs @ 25.70 and 28 wickets @ 11.25 and Brett Wilson – 216 runs @ 36.00

The 6ths and 7ths failed to make the Finals although the 6ths finished in 5th spot about 5 points out – had they played games to their conclusion they may have got there!
Overall it was a pretty good effort because of the strength of some of the teams in that Grade.
The 7ths were disappointing – not so much because of their efforts – but the lack os support for the Club – the popular Adrian Koch and the colourful Robbie Rath were good supporters but where (and who?) were the others.

For the 6ths Paul Barton with 24 wickets @ 8.29 was outstanding, Alex Blackshaw – 135 runs, Ben Bravington – 313 runs @ 31.30, Matty Bryant – 164 runs and 17 wickets @ 17.76, Ricky Curtis – 259 runs @ 21.58, James Khan – 141 runs and 21 wickets @ 17.10, Andrew Rath – 14 wickets @ 19.21, Peter Ridgway – 260 runs @ 20.00, David Thompson – 211 runs and Darren Watt – 293 runs @ 36.63 were also good performers.

The 7ths had good players in Damian Dunn – 159 runs, Alby Howie – 352 runs @ 29.33, Adrian Koch – 324 runs @ 29.45 and 15 wickets, Tony Piscopo – 213 runs, Andrew Rath – 11 wickets and Darren Watt who made 202 runs.

Jack Peacock Knockout

Results
Game 1-Long Island 5/171 (P.Hartle 37, P.Conell 78) defeated Somerville 169 L.Van Raay 3/39, N.Ross 3/22)
We took the short trip down to cold and windy Somerville. Things went according to plan until the opener decided that “Arnie” didn’t deserve any respect and took 20 off his 4th over including 2 LARGE (D Watt Style) 6’s. Flippa didn’t help much after a rather long night at the pub and paid the price for his lack of vision. Arne struck back with a couple of wickets while Lamby put on the brakes. “Boba” and the “Human Stapler” did the rest bagging 3 each. Chasing 169 we opened with Potto and Arne. Our illustrious captain had to depart early so he procedded to smash whatever the bowlers produced on his way to 37. Potto pretty much did the rest himself with a magnificent 78 seeing us take out the match with 15 overs to spare.

Game 2 - Long Island 8/219 L.Van Raay 88, D.Van Raay 52, S.Phillips 30 defeated Rye 9/169 S.Phillips 3/18
A pretty good effort to score 8/218 on the slow Long Island track especially when we were 2/7 after 4 overs but with the entry of the Van Rayy’s into the fray came a flow of runs – Slug got 52 and the Human Stapler made 88. Sid hit his little glides to good effect, Striker hit a huge one and Breezer connected well and our total score looked good. Arnie and Sid were terrific and at 4/44 after 18 overs it was looking like an early day but a couple of fumbles saw the Southerners putting up a fight. Rex grabbed a couple, Boba took one and Arnie and Breezer got one each and when the heavens opened they were 9/169 with 3 and a bit overs to go. Albert Einstein and Barry Jones were called in by the Rye boys in an endeavour to secure a win but it was to no avail because we were too good, too smart and come from Long Island

Game 3 - Long Island 7/202 (L.Van Raay 38, S.Phillips 40no) defeated Karingal 200 (P.Hartle 3/50)
No report found

Semi-Final
Long Island 5/200 D.Van Raay 29, P.Conell 65, P.Hartle 41no defeated Seaford 86 N.Ross 3/20, C.Park 3/18)
No report found

Final

The Grand Final was played on a magnificent day at the A.H.Butler Oval. Frankston YCW batted first and with Shane Beggs and Joey Lane in magnificent touch put themselves in a great position. Long Island started well but tremendous bowling by Paul Waterhouse and Craig Burch not only restricted the scoring but brought wickets as well, and the Stonecats took the Jack Peacock Cup quite comfortably.

Juniors

Semi Final
Under 14 East Long Island 10/87 K.Eagles 16, E.Kill 15, B.Coleman 10no
lost to Langwarrin 4/91 E.Kill 1/22, G.Whyte 1/23, P.Bardsley 1/8

Congratulations must go to the following Junior players for representing the club in the following squads:-
VCA Bolters Squad and VSSSA Schoolboys Under 15’s Shane Double
VCA Talent Squad Under 13’s Leigh Noble
MPCA Under 18’s Squad David Thompson
MPCA Under 15’s Squad Richard Thomas
MPCA Under 16’s Squad Brett Wilson & Jason Burgan
MPCA Under 12’s Squad Graham Wright & Matthew Calcedo

SEASON MILDSTONES

Runs
Geoff Laughlin 205no
Steve Meddings 180no
Brett Wilson 167
Damian Dunn 145no
Dave Simons 139
Mark Sargant 127
Glen Fossett 124
David Simons 120
Brendan Kelly 111no
David Simons 111no
Martin Kelly 111
Steve Meddings 110
Alby Howie 109
Gary Measham 109
Darren Watt 109
Adrian Koch 106no
Michael Burke 104no
Scott Phillips 102
Geoff Laughlin 101no

Wickets
Tom Webster 7/17
Paul Barton 6/8
Gareth Park 6/11
Michael Dixon 6/30
Scott Phillips 6/45
David Collins 6/86
Andrew Ferrier 5/5
Andrew Ferrier 5/15
Andrew Ferrier 5/21
Rob Leary 5/21
David Simons 5/23
Scott Phillips 5/25
Gareth Park 5/26
Ryan Lee 5/29
Andrew Rath 5/29
Tom Webster 5/29
Michael Dixon 5/38
Matty Bryant 5/44
Gareth Park 5/45
Paul Barton 5/46
Luke Fossett 5/48
Joel Stevenson 5/49
Ryan Lee 5/50
James Khan 5/56
Scott Phillips 5/57
Ryan Lee 5/59
Paul Barton 5/63
Nathan Ross 5/63
Rob Leary 5/69
Darren Lee 5/78
Scott Phillips 5/89
Top Wicket Takers
Ryan Lee 44@14.64
Paul Hartle 38@19.50
David Collins 36@14.42
Gareth Park 35@13.83
Scott Phillips 34@15.68
Adrew Ferrier 33@8.79
Michael Dixon 32@15.72
Paul Barton 28@8.54
Cameron Park 28@18.96
Tom Webster 28@11.25
Andrew Rath 26@19.15
Joel Stevenson 24@14.21
James Khan 23@19.09
Darren Lee 23@17.26
Luke Van Rayy 23@9.48
Michael Wilson 23@15:00
Nathan Ross 22@19.36
Luke Fossett 21@24.19
Greg Lamb 20@22.35

Top Run Getters
Steve Meddings 692@62.91
Mark Sargant 610@46.92
Geoff Laughlin 540@77.14
Darren Watt 520@34.67
Brett Wilson 486@34.71
Dave Simons 476@47.60
Glen Fossett 472@47.20
Ben Coates 456@38.00
Michael Burke 413@41.30
David Worland 409@25.56
Stuart McLeod 404@31.80
Peter Conell 375@31.25
Stuart Doolan 364@28.00
Matthew Parkinson 363@40.33
Graham Vose 356@44.50
Alby Howie 352@29.33
Doug Van Raay 340@30.91
Gary Measham 338@26.00
Michael Godfrey 329@32.90
David Collins 327@40.88
Adrian Koch 324@29.45
Marty Kelly 320@29.09
Ben Bravington 316@28.73
Luke Van Raay 308@28.00
Richard Curtis 302@23.2

CAREER MILDSTONES

WICKETS
Cameron Bicknell 100
Michael Dixon 100
Ryan Lee 100
Luke Van Raay 100
Patrick Van Raay 100
Paul Hartle 150
Gareth Park 150
Greg Lamb 200
Dale McCurdy 300
Gary Measham 200

RUNS
Ben Coates 1000
Sam Cooper 1000
Ryan Lee 1000
Michael Wilson 1000
Glen Fossett 1500
Michael Godfrey 1500
Paul Hartle 1500
Alby Howie 1500
Paul Henderson 1500
Geoff Lauglin 1500
Mark Sargant 2000
Gary Measham 2500
Gareth Park 2500
Marty Kelly 3000
Graham Vose 3000
Steven Wisniewski 3000
David Worland 3000
Richard Hall 4500
Stuart McLeod 4500
Doug Van Raay 4500
Peter Conell 6000

GAMES
Kieran Worland 100
Dave Simons 100
Neil Kent 150
Matthew Parkinson 150
Greg Lamb 150
Stuart McLeod 150