Down to Donnybrook

Moonee Valley ventured up to Donnybrook on September 14 on what has become an annual practice match event.
We had two games on the lush adjoining ovals at Laffan Reserve, but Moonee Valley came out second-best in each of them.
Our very own Michael "Mickster" Cumbo (right) had an eventful day - playing in the Second team, Mick made 9 runs, took 2 wickets and got a peck on the head from a swooping magpie.
They say it's good luck if a bird poops on you - and obviously a peck on the bonce is lucky too, as Mickster had a good day's cricket.
The peck drew blood, and Mickster spent half a dozen overs on the sidelines with a damp cloth on the side of his head.
Mickster donned  his helmet to return to the field - but discarded it when captain Jesse Nankivell-Sandor advised that he didn't have to go back into magpie territory down at fine leg.
Many thanks to Donnybrook president Noel Seipolt and his group for hosting the pre-season matches for the third season in a row. Their hospitality is great, and the matches are played in excellent spirit.
Thanks also to two of the North-West's best umpires, Allan Taylor and Eric Kelly, for coming along to officiate and ensure a professional touch to the games. Allan says umpires - just like players - benefit from a pre-season practice run, but we really do appreciate their presence.
We had some encouraging performances in the games, even though we came up short.
In the Firsts game, Moonee Valley was all out for 99 in the 35th over. Best with the bat were Mitchell Evans and new player Bill Barber, who each made 18. In reply, Donnybrook made 5/181 after we played out the full 35 overs. Coach Rex Bennett was best with the ball with 2/7 off four overs.
Donnybrook batted first in the Seconds game, and was all out for 142 in the 35th over. Notable bowling performances were Michael Ozbun with 2/0 off four balls and Mickster with 2/12.
When it was our turn to bat, we made 7/120 before running out of overs.
Charles Bibby made 31 and Mark Gauci 25.
The ledger in the Firsts game is now 2-1 in favor of Donnybrook, while we've only played a Seconds game twice - for Donnybrook to lead 2-0.
We'll be hoping to reverse the results next time around.
Again, thanks to Noel Seipolt, Donnybrook and Allan and Eric.