Our first game of the season and what a game. We were playing Kissing Point who finished in the top 4 last season so this was always going to be a tough game.

Week 1
Batting first we struggled to get 96 runs on a fast outfield at Karuah but it was our first game and it will take a little time to build combinations. We showed enough though to show there is a lot of upside. Harry was brilliant, hitting the ball hard and top scoring with 22. John also looked good for his 18. It was great to see James and Owen opening. James will take a lot of catching with his fast running between wickets and how about Owen with his aggressive approach to scoring runs.

Our turn to bowl and we did a great job – having them 6/54 overnight. In the field we were superb. Harry again starred, this time with the ball, taking 3/10. How about Ben and Darcy’s 2 catches behind the wicket – this is rare at this age Group.

Jonty’s bowling was fantastic – his 2 overs only costing 2 runs and bowling straight. With a wicket in the last over to John it was a shame the day had to end as we were on a roll and may have won with another 30 minutes.

Week 2
A different day. They batted very well with half chances going wide of players mixed with good batting. Kissing Point passed us 7 wickets down and then lost more wickets to be all out for 110.

Overall we showed that we have a lot to offer this year. Our batting will only get better, our fielding was our best effort for a long time and our bowling has depth. A really good sign is that we only gave away 15 no balls and wides. Last year, in some matches, we would have bowled 2 or 3 times the wides and no balls. Added to this is Darcy’s catching in slips – 2 catches, wow!

Welcome to our new players, James (returning after a year off), Simon and Sean.

As Raj said at the end of the game while we lost there was “great team spirit and friendship”.

Coaches comments
• Harry Blumfield 4-11 from 6 overs.(Best overall for rd 1 matches)
• Owen, Darcy, John, James & Sean all took 1 wicket each.
• Harry Blumfield 22, John 18, Ben 12 & Arjun 11 all made double figures.
• Darcy Ward two catches at first slip & Ben Woolett two catches as w/keeper, but also great catches were taken by Jonty, John & James.
• Best partnership was between Arjun & John 33 runs was also best for the match.
• The team bowled 12 maidens (Harry 3,Darcy1,James 1,John2,Arjun1,Jed1,Sid 2 and Arie 1)
• Best line & length over by Jonty 0-2 from 2 overs. Beat the bat numerous times in his spell.
• Took the opposition 38 overs to get the winning runs.

The team really put in a magnificent effort if we just had 20 more runs we could have won. But their 8 wicket partnership was the best batting I’ve seen at this level overall the game was played at a very high standard.
With that sought of effort each week the guys look good for the future.

Next match
Our next match is against Berowra at George Christie Oval on the 11th October. To find the ground, our Club website ‘Ground locations’ section has a Google view of the ground to help you find it.

Ross, John and Raj

Posted by Ross Anderson on October 6, 2008 07:41 AM