It’s five-up for the Alensons

By Jarrod Potter
IT’S a rare week at Emerald when an Alenson doesn’t appear on a scoresheet, but this round was especially remarkable as five Alensons kitted up for the Bombers in B Grade of the West Gippsland Cricket Association.
Chris, 61, and his four sons – Mark, 31, David, 25, Don, 22, and Andrew, 20 – headed out to Toomuc Reserve 2 this week to finish off their two-day match against Pakenham.
Batting last week, it was the youngest Alenson leading the way, with Andrew hitting 21 in Emerald’s total of 207. At the other end of the spectrum, Chris came in at 11 and departed almost as quickly for 1.
The Alensons didn’t fare amazingly with the bat, making 5/33, but did better in the field, with Andrew again provided the highlights by taking two catches and making a good stumping to help Emerald bowl out Pakenham for 161 and take the victory.
Emerald Cricket Club saw to it the five would play in the same match, which was appreciated by Chris and the Alenson family.
“Mark is coming back from getting two plates in his foot after a footy injury,” Chris said.
“So the club decided they’d get all five of us in the one team for the round.
“All of us have played ones for Emerald, and I’ve played with a couple of them in the same side, but not everyone at once.
“I’ve played with them all separately before, but this is the first time all five of us played together, which is pretty good.”
Eldest son Mark said playing with his dad was a highlight for him and his insights were invaluable for the team.
“It’s great playing with him and his experience brings a lot to the team,” Mark said.
Emerald sits in fifth place in B Grade, but if the Bombers keep a few Alensons in the side, they might be on track for a finals berth.