Special hat-trick for Moonee Valley cricketer

One of Moonee Valley Cricket Club’s most popular young players, Michael Cumbo, has capped off his season by taking a hat-trick last Saturday (February 21).

Northcote resident Michael, 21, who has a mild intellectual disability, came on in the middle stages of the Socials’ innings at Glenroy to send down his sharp medium-pacers and struck with the last three balls of his first over.

The Mickster, who normally opens the batting in the Moonee Valley Fourths in the Moreland-Moonee Valley Cricket Association, dropped himself to the one-day Fifths side because he’s not available this weekend.

The first wicket was well caught at deep backward point by Drew McMurdo, the second clipped the bail on the off stump and the third was a sharp caught-and-bowled.

Michael’s day could have been even better, as two catches were dropped off his second over. Despite his efforts, the Moonee Valley run-chase was not able to overhaul the Socials’ total.

It was Moonee Valley’s second hat-trick in two seasons, following on from William Lai in the Thirds.

President Darren Nagle said the whole club was thrilled when they heard of the feat, which was quickly splashed across the bulletin board in the rooms.

“It was a wonderful achievement for a wonderful young man, and a testament to the hard work he puts in at his cricket,” Mr Nagle said.

“Mickster is a very confident fellow, and I’m sure he’ll let the selectors for the Firsts know all about it.

“He is an important and much-loved member of the Moonee Valley Cricket Club, and on the night of his hat-trick he was the centre of attention for everyone – from the Firsts down to the Fifths and the juniors. We didn’t stop hearing about it.”

Inquiries: Charlie Walker 0409 237 543.

24/2/04

Hat-trick player Michael Cumbo (left) shows Club President Darren Nagle how he took
his three wickets.