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SEASON 25/26, EDITION 4

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GATOR

GAZETTE

Inside the latest edition: Mid Season Moments to Remember Match Reports from Rounds 4 - 8 Toyota Good For Cricket Raffle Latest Ladders Junior News Trivia Night Past Players Day Merchandise Range Upcoming social events

GATORS GOING STRONG AT THE HALFWAY MARK OF 2025/26 Mountain Gate has positioned themselves perfectly for a 2026 run towards the end of the Home and Away Season across all grades. The 1st XI have had some big wins, most notably against Gembrook and St Johns Tecoma and will be looking to start the new year on a roll of form. Meanwhile, the 2nd XI have continued on their winning ways against Belgrave and Olinda in a foggy encounter at Olinda. The 3rd XI have met their fellow finals aspirants with mixed results, highlighted with a win over Knoxfield. Meanwhile the 4th XI have sung the song for the first time this season as they accounted for Knox Boronia at Millers Reserve. In the Women’s Grades, the 1st XI had a tough day against the ladderleading Montrose to close off the calendar year, whilst at the same time the 2nd XI gave South a massive scare defending 63. Both teams took part in the RDCA Women’s T20 Competition with a variety of results. In Juniors, a dominant performance against Belgrave placed the 16's in great shape for after the break, whilst the Under 14's toiled hard against seasoned opposition.

SEASON 25/26, EDITION 4

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GATORS WITH MID SEASON MOMENTS TO REMEMBER

This year’s efforts to date has Dekel – scarily – going up a level this season after 743 runs in Season 2023/24 and 762 runs last season.

With the end of the 2025 calendar year, we pause in the middle of the season and review some of the key moments and stories from across the season to date.

Dekel has now passed 2000 runs at the Gators in just 31 matches at an average of 74 with a strike rate of 80.31, having scored 5 centuries and 14 half centuries to his name. At current rate, Dekel is well on track to pass his previous efforts by some margin and even threatens a four-figure season with the willow.

DULANA IN A SPIN

In just a season and a half, a 3rd XI debutant has singlehandedly changed the makeup of Bailey Shield finals calculations as Dulana Karunachandra tore through Gembrook claiming career-best figures. Starting in Community 4 last season, Karunachandra claimed 17 wickets across the year for the Gators. Season 2025/26 has been a coming of age for the spinner, claiming 15 wickets in the 1st XI up to Christmas, including a pivotal 5/17 from 8 overs against the Brookers. James Dekel is peeling off runs for fun so far this season, with 567 in the books already.

GATOR DEBUTANTS JOIN THE SWAMP It doesn’t take long before people become hooked into playing for the Gators, and with so many teams on the field there is a great number of debutants so far in Season 2025/26.

Chamud Bhasula, Kavith Weeraratne, Buddhika Induruwage, Puneet Sharma, Nick Cluckie, Didula Liyanapathirana and Srihaas Esarapu are included amongst the Seniors, whilst the Women’s program has seen many a new face, including Abbie Pascoe, Nahida Sapan and Sadaf Mohammadi. With many more games to go, expect the number to rise!

JIMMY’S YEAR TO DATE As if anyone had been living under a rock, James Dekel’s first half of the season has been statistically one of the most complete performances at Mountain Gate in recent memory. As of Christmas, Dekel has amassed 567 runs at an average of 94.50. 8 innings, 2 centuries and 4 halfcenturies at a smidge under a run a ball in a foreboding sign for the competition as he sits nearly 200 runs clear of the next highest run scorer in Bailey Shield.

Karunachandra sits 4th overall in Bailey Shield for wickets taken and will definitely be a calculation for opponents in the early parts of 2026.

Shah’s century against Monbulk has started a run-scoring spree in the leadup to Christmas, with 347.

SHAH’S HURRAH IN 2ND XI The 2nd XI season has been kick-started towards finals contention, coinciding with Shoaib Sobhan’s purple patch with the bat. Shah took 2 innings to break into triple figures, hitting Monbulk around for his maiden century. He has then followed that up with 60 against South Belgrave and an unbeaten 91 not out against Belgrave at HV. 347 runs on the board at an average of 57.83 and a strike rate of 82.03 – club-wide only behind JD in terms of runs scored to date. A key part of the 2nd XI’s push into the top 4 come business end of the year.

SEASON 25/26, EDITION 4

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ANYTHING YOU CAN DO, I CAN DO BETTER...

Mark and Daniel Stapleton are keeping each other on their toes in a Gator-themed bragging rights. Playing across Under 14s, Under 16s and Seniors, the brothers Dan has been destructive with the ball in hand, claiming a combined 27 wickets at 11.11 up to Christmas, highlighted by two five-wicket hauls in Under 16s and 4/6 in seniors in a crunch match against the Knights. Added to a 93 against Endeavour Hills U14s, Meanwhile, not to be outdone, brother Mark has tallied 250 runs so far this season, including 2 half-centuries. Add in the 8 wickets at 31.63, and the brothers are giving each other a run for their pocket-money.

RECORD BOOKS REWRITTEN AS MIAH, GATORS GO BIG AGAINST SAINTS It was fair to say the record books were covered in whiteout after the Gators played St Andrew, with Miah Beardshaw the culprit on a number of records.

The Gators hit one of the highest Women’s scores in the club’s history – in the same innings that Beardshaw hit the highest individual Women’s score with 70 runs coming from 63 balls, including 14 fours. Also in the same innings, Beardshaw partnered up with skipper Gabby Giulieri in a 108-run stand for the 4th wicket – one of the largest partnerships in the women’s program history at the Club.

MEL’S ON THE BUTTON AT THE TOP OF THE ORDER

Mel Button has taken the opportunity of opening bat with both hands, securing the position across Women’s and Seniors.

Local Legends, National Champions. Chop Cunningham and Sandra Tidey return with the spoils from Perth’s Masters Championships.

CHOP, SANDI CHAMPIONS IN WA

The word “Champion” can sometimes be thrown around the club loosely, however for Chop Cunningham and Sandra Tidey they are literally Champions, after being part of the winning Victorian team at the Womens National Masters Championships in Perth last November. Chop smacked 83 runs at 27.67 – highlighted by 36 not out from 33 balls against Victoria Emeralds Meanwhile, Sandi hit 57 runs at 28.50, with 20 not out the highlight against NSW Opals. Sandi was on fire with the ball, claiming 3/19 from 5 overs against Victoria Emeralds in the opening match and 2/8 from 2 overs against NSW Opals.

Placing high value on her wicket, Button has been the mainstay at the top in the opening phases of matches this season, batting long and scoring runs as a result. Facing a senior lineup with a new ball, Button saw out 86 balls for a well-earnt 17 against Monbulk setting up the inninges, before backing it up against Kilsyth the following day for a career high score of 34 from 84 runs in a key win. Bringing up 100 runs already this season, watch Button continue to add to the tally.

With Usman Khawaja retiring, Mel Button has timed her run at the opening position perfectly across Seniors and Women’s teams.

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SEASON 25/26, EDITION 4

www.mountaingatecricket.com brought up his maiden 1st XI century within a 298run 2nd-wicket partnership. Dekel was dismissed for 176 from just 108 balls - scoring a century in boundaries alone - whilst Davidson carried the bat ending at 107 not out from 124 (including 11 fours) as the Gators reached 3/309 after 40 overs. The Saints faced up to the challenge, as the Gator attack sought early breakthroughs. After a run-out, Chamud Bhasula and Dulana Karunachandra applied the pressure - Bhasula claiming 2/27 from 8 overs and Karunachandra 1/19 from 8 overs as the hosts sat at 4/40.

My turn! Wayne Davidson reaches triple-figures in a mammoth partnership at St Johns.

GATORS PUT BROOKS IN A SPIN, DOUBLE TROUBLE FOR SAINTS IN BIG WIN

Mountain Gate continue to build momentum to take into the new year, after convincing wins over Gembrook and St Johns Tecoma. Travelling up the hill, the Gators top order was in early trouble before James Dekel (16 from 27 balls) got the board ticking. However with his departer, the visitors soon found themselves in some bother at 4/39. The middle order toiled hard to occupy the crease, with Brodie Wise (23 from 50 balls) leading the scoring with Braedyn Williams (16 from 49), Chamud Bhasula (17 from 25), Josh Hardman (17 from 31) and Brady Pensa (18 from 17) all getting starts to post 140.

A partnership grew however the score grew further out of reach as Josh Hardman claimed two run-outs across the rest of the afternoon - the Saints batting out their overs to reach 6/148 at the close, the Gators 161-run victors. The final match of 2025 saw the Gators host Olinda at HV - the third and final Home and Away match against the Bloods. The visitors got off to a solid start and were cruising at 1/108 before Josh Hardman (2/30 from 8 overs) broke through. Brodie Wise joined in, snaring 2/15 from 3 overs. Dulana Karunachandra (1/41 from 8 overs) and Brady Pensa (1/33 from 4 overs) were the other takers as Olinda reached 7/205. The top order left nothing to spare, matching the visitors at 1/103 with Tom Button (30 not out from 45 balls), Wayne Davidson (26 from 59) and Rikhav Panchal (17 from 18) all joined James Dekel (71 from 63) to push the score further to 4/151 after 34 overs. However the ladder-leaders were able to hold on as the Gators posted 9/188 in a 17-run loss.

The hosts got away early before the brakes were well and truly applied, as Dulana Karunachandra had the Brookers in a spin, ripping through the top and middle order left reeling at 5/42. More pain was to follow - Karunachandra continued whilst Kevin Atacador joined the party to secure the points in short order - Atacador claiming 3/1 whilst Karunachandra taking 5/17 from 8 overs as Gembrook fell for just 65. It was a bad day to be a Saints Bowler on Sunday as the Gators posted big in the One Day match against St Johns Tecoma at Talaskia. After an early wicket, James Dekel and Wayne Davidson went on an all-out attack - Dekel bringing up his highest score as a Gator, whilst Davidson

Dulana the destroyer! Dulana Karunachandra claiming 5/17 from 8 overs in the win over Gembrook

Alan Bailey Shield Ladder after Round 8

D/ NR

Pts

NRR

OLINDA

1.925

+1.395

GEMBROOK

1.652

+1.020

MOUNTAIN GATE

1.332

+0.948

SKLPS BORONIA

0.959

+0.113

Knox Boronia

0.630

-0.977

St Johns Tecoma

0.385

-2.490

De Coite Shield Reserve Ladder after Round 8

D/ NR

Pts

NRR

JOHNSON PARK

2.662

+2.081

SOUTH BELGRAVE

2.118

+1.608

MONBULK

1.698

+0.714

BELGRAVE

0.783

-0.486

Mountain Gate

0.866

-0.070

Knox Gardens

0.754

-0.818

Rowville

0.541

-0.975

Olinda

0.343

-2.184

SEASON 25/26, EDITION 4

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GATORS PUSHING UP THE STANDINGS Mountain Gate’s 2nd XI are well in contention for finals after a solid December run of results. After their opening win, the Gators backed up against fellow aspirants Belgrave at HV Jones. Ryan Stapleton and Chris Tuplin got things underway before Stapleton departed for 13 with the score 2/25. Shoaib Sobhan continued his recent form, looking unphased alongside Tuplin to push the scoreboard along. Tuplin reached 41 from 83 balls as the scoreboard read 3/96 after 25 overs, as Shah continued on alongside Pamir Hussaini (12 from 5 balls), Anok Miranda (18 from 25 balls) and Bhisma Pokharel (11 not out from 11 balls), however the innings belonged to Shah - 91 not out from 93 balls including 11 fours as the Gators reached 5/193. A battle was on hand as the Magpies worked into the contest along with Gator wickets at key moments. Ethan Williams was the pick of the attack with 3/39 from his 8 overs, with Tom Button (2/31 from 8) as the other multiple wicket-taker. The Gators held firm in keeping the visitors below the target, ending as 20 run winners as Belgrave walked in at 9/173. Johnson Park issued the Gators with a mission in the rescheduled Round 4 match. It was tough

It’s Big Bash season as Dave Tulloch and Ian Van staden unite for one final time against Olinda going as Ethan Williams was the only multiplewicket taker with 2/55 from 8 overs as the Sharks showing why they sit atop, registering 4/251 from 40 overs. Likewise, the Gator bats were able to get starts with Ryan Stapleton (20 from 24 balls) and Lachlan Barton (18 from 26 balls) getting the Gators to 3/42. However a dramatic collapse tore through the middle order as the visitors took control, claiming 5/24 to put Mountain Gate at 8/66. Jeff Hunt (17 not out from 57 balls) and Eraj Wimalaratna (24 not out from 76 balls) were able to see out the day, nudging the score to 8/118. It was a speedy return to the winners list for the Gators, battling through the fog to run out 8wicket victors over Olinda. Once again, Ethan Williams proving experience beyond his years with 3/30 from 8 overs as Olinda reached 5/171. The Bash Brothers reunited for one final time Ian Van staden reaching a blistering 49 from just 22 balls in an innings that included 7 fours and 2 sixes, whilst down the other end Dave Tulloch reached 47 from 41 balls, finding the fence 9 times.

Ethan Williams has been on fire of late - the tearaway quick claiming 8 wickets in the 3 matches across December alone

Building on the platform built, the Gators secured another vital 6 points with Chris Tuplin (21 not out) and Shoaib Sobhan (25 not out) seeing the visiting Gators to 2/173 in 21 overs.

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SEASON 25/26, EDITION 4

www.mountaingatecricket.com encountering the resistance that is Matthew Carter, posting 24 from 30 balls before being the last out for the hosts in the final over with the score at 130. Thoughts of an easy visitors win soon disappeared as Matthew Carter and Daniel Stapleton went on the attack - Carter claiming 1/9 from 5 overs whilst Stapleton struck twice as the Knights were 3/9 after 6 overs. A brief lull saw Knoxfield regroup before Doug Barton (1/12 from 6 overs) struck, allowing the way for Didula Liyanapathirana to run amok in the middle order claiming the next 4 to leave the Knights reeling at 8/54.

Dan Stapleton continues to tear through the lower grade lineups for fun, claiming 4/6 against Knoxfield in a big win

GATORS POSITIONED NICELY AGAINST TOP TEAMS rd

Mountain Gate’s 3 XI have been tested against the top 2, and putting others on notice that the Gators can stand up to the challenge. The visiting Gembrook visited in Round 6, and reached 4/178 from their innings, with scorecards unavailable from the Gator bowling effort at Windermere Reserve. With the bat however, the Gators were everywhere to be seen against the Community 3 leaders, lead from the top by Lachlan Barton who reached 51 rotating the strike with Sithum Induruwage (10 runs), before Buddhika Induruwage helped progress the scorecard with a well made 40.

Stapleton then returned to close out the innings, the final 2 wickets bringing up his 4-fa too as Knoxfield were dismissed for 62 after 33 overs. Dan Stapleton was the pick of the attack, claiming 4/6 from 6 overs whilst Didula Liyanapathirana claimed 4/14 from 7 overs in just his third match at the club. The win comes at a vital time and keeps the Gators in touch with the ladder leaders. Gembrook lead the way on 34 points, whilst Knoxfield are next on 36 (points average per match being the tiebreaker) and then the Gators on 33 points. January matches see one day matches against SKLPS Boronia at Stud Park on 17 January and Eildon Park at Eildon Parade, before a 2-day match to close the month against Knoxfield at Benedikt Reserve.

Puneet Sharma continued the push towards the target, reaching 25 in the process, however the overs ran out of time as the visitors held on, the Gators reaching 7/164 from 35 overs. Whilst the ladder leaders may have left Windermere with the points, there was no such luck the following week as Mountain Gate hosted Knoxfield. Electing to bat first, the hosts fell to 3/32 after 12 overs before Justin Wise (19 from 36 balls) and Mark Lieversz (29 from 31 balls) then progressed the scorecard in the hosts favour. The Knights made short work of the middle order before

Lachie Barton goes bang against Gembrook, reaching a well earned half century in a competitive matchup

Community 3 Ladder after Round 7

D/ NR

Pts

NRR

GEMBROOK

1.671

+1.019

KNOXFIELD

1.181

-0.644

MOUNTAIN GATE

1.091

+0.596

SKLPS BORONIA

0.906

-0.147

Belgrave

0.990

+0.286

Lysterfield

0.784

-0.009

Eildon Park

0.335

-1.505

SEASON 25/26, EDITION 4

www.mountaingatecricket.com The Gators pushed their hosts in trying conditions, with the Saints reaching 4/136 in the 23rd over. Searching for the opening win of the season, the Gators travelled to Knox Boronia and batted first. The top order was in solid form as Mel Button (10 from 51), Lucas Santilli (20 from 36) and Molly Mccoy (26 from 26) all pushed the runs to be 3/77, before Nakoa Beswick hit a new high-score 42 from 47 deliveries. Mano Esarapu (16 from 15 balls) and Bert Pearce (14 from 17 balls) closed off the innings, the Gators posting 8/163 as a target.

Srihaas Esarapu lead the charge against the Saints with 46 in trying conditions

4th XI ON THE BOARD AGAINST BURRAS

Mountain Gate’s 4th XI got the best Christmas present of 2025, posting their first win against Knox Boronia at Millers Reserve.

The Burras started the chase conservatively behind the run rate but wickets all in tact. That was until Mikaela Giulieri bowled the 11th over to claim 1/15 from 7. However the momentum swung massively in the 23rd over, as Mano Esarapu (2/30 from 7 overs) claimed 2 wickets and the Gators a runout to have the score 4/82 - needing 82 runs from 72 balls.

Chris Young (1/22 from 6) disturbed the stumps to further halt the hosts’ advance. The Gators held their nerve late as Knox Boronia reached Richard Millott and Nathan Beswick opened the batting and 5/155, and the Gators 8-run winners. saw through the early overs in humid conditions, with both out by the 6th over at 2/23. The week prior, the Gators travelled to Gilmour Park to take on St Johns Tecoma.

Srihaas Esarapu and Lucas Santilli then joined at the crease and propelled the scoring, with Esarapu peppering the boundary as the duo put on a 60-run partnership. Santilli was dismissed for 24 from 46 balls, lasting through to the 23rd over. Esarapu carried on before finding Chris Young for a brief partnership, however Esarapu was run out just shy of a half century, walking back for 46 from 70 balls. Nakoa Beswick scored some late-innings runs alongside Young, reaching 14 from 15 balls as the Gators posted 8/135 from 35 overs - Young not out at the end for 17 after 34 deliveries. With ball in hand, the Gators started early with Nakoa Beswick claiming the first 2 for 27 after his 5 overs- the Nak Attack having the Saints 2/37 after 7 overs. Abbie Pascoe came on and claimed her first Seniors wicket, with figures of 1/26 from 4 overs, before Mikaela Giulieri spun herself to a wicket, claiming 1/32 from 4 overs.

Nakoa Beswick provided with bat in hand, his 42 a key part of the Gators scoring the points against Knox Boronia

Community 5 Ladder after Round 7

D/ NR

Pts

NRR

OLINDA

1.726

+1.650

JOHNSON PARK

1.123

+0.979

THE BASIN

0.819

-0.407

ST JOHNS TECOMA

0.879

-0.813

Monbulk

1.531

+0.681

Knox Gardens

1.116

-0.399

Knox Boronia

0.695

-0.819

Mountain Gate

0.585

-1.722

RDCA B Grade East Ladder after Round 9

D/ NR

Pts

NRR

MONTROSE

2.307

+2.174

MOUNTAIN GATE

1.527

+1.088

KILSYTH

1.364

+0.670

BELGRAVE

1.124

+0.145

Lusatia Park

0.871

-0.631

Wandin

0.740

-0.928

Canterbury

0.599

-1.115

St Andrews

0.484

-1.377

SEASON 25/26, EDITION 4

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GATORS TAKE ON WOLVES, RDCA T20 Mountain Gate Women’s 1st XI have seen the ladderleaders for the first time this season, with Montrose prevailing. Sent in to bat, the hosts were in control early at the Montrose Reserve, the visitors having to wait until the 26th over for a breakthrough at 1/143. However the next breakthrough didn’t have long to wait Sandra Tidey striking the very next ball to be on a hattrick. However Tidey would be the only wicket-taker, her 2/26 from 7 the pick of the attack. The ball passed around, with no less than 8 options used against the Wolves lineup who reached 2/214 at the end of their innings. The change of innings saw a positive start from Molly Mccoy and Lucy Searle before Mccoy departed for 18 in the 10th over at 1/42. Gabby Giulieri (23 from 28 balls) partnered with Searle to keep the Gators going, however both returned in the 20th over to be 4/84 - Searle out for 26 from a 51-ball stay at the crease. Emily Barrow then joined Sandra Tidey to continue for the Gators, however an injury to Barrow (18 retired from 35 balls) and Tidey out (25 from 24 balls) had the visitors 5/137 with 5 overs to play. Firooza Afghan (7 from 18 balls) was the pick of the lower order as the Gators saw out the day to be 8/155. nd

Despite the result, the Gators remain 2 in the standings and will look to have a successful return hosting Belgrave at HV Jones Reserve on Sunday 18th January.

It’s been a few years since a Palandri featured for the Gators, but Isabella Palandri was in form during the RDCA T20 Comp

December and January also saw the Gators and Gator Knights teams in the RDCA Women’s T20 competition. The Gators 1st XI finished 7th overall in the 12-team competition, with Canterbury defeating the Gators by 26 runs in Round 1. Pareena Varsani (2/32 from 4) and Isabella Palandri (2/24 from 4) lead the way with the ball to keep the Berries to 5/115. With the bat, the Gators looked to Chop Cunningham, smacking 20 not out from 14 balls. Firooza Afghan (17 not out from 28 balls) and Miah Beardshaw (19 from 41 balls) also notable to get the Gators to 5/89. Round 2 opened the account as Mountain Gate defeated Knox Gardens by 67 runs. Molly Mccoy brought up a half-century (50 from 47 balls, including 6 fours) alongside Miah Bearshaw (40 from 39 balls) to reach 5/140. The Falcons were then tested against the pace of Humaira Afghan (2/9 from 4 overs) and Isabella Palandri (2/16 from 3), keeping the hosts to 8/73. A forfeit by Wonga Park in January’s Round 3 saw a 2-1 record heading into the match against Mooroolbark. Molly Mccoy was aiming for the fences in her 9ball 13, however the Barkers held onto all their catches to put the Gators 5/27. Mikaela Giulieri (12 from 21) and Firooza Afghan (12 from 8) helped restore the lower order to reach 65.

Whack! Molly Mccoy on the attack in T20 mode

Despite the low target, the Gators pushed the issue to the 14th over, with Miah Beardshaw (2/12 from 2) the pick of the attack.

SEASON 25/26, EDITION 4

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GATOR SKLPS PUSH SOUTH WITH THE BALL, RDCA T20 ROUNDUP The Gator/SKLPS team came perilously close to a breakthrough win against South Belgrave in their final lineup for 2025, whilst a number also took part in the RDCA Women’s T20 Competition. The Gator SKLPS took on South at HV, batting first. The scoreboard ticked over into double figures without loss, however the wickets fell soon after to be 4/11. Abbie Pascoe provided resistance at the crease, seeing out 25 balls to be the last batter out for 12 as the Gator/SKLPS reached 63 in the 16th over. A small total to defend, the hosts made a game of things as Abbie Pascoe and Ayesha Afghan tore through the visitors with the score 5/12 after 4 overs. However South then fought back, recovering to finish at 5/64 from 13 overs. Ayesha Afghan was the pick of the attack with 2/12 from 4 overs, likewise Abbie Pascoe claiming 2/20 from her 4 overs. December and January also saw the RDCA Women’s T20 competition take place, with the Gator Knights returning for the 4 matches. Round 1 saw them take on the Liquorice All Sorts - a combined team who gelled remarkebly well and quickly to post 2/149 from the 20 overs. Frances Bailey lead the attack with 1/16 from 3 overs. With the bat, Gabby Giulieri (28 from 32 balls) scored freely, later supported by Ayesha Afghan (15 from 22) as the Gator Knights reached 6/74. Round 2 against Warranwood saw Eva Gottschling (2/11 from 3 overs) lead the charge keeping the Sharks to 5/123. However the Sharks were a level above with the ball, keeping the Gator Knights to 9/45 with Vanessa Lindner (8 from 34) the pick of the bats. The final match saw a close contest against Knox Boronia. The Gator Knights posted 9/83 from the 20 overs, before pushing the Burras all the way before they reached 5/84 with 11 balls to spare.

Ayesha Afghan was also instrumental in the match against South, 2/12 from 4 overs helping to put the visitors 5-down early in the chase

Abbie Pascoe’s return to the 2nds proved a masterstroke, claiming 2/20 against South

FTGDCA Women A Grade Ladder after Round 9

D/ NR

Pts

NRR

ST JOHNS TECOMA

1.843

+0.694

KNOX GARDENS

1.761

+1.516

SOUTH BELGRAVE

0.634

-0.754

OLINDA

0.536

-1.037

Johnson Park

0.521

-0.868

Gator / SKLPS

0.197

-2.176

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SEASON 25/26, EDITION 4

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Mountain Gate Cricket Club endorses the new Victorian Cricket Integrity Policies and procedures as follows: 1. 2025 Member Protection Policy; and 2. 2025 Complaints and Resolution Policy together with re-endorsing Australian Cricket’s Child Safeguarding Framework policies: 3. Commitment Statement; 4. Looking after our Kids Code of Behaviour; and 5. Policy for Safeguarding Children and Young People. All information can be found here.

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SEASON 25/26, EDITION 4

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GATORS AND SPORTING FINE ART COLLABORATE FOR 2025/26 MERCHANDISE Time to update the wardrobe? Want to wear the most fashionable designs this season? We’ve got you covered... Mountain Gate Cricket Club have teamed up with Sporting Fine Art to offer the most complete range of Gators apparel. Whether rolling the arm over on a Thursday, scoring One Day half centuries in one day matches or centuries in two day matches, look the part whilst you represent! And it’s simple to order: Visit the Club Portal, select your items, pay and it’s on its way

Shop online now - click here!

GATOR TRIVIA NIGHT - SATURDAY 17TH JANUARY It’s time to crown the smartest Gator! Bring your A-Game to see if it’s A-Grade as we go in pursuit of the most Trivial winners across a broad range of general questions, ranging from sports to pop culture to everything in between. Starting at 7pm at HV Jones on Saturday 17th January. Tickets are $20 per person and organised into 8-10 people per table. BYO nibbles

PAST PLAYERS DAY - SATURDAY JANUARY 31ST Mountain Gate Cricket Club’s annual Past Players Day will be held on Saturday 31st January 2026. After the success of last season’s day, the net has been cast wide and far to get together past names for an afternoon back at HV Jones Reserve watching Mountain Gate play host to SKLPS Boronia in their Round 12 two-day matchup, coming at a crucial time as the Bailey Shield reaches the business end of the Home and Away Season. With momentum building on the Past Players Day, we welcome the opportunity to reconnect with players, starting from 1pm and going across the day. Hoping to see as many people down as possible for what promises to be a fantastic afternoon watching a fantastic matchup!

SEASON 25/26, EDITION 4

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GATOR KNIGHTS BOWL BIG AGAINST PIES Mountain Gate’s Juniors continued to push to close out December, with the Under 16s going 1-1 whilst the Under 14s came up against strong competition. The Under 16s travelled to Belgrave at the start of December to take on the Magpies. Taking the ball first, the Gator Knights were well on top early as the Stapleton show carried on - Dan with the first 4 wickets and Mark with the next 3 (all within the same over) to have the hosts reeling at 7/21 after 6 overs. Jack Ottrey managed to take a double-wicket maiden in his only over, before Dan Stapleton returned to complete a five-wicket haul, leading the attack with 5/7 from 4.5 overs as the Gator Knights dismissed Belgrave for 66. Fresh from his 3/9 with the ball, Mark Stapleton got off to a flyer reaching 59 from 53 balls. Oliver Wright anchored the middle order with 45 not out from 73 balls, alongside Wiehann Van staden (32 from 20 balls) and Mason Lijnders (28 retired from 39 balls). The Gator Knights batted into Day 2, all out in the 50th over for 255. Belgrave batted a second time, with Mark Stapleton (1/15 from 4) and Oli Wright (1/2 from 1) the wicket takers before play ended at 2/117 with 6 points heading to HV. A test against the top-of-the-ladder Mazenod was next, with the Gator Knights brought back to earth against the visitors. Batting first, the hosts lost a wicket on the second ball before Mason Lijnders (26 runs from 40 balls) steadied the innings, however the Mazenod attack was all over the Gator Knights who were able to post 8/87. In reply, the wickets were shared around as Nakoa Beswick (1/2 from 1 over), Daniel Stapleton (1/6 from 4 overs), Cooper Schache (1/7 from 2 overs), Tyler Gleeson (1/12 from 2 overs), Jaimeson Carter (1/17 from 2 overs) claimed one each as the Mazenod score hit 6/149 from 25 overs to end 2025. The Gator Knights sit in 6th place, returning on 23rd January against Olinda at HV Jones Reserve. Meanwhile, the Under 14 Predator Knights had a rough fortnight against Endeavour Hills. Batting first, the visiting Predators came accross

an attack that attacked the stumps and forced pressure, with the score 5/4 after 4 overs. However one shining light across the innings was that of Daniel Stapleton, defying the host bowlers to go better than a run a ball as he eyed off triple figures. Ultimately it wasn’t to be, as Stapleton fell for 93 from 76 balls in an innings that included 12 fours and 3 sixes as the Predators posted 111. In reply, the bowlers had no answers to Endeavour Hills as they scored at will. Aiden Nicholson (2/24 from 6 overs) was the multiple wicket-taker, with Jack Hawksworth (1/17 from 2 overs) and Royce Anderson (1/57 from 4 overs) the other wicket takers as the hosts reached a mammoth 5/373 from 40 overs. Round 7 produced a more realistic matchup, as Ferntree Gully hosted the Predator Knights in a rain-reduced matchup to 13 overs each. Batting first, the Predator Knights toiled hard to recover from 2/17. Matthew Buras headed up the scorecard with 11 retired from 15 balls as the visitors reached 3/50 at 13 overs. In reply, wickets to Patrick Stapleton (1/3 from 2 overs) and Ryder Sim (1/7 from 2 overs) were the light as the Blues reached 3/71. 2026 action gets underway for the Under 14s against Belgrave up the hill on 24th January

Under 14 Mixed 1 Ladder after Round 7

D/ NR

Pts

NRR

ENDEAVOUR HILLS

3.726

+4.030

ROWVILLE

2.830

+2.300

BELGRAVE

1.228

+0.475

MONBULK

0.801

-0.363

Ferntree Gully

0.492

-1.920

Predator Knights

0.532

-1.657

Under 16 Mixed 2 Ladder after Round 7

D/ NR

Pts

NRR

MAZENOD

3.848

+2.355

THE BASIN

1.011

-0.396

ENDEAVOUR HILLS

1.501

+0.675

MWBR EMERALD

1.319

+0.122

St Johns Tecoma

0.915

-0.471

Gator Knights

0.495

-1.748

Knox Gardens

0.950

-0.536

Olinda

0.551

-0.347

Rowville

0.665

-0.277

Belgrave

0.668

-0.712

Sth Belgrave

0.270

-3.176

Andrew Williams 0439906680

2025/26 COMMITTEE President: Chop Cunningham Vice President: Lyndon Rowlands & Kevin Atacador Secretary: Rachael Atacador Treasurer: Michael Cleland Junior Coordinator: Jo Kilian & Nathan Giulieri General Committee: Brodie Wise, Gabrielle Giulieri, Caryss McCulloch, Jeff Hunt, Imagen Reibelt, Doug Barton, Richard Millott, Cooper Gwynne

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