Firsts hit the record books

Moonee Valley’s First Eleven broke a two-decade old record when they went on a run-fest against Bellbridge on November 16. 
At right: Our record-breaking team: L-R. Back - Shiwantha Kumara, Nadeera Thuppahi, Anthony Cafari, Nate Wolland, Joshua Gorry and Ben Thomas. Front - Sumit Anand, Sameera Vithana, Jack Newman, Dan Comande and Channa DeSilva.
The score beat the previous highests First Eleven total of 439, set in 2000/01 against Haig Amateurs when we were still in the Moreland Moonee Valley Cricket Association turf competition.
The team from way back then included club legend Ian Denny with an imperious 146, past Presidents Darren Nagle (13) and Sandro Capocchi (50), and current coach Tony Gleeson (a duck).
We went on to win the MMVCA A Grade premiership in that season, so the current crop of First Eleven players have got something else to aim for.
In setting the new record we were 3/155 at the tea break, but put the foot down as the Bellbridge bowlers tired and the wicket flattened, and took full toll.
As well as Anthony’s 129, Sumit Anand made 69 in his first game in the Firsts, and Sameera Vithana 67.
Coming in at No. 10, Shiwantha Kumara reached his 50 with a four off the last ball of the day.
At the other end was Daniel Comande with 47no, while Joshua Gorry reached 47 in quick time when it came to his turn to bat.
Bellbridge worked hard on day 2 of the match to reach 153 off 61 overs, with Sameera (4 wickets) and Shiwantha (3) getting amongst it.