The Melbourne Men’s Premier First XI maintained the stranglehold on the Bruce Church Cup with a nine-wicket win over Kingston-Hawthorn, but Australian cricket will breathe a sigh of relief at the news of Australian Test opener Will Pucovski making a successful return to competitive cricket.
After rolling Kingston-Hawthorn for 104 in a rain-affected match, Melbourne’s 1/105 came inside 23 overs to secure a much needed bonus point, as teams jostle for spots on the Victorian Premier Firsts League ladder.Pucovski returned to his home club to don the red and blue in what was his first competitive match since the SCG Test exactly 12 months earlier, where he compiled an impressive first-innings 62 against India before injuring his shoulder in the same match.
A potential berth in a home Ashes series was forced to be put on hold after suffering a concussion during Victorian training in October.
The stylish right-handed batter made a cautious, but composed 40 from 68 deliveries before being caught at deep point. He was somewhat overshadowed by his 16-year-old opening partner, Harry DeMattia, who made a promising 48 not out from 61 balls.
Pucovski said excitement was the overriding feeling when he arrived at the Walter Galt Reserve in Parkdale this morning.
“It’s obviously been a year in waiting and a lot of time out of the game, so it was just great to be back and I was very excited this morning,” Mr Pucovksi said.
“There is a bit of relief. I felt very scratchy as well, but it was good to get that first one out of the way and get the feel back of what’s it like to be out there again.
“I was probably pretty lucky we were only chasing 100, so I could take my time a bit and get a bit of a feel for it. It gives me something to build on for the next couple of weeks.”
The 23-year-old will continue to ply his trade at Melbourne as he builds his match practice.
“I’ll be playing for the Dees for the next few weeks, which I’m pretty excited about.
“Melbourne Uni next Saturday at the Albert. 28 and sunny at this stage. I’ll get amongst it from there and take it one week at a time.”
There was a different atmosphere in this year’s rendition of the Bruce Church Cup, with the former Hawthorn-East Melbourne player (prior to the club’s renaming to Kingston-Hawthorn Cricket Club) and former MCC President passing away in October last year, aged 90.
Mr Church played 14 First XI matches for Hawthorn-East Melbourne, before captaining the Second XI.
He would continue his cricket contribution in administrative roles at the MCC, first as a Club committee member before being elected President in 1997.
In 2001 during his reign as President, Mr Church helped to organise the ‘Spirit of Cricket’ Tournament in Mumbai with the Cricket Club of India, including the Marylebone Cricket Club.
Mr Church would retire in 2004 and go onto be awarded Honorary Life Membership and an Order of Australia Medal in 2011 for his services to cricket.
The match itself was no certainty to begin, with metropolitan Melbourne’s torrential downpour in the last 24 hours seeing rain seep into the turf wicket. It led to a delayed start by over three hours, before Melbourne captain, Blake Thomson sent the home side into bat at the toss, with revised playing conditions set at 31 overs per side.
The Demons had full control of the Hawks’ batting innings, taking wickets at regular intervals, thanks to an even effort from seamers, Kieran Elliott (3/18) and Fergus O’Neill (2/20) plus spinner, Kyle Williamson (3/19).
Premier First XI debutant and Mildura left-arm product, Campbell Griffiths impressed on debut with 2/11 from his five overs.
Mr Church’s son Stephen – who presented the Bruce Church Cup to winning captain, Thomson – said the day took on some extra significance this year.
“Dad always got a great thrill that this cup was played in his name by these two clubs,” Mr Church said.
“It’s an extra significant day and I’m sure he’d have loved to have been here. But he has had his time now and now it’s up to our family to keep the name going.”
The win keeps Melbourne in touch with the top two, with just one premiership point separating second-placed Carlton from sixth-placed Melbourne University.
Melbourne host Melbourne University next Saturday at the Albert Ground.