It's a Grand Old Flag - and we brought it home to Moonee Valley!

Moonee Valley's Sixth Eleven capped off an unbeaten season when they won the Ralph Barron Shield grand final in the North West Metropolitan Cricket Association on March 14/15.

And six members of the victorious team were at the NWMCA presentation night on April 10 to collect it.

At right: (L-R) Dean Jukic, Dean Lawson, Sean O'Kane, Brett Curran, Kevin Gardiner and Paul Hobbs were at the function at Melrose Receptions, along with Club president Charlie Walker.

Moonee Valley's Sixths swept all before us for the season, and the domination didn't end with collecting the flag.

Kevin Gardiner won the grade bowling award and Sean O'Kane won the batting award.

At left: Batting maestro Sean O'Kane (far left) and bowling supremo Kevin Gardiner with their competition trophies.

And Charlie Walker also received a special presentation - the first of the night - for his work assisting the NWMCA Board in key areas such as the rules and bylaws.

While the Sixths swept all before them and the players got their reward and recognition at the Association presentation night, we had to dig deep and win the moments that mattered on the way to the flag.

There were a few tense moments across the March 14/15 Grand Final, but we prevailed over West Coburg, winning by 54 runs. Our 263 on Day 1, on the back of a magnificent 104 from Sean O'Kane and 59 from Paul Edwards, proved a bridge too far for West Coburg.

Magnificent bowling spells from Peter O'Kane - 25 overs on the trot for 2/85 and captain Mark Gauci - 21 overs in a row for 3/50 - put the choke hold on the opposition, then Sean O'Kane came in at the end with 4/18 to wrap up the Premiership.

It was a wonderful return for Brett Curran, Paul Hobbs and Dean Lawson among a group of parents who came together to Moonee Valley in 2006/07 to play, and  have done everything the club has asked of them.

Along the way they've gathered in some other committed parents and players and over the nine years have been our most consistent team, missing finals only once in that time. Now they've got their reward, and well done to the Mighty Fighting Sixths. You deserve it!

Right: It's a Grand Old Flag - celebrating the Sixths Premiership are L-R Sam Carbone, Peter and Sean O'Kane, Kevin Gardiner and Paul Hobbs.

For more pictures and words, click HERE.

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MVCC SENIOR PRESENTATION NIGHT 2014/15

Moonee Valley's Senior Presentation Night is being held at the Moonee Ponds Club on Saturday, April 18.

The Moonee Ponds Club - previously known as the North Suburban Club - is at 622 Mount Alexander Rd, Moonee Ponds, and the night starts at 6.30pm.

This is the fourth year we've kept the cost at $50 per head or $40 for juniors, with drinks at bar prices. The price includes an excellent buffet dinner - and anyone who attended our presentations over the past couple of years will attest to what a great meal it is.

The night is for ALL senior players, plus junior parents and supporters - and we need to remember that many of our juniors are already accomplished senior players and play regularly in the higher ranks.

 

Presentation Night is one of our premier functions and we want our players and attendees to dress appropriately. Guys need to wear a collar and tie, and please don't wear denim - or else we will have to politely decline your attendance.

 

Announcements and presentations include the Club Champion Award for the First Eleven, MVCC Award for best player in all other grades, the prestigious Lindsay Jones Best Clubman Award, and batting, bowling and fielding awards for each of our senior teams.

There will also be significant milestone awards.

To confirm your attendance, email confirmation to charlie.walker@optusnet.com.au or phone me on 0409 237 543.

 

Captains are also ringing around players who were regularly in their team, so expect a confirmation phone call from them as well.

Please help us by booking early. Players, parents and supporters should confirm their booking asap. When booking, please advise whether you are bringing your partner.

We need everyone to RSVP by April 14.

 

Charlie Walker.

President,

MVCC

SECONDS BEST - AND THAT'S EXACTLY WHAT WE MEAN!

Champions and Premiers - that's the mantle for Moonee Valley's Second Eleven from season 2014/15.

After going through the regular season undefeated, the team skippered by Jim Polonidis had to dig deep in both finals - withstanding a late charge from Flemington in the semi, and then turning a heavy first innings loss against Maribyrnong Park/St Marys in the Grand Final into a reverse outright and a Premiership.

It was Seconds Best - and certainly not second-best!

It's a credit to the guys that they managed such a herculean turnaround across the four days of the VTCA North B2 Grand Final, played at home at Ormond Park on March 14/15 and 21/22. From 73 all out in the first dig to 9/343 declared in the second, the Valley Boys showed what tough cricket is all about.

When Maribyrnong's last wicket fell around 5pm on the final day, caught keeper Peter Golding off the bowling of coach Rex Bennett, the Valley joy was unrestrained.

The players on the field embraced, and the big contingent of Valley supporters on the boundary also leapt with joy and emotion. It's a Grand Old Flag.

Above right: Matchwinning batsman Channa DeSilva waves a stump to the crowd, as the triumphant team comes off with umpire Brian Lazzaro, led by coach Rex Bennett and keeper Peter Golding on the left.

*****For more photos and a match report from the Premiership, CLICK HERE.

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 Main Club contact details:

* Charlie Walker - President 0409 237 543; 9370 1802
* Adam Patchell - Club Secretary 0407 552 141 
* Peter Golding - Club Treasurer 0419 009 721
* Simon Thornton - Vice President 0417 570 779
* Kevin Gardiner - Junior Co-ordinator 0417 536 896

Email: mooneev@club.cricketvictoria.com.au


For more contacts, see " Office bearers & Officials " under "Club News & Info" at the top of the page

Last updated: April 15, 2015.

For more of our history, including our Premierships, click HERE