2005/06 MCA C Grade Premiers
Following a premiership drought of some 6 seasons at SHCC, it was in season 05/06 that a premiership pennant made it down to the Hearter’s Bunker in the second season in the C grade competition – after a lowly finish in season 04/05.
The team, captained by Tim Cherry started the season with 4 losses and one solitary win at Round 5, including a one day thrashing by perennial park competitors Gunbower United in Round 1. Things were looking grim for SHCC 3rd’s, whilst the 1’s and 4’s were right on top, and proffering advice to the struggling team.
Round 6 was the turnaround for C Grade, and whilst 6 wickets down and looking highly unlikely victors, Skipper Cherry played the Captains knock of a lifetime, partnered by Randy Fonseka, to not only knock up a maiden ton, but also guide SHCC to a victory that was to become season defining.
From this point there was no looking back, and the C grade team won the following 7 rounds of cricket against all-comers in all conditions. Win from any position was the motto.
Into the first finals for most players against the fancied Glen Iris on Fawkner Park 5, confidence was high and plans were already being made for the Grand Final. Early batting hiccups threaten to derail the dream but a 100 run plus partnership between Paul Graham (82) and Cherry (38) ably assisted by the late Rohan Donnelly (31) and big efforts with the ball from the feared partnership of Donnelly, Cherry, Greg Hirtzel, Graham and Christensen ushered SHCC into late march cricket – against the side that had humiliated the team in Round 1 – Gunbower United.
The GF started much like the SF, with early order batting hiccups having the Hearters at 4/40. The tables were turned with another partnership between Graham (96) who was supported by Cherry and Donnelly. First innings bowling efforts were once again shared between Graham, Donnelly, Andrew Box, Hirtzel and Cherry and the 10 wicket victory was secured in the SHCC 2nd innings with a 106 unbroken opening partnership between Grant Ewers and Greg Hirtzel sealing the deal.
SHCC C Grade: MCA Premiers 2005/2006
Captain SHCC: Tim Cherry
Man of the Match: Paul Graham (SHCC)
Pumper O’Neil Medallist: Andrew Sergeant (GUCC)
SHCC wins the Friendship Shield
Match Scorecard
Back Row(L-R): Damien McMullen, Rohan Donnelly, Phil Christensen,
Greg Hirtzel, Tim Cherry (C), Paul Graham, Randy Fonseka
Front Row (L-R): Andrew Box, Grant Ewers, Matt Rogers, Chris Nuck