After a cracker start to our season the boys were looking to continue our early season form and keep our winning in fashion. It wasn’t looking promising the first week as during the holiday’s three players went on a school trip to Germany and consequently we only had 10 players available (Our 11th player was Aiden Mather of the U/15 Blue team, who kindly helped us out).

Blake lost the toss and on an overcast day that suited the bowlers, Mt. Colah put us in. We were off to a shaky start at 3/35 and struggling. Then a 90 run partnership from Alex and Shashaknth put our total back on track. Bharat contributed greatly with a quick-fire 42 in the lower order. Some exciting cameos by Peter, Stephen, Lasath and Aiden at the end enabled us to reach a competitive total of 268 particularly on a big ground like Mt Kuring-gai.

The next Saturday was overcast and the outfield was surprisingly wet which did not suit the fielding side. The ball lost its shine very quickly eliminating the swinging ball, but it did bring the spinners into play. Mt. Colah got off to a steady start and found themselves 1/67 at the first drinks break. Our fielding was poor at best and the boys lacked intensity. We got a crucial breakthrough soon after drinks which gave the boys a lift. Mt. Colah then collapsed losing a further 5 wickets in the session. From there the boys dominated. Anjan picked up a 5-wicket haul with his economic off-spinners (5/11). Our U/15 substitute, Aiden picked up a wicket after bowling a great deceptive spell. Alex also cashed in with tidy figures of 4/10.

Two in a row. These words haven’t been associated with our team for quite awhile. Keep up the good work boys.

Report by Alex Rashleigh

Posted by Peter Andrew Rashleigh on October 20, 2008 10:47 PM